Sharing a little trick I discovered.

[websterz]

Not saying I invented it, just that it came to me in a forehead slap moment. 

Centering up round stock, or finished round parts in your mill vise, can be a pain in the butt. I figured out that before I part something off from the lathe prior to milling that if I turn and part off a little extra stub the same diameter I can chuck it up in the mill with the part in the vise and center up dead nuts every time. Just a bit of gentle pressure on the quill as you maneuver the table and when it goes in you are there. I have one part that I make several dozen of on a regular basis so I just made up one of these centering nibs and keep it with the collets. Works like a charm!

[andreas]

I love photos!!!....i don`t know about the rest of the guys here

cheers
Andreas

[crabsign69]

   ya pics we love pics of the set up  thanx   

[websterz]

  Sorry...I figured this one needed no visual aids.  I will get pics next time I visit the shop.

[Stilldrillin]

  
Photo's ! ?    


David D

[crabsign69]

i cant use the brain it hurts too much    thinking is beyond what i can do so pics is what dont hurt the brain    

[websterz]

Hey...here are the pics.  Guess I kinda' forgot.

Here I have a 9/16" diameter piece of stock in the vise that needs a slot milled along its' length. I need to center the spindle for proper slot location. Rather than get out the edge finder and mess about dividing, subtracting, and all that nonsense I use my cheater. The stock in the spindle is a couple of thousandths smaller than the stock in the vise.



With the vise tightened up securely I move the table out until I can lower the spindle mounted rod between the vise jaws. Now the spindle is perfectly centered, no fuss no muss. You can do this in seconds, without a calculator or edge finder, in the dark even.

[saw]

Error showing the pictures, have you forgott something??? 

[websterz]

http://www.okiegauges.com/images/centering/dead_on.jpg

Can you see that one?

[dickda1]

Oops.  Picture does not load.
Dick

[Bogstandard]

Websterz,

I use a similar trick using exact fitting transfer punches to pick up previously drilled holes in parts.

I suppose if you can afford sets of drill blanks, you could use those as well.

I'm usually at most, about 0.001" out, which for me is generally plenty close enough.


Bogs