I am now going to introduce you machinists to one of the most underrated bits of kit you can buy. Some of you will have heard of one, some might have even seen one, but most have no idea how versatile this lump of metal can be.
Before I go on, just think of the scenario, making a few model engines, all with the same cylinder with an offset bore. What a PITA setting up the four jaw every time just to bore the thru holes. Say you have got a long throw crank to make, and your four jaw can't give you enough offset, what do you do?
I will now show you the infamous bit of kit.
THE KEATS ANGLE PLATE.
I will just explain a little about the two castings. The big one wiv the big 'oles is ground with the baseplate and v-groove at perfect right angles. The smaller gripper casting is also ground up square, but is slightly narrower top to bottom than the main casting, this ensures that the main casting is used as the datum faces and the gripper plays no other role than clamping the part.
This first pic shows the plate set up for holding large bits, if you used longer bolts, it could hold up to 3.5" diameter.
Here it is with the grip plate turned around for holding small stuff.
Now for all you lathe owners, this bit on your shelf or in the cupboard, covered with 1/2" of crap piled up on it is actually called a faceplate, and yes, it does fit onto your spindle nose, and yes again, it does have a use other than gathering dust.
This one is mine, and if you look at the red markings on it, it is about to be drilled, then the Keats angle plate will be bolted to it, and it will transform your four jaw PITA work into something a little more civilised and less painful. If your faceplate is smaller, you might even find that the holes line up with the originals.
As you can see, I haven't drilled it yet (and won't do for a few more days yet, but I have put the plate on to show the normal operating range of your 4 jaw. So how is it better than the 4 jaw?
Once you have set up the initial job in the V's, and gently tapped the plate into the correct position, then done a white knuckle job on the holding bolts, you can just slacken the gripper and drop another piece in, tighten up and machine it exactly the same as the first. If you used a 4 jaw, once you slacken one of the jaws, you are forced to set the next piece up, just like the first one you did.
I am sure I know which one I prefer to use.
Here it is shown with a lot more offset if needed.
And if you are really brave (or stupid) and have enough clearance for a big swing, rather large offsets can be obtained.
I must add now, with any faceplate work, using a large offset you should really balance things out by clamping a weight, roughly the weight of the keats plate and workpiece directly opposite on the faceplate, just to balance things out. Otherwise things start to get out of hand very quickly.
Here is a shot of it holding a bit of 1" brass gold.
But there is even more talent this lump of ground up cast iron can show you, look at the next pic.
It doubles up as a very versatile clamp for holding things truly vertical on the mill.
I am not saying this item is the be all and end all to your offset machining, but it sure goes a long way, at about 30 squid incl P&P in the UK it has to be a good investment.
Go towards the bottom of the page and you will find it.
http://rdgtools.co.uk/acatalog/MYFORD_LATHE_USERS_NEW1.htmlThe usual disclaimers apply.
John
