Gallery, Projects and General > How do I??

making fine indexing marks?

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picclock:
I need to make some very fine indexing / calibration marks in steel. Ideally the thickness should be about the same as on the half mm divisions on an engineers rule ~ 0.1mm thick.

Does anyone know how this is done ?  My best thought is some form of etching, but not sure how this is achieved. My desperate thought is to butcher a cheapo 6" rule and fit the remains in a recess.

Any thoughts or ideas much appreciated.

Best Regards

picclock

Lew_Merrick_PE:
Hi Picclock  ---  There are finely tapered engraving tools with which I have had good results making .005 inch marks for "alignment guides" over the years.  Here in the US they run (about) USD 15.  I probably have 2 or 3 sitting in my "strange bit" cutter bar.  --  Lew

Pete.:
I made one in a pinch from a broken carbide end mill. I ground the tip to a fine point then ground one side flat. Made a super-sharp engraving tool.

awemawson:
Dip subject piece in melted wax to form a thin layer. When hard index an ordinary sewing needle or pin in the shape of your engraving lines. Dip in the etchant of your choice depending on material of subject.

. . . warm to remove wax . . stand back and admire your fine lines  :clap:

picclock:
Hi
Thanks for the interest and ideas. Ideally I would like a bit to fit in the mill as then I can use the scales to get accurate positioning.

I have tried looking for a fine engraving bit but have found none suitable for steel in the uk. Will keep an eye out though as I think this would be a good solution.

I have had an idea which might pan out. By rotating the mill head so the cutter is at 45 degrees I could use corner of a small carbide end mill to cut a V groove of a suitable size. I have a 3mm endmill in carbide and some smaller ones in hss, but the carbide one may do the trick. I'll give it a try and post pictures if successful.

Many Thanks for your interest.

Best Regards

picclock

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