Rods Anyone?

I recollect that some time ago I figured I would be productive and instead of watching Ed weld little things into bigger things, I would "busy myself" by starting construction of the side rods.  This has turned out to be one of the larger understatements of my life.  Actually my troubles can be traced to the fact that I was seduced by the siren song of "stainless steel".   I dont really know why I thought stainless was a good idea other than it sounded cool, but my lack of knowledge and experience definitely played a part in the decision.  Where was it decided that aluminum wouldn't be a good idea?  I think that the rods will probably look great when completed, but getting there will take a TON of time and effort.

The rough cut rods shown here look like that were hacked out a block of steel with a hatchet. Although the CNC mill at the Palace of the Live Steam God (Ed's shop) is an antique and belongs in a museum by modern shop standards, I dont know think that I could live without it. This amazing machine has definitely transformed the plan into reality. Here it is in action as it contours the rod and then again as it cuts the relief into the rod face.  We have only wrecked a couple of end mills so far!  That stainless is tough stuff!

And voila! the rod magically appears.  Now we just have to repeat this step another 18 times and then it will be time to taper the ends of the rods and cut the relief into the face to make it look more like and "I" beam.

I think that I will go "busy" myself working on these rods for the forseeable future.  Wish me luck!