Project Updates:
All-Sky Camera using the Stellacam/Watec 120N with computer control is still on hold until after the holidays. I'm still working on ideas for camera controll, but at the moment I don't have any time to work on it. However, after the first of the year I'll be devoting more of my time back to it.
Meteor Capture Software using the NUUO SCB-5008 seems like it is on permanent hold until quite a few other projects are finish. However, it's still on the list of things to do. Just not a priority right now, but sometime in 2010 if time permits I'll start working on the customized meteor capture software.
Metal Mini-Lathe setup and mounting project. This project is coming along nicely, but not at the speed that I wish it would. I went to the big box store and picked up a piece of 5/8ths inch laminated mdf board to mount on top of the new workbench for my micro-shop area. I have cut it to fit, but I need to create foot pockets yet for the rubber chip tray and lathe mounting on top of the new workbench. The workbench is a customized BigBox store all metal screwless/hardware construction that is a 5 shelf or workbench and 3 storage shelf combination setup. I am using one part of the unit as a 3 shelf workbench for the metal mini-lathe and the other 2 shelf unit for my wife's plants/storage for related indoors garden accessories in the basement.
I customized the workbench by adding #10-24 screws to the bottom rails to hold the rails in place to keep the "workbench" from coming apart due to the particle board bottom that mounts the 4 caster wheels to the workbench. Then had to customize the mounting bolts for the caster/wheels onto the bottom shelf and mount the bottom shelf and particle boards together for more rigid frame stability so the workbench can be made. Below are some pictures detailing some of my ideas on making a cheap, but functional workbench for the mini-lathe.
The original workbench here getting it's caster/wheels installed. Notice the particle board bottom. Then bolts are used the firmly mount the casters to the bottom of the workbench. I guess technically it could be called a cart, but it's my shop and I get the option to call it whatever I wish huh? :) 
Another shot of the original workbench with the caster/wheels mounted to the bottom on the particle board. I would have preferred to use plywood, but an 4'x8' sheet of 5/8th or 3/4 inches plywood was just too costly to justify the expense. The tight construction is the only thing hold the middle shelf on. If you haven't guess the workbench is upside down.
Here is the original workbench that has my Craftsman table top drill, and what I use as a milling machine. Of course it is for rough milling only, since the spindle isn't as beefy as a real hobby milling machine. However, it works just fine as long as you don't expect perfection. The cross slide milling vise is normally mounted to the left drill/mill and bolted down. 
Here is a picture of the new workbench under construction. Notice the four 1/4" bolt heads on each corner area where the casters/wheels mount through the shelf board and particle board assembly. Also a liberal amount of #10 and #8 1&1/2" long wood screws and Elmers wood glue between the shelving board and particle board to lock this in place. Over engineered, but it will be holding over 60 pounds of metal lathe and assorted equipment as well. 
Here is a shot of the casters/wheels mounted on the bottom of the new workbench. You can see the #10 bolts on the frames corners about 2-3 inches above where the frame would normally rest above the floor. 
Here is a closeup of each caster/wheel bolted to the bottom on each corner of the workbench. You can also see the #10-24 bolts on the workbench frame. In order to cut down on snags and accidental "gotchya's" from the protruding bolts I used a heavy duty reinforced Dremel cutting wheel tool and ground those nasty snags that could possibly rip skin, clothing, or anything else that could rip easily. The caster/wheel on the workbench and previous workbench are of different brands, but they are 3 inches in size and do have locking brakes.
Here is the nearly finished new workbench in the upright position. I found that mounting 4 swivel caster/wheels on the other workbench wasn't too good of an idea. So the new workbench seen here has 2 swivel caster/wheels mount on one side and to non-swivel caster/wheels mounted on the other. I find this setup moves easier and isn't so crazy to control. As one can surmise from the photos, the shop area is very small. With the ability to move these workbenches I have the ability to control the amount of available space for various projects. That's it for now.
