Thanks Thanks:  0
Needs Pictures Needs Pictures:  0
Picture(s) thanks Picture(s) thanks:  0
Results 1 to 5 of 5
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Corndale
    Posts
    212

    Default Graduated Adjustment Dials

    While making some Knee Tools for my Turret lathe I had need of some graduated dials. While I am sure that this method must have gotten stuck in my brain after reading it somewhere what surprised me was how easy and effective the method is.
    The lines are scored into the brass dial with a diamond pointed tool set on its side in the toolholder and adjusted to be right on centre height.I adjusted the cut to be 5 thou. and it did this in one pass.Used the threading stop to do the short lines after I had been around once and put in the five long lines.
    As for the indexing it was a paper tape wrapped around the chuck to mark the length and then flattened on the bench for the dividing. I used a 5/16 x 40tpi thread which meant I needed 25 divisions for each one to be a 1 thou. adjustment. A calculator took care of the maths and a pair of dividers set to 15.72mm to step off the divisions were set with my verniers.I squared these lines across the paper tape and then put it back around the chuck with sticky tape.A dodgy setup with some clamps and blocks plus steel rule gave me all the accuracy needed.One run around stopping at every 5th line and then a run around to do the short ones.A quick rub with some fine wet and dry took care of the little burrs .
    The end result is great and the knee tools work as intended.They just need a few arrises to get rid of the corners and make them look better.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Micheal.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Murray Bridge S Aust.
    Age
    71
    Posts
    5,942

    Default

    Thanks for the handy tip, now to remember it when I need it!!!!!!!!!!
    Kryn

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    near Warragul, Victoria
    Posts
    3,718

    Default etching

    Another method is to use acid and etch the graduations . You mask off the lines and immerse the metal into the acid . I use the stuff JAycar sells for etching PCB's . It works effectively on brass and copper

  4. #4
    Ueee's Avatar
    Ueee is offline Blacksmith, Cabinetmaker, Machinist, Messmaker
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Canberra
    Age
    39
    Posts
    4,515

    Default

    The idea of the tape on the chuck i like, at least for smaller numbers of graduations.
    Have you seen this Michael? CGTK - Divider Wheel Generator i found it when i was looking into cutting gears before i bought my indexing plates. You could mount a print out on the outboard end of the spindle and just use a pointer.

    Did you find the need to stop the spindle from wanting to rotate while marking or not?
    1915 17"x50" LeBlond heavy duty Lathe, 24" Queen city shaper, 1970's G Vernier FV.3.TO Universal Mill, 1958 Blohm HFS 6 surface grinder, 1942 Rivett 715 Lathe, 14"x40" Antrac Lathe, Startrite H225 Bandsaw, 1949 Hercus Camelback Drill press, 1947 Holbrook C10 Lathe.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Corndale
    Posts
    212

    Default

    That dividing program is really cool.Held down the up arrow until it went over 700 segments and it made some nice patterns on the way.
    The spindle didn't try to rotate at all.With the tool on centre there is no force to move it and with a sharp point and a 5 thou. depth of cut there is not much pressure there.A scraping cut but quite effective.
    The SS cap screw is Loctited in to become the driver which also works great.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Micheal.

Similar Threads

  1. Welder adjustment
    By mike j in forum WELDING
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 16th Aug 2007, 09:09 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •