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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Heidelberg, Victoria
    Age
    79
    Posts
    2,074

    Default Mini lathe/mill project No.4 Marking gauge

    Dear Members,

    This next little project was a real test of my newly learned skills, and involves turning, milling, drilling, tapping, threading and knurling. All these operations were done on my Unimat 3 mini lathe/mill. Being a novice, if I can do it, so can you.

    I chose brass for the body, mainly because of what material I had on hand, and when polished, would look the part.

    The body and adjusting block were drilled out 10 dia in one piece, then parted off with a slitting saw. See earlier Slitting saw project No.1 5/9/07.

    I use this item to scribe lines a certain distance in from the edge of the work, or down the centre line. The scribed lines are used to locate hole centres, etc.

    The thumb screws and adjustment wheel were knurled with my knurling tool, see earlier Knurling tool project No.3 22/9/07. The diamond pattern was achieved by swinging the knurling around on the saddle.

    I use my digital vernier to set the distance, then transfer this to the marking gauge.
    Fine adjustment is achieved by using the adjustment wheel.

    Attached are some photos and a couple of drawings.

    I find this little gadget very handy, it's almost too good to use. Might even be a usefull item for wood workers.

    There are more projects to come, if anyone is interested.

    Ken

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    sydney ( st marys )
    Age
    64
    Posts
    4,887

    Default

    how did you get on with your other problems chuck ,carbide tips

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Heidelberg, Victoria
    Age
    79
    Posts
    2,074

    Default

    Hi Pipeclay,

    I have virtually given up using my 3 jaw chuck, and now use the 4 jaw and clock dial.

    The carbide tipped tool works really well, with a better quality tip. Tip chipping was caused by hitting intermittent work, ie, turning square material into round.

    Thanks for asking,

    Ken

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Heidelberg, Victoria
    Age
    79
    Posts
    2,074

    Default

    Dear Members,

    It seams I might be wasting my time documenting my mini/mill projects, are these projects too complicated, or am I simply on the wrong track?

    Future projects, posted here, will depend on your response. I am not looking for a gold medal, or a pat on the back, I just figured that others, especially novices like myself, would get some benefit out of making some usefull items.

    I guess you can't win them all.............

    Ken

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2001
    Location
    Warwick, QLD
    Age
    45
    Posts
    1,165

    Default

    Ken,

    At least for me I love seeing what you come up with. I don't have a lathe yet but am filinf you pictures away for when I do. Thanks again for the effort and the plans.
    Have a nice day - Cheers

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Burleigh Waters
    Age
    67
    Posts
    53

    Default

    Hi Ken,

    Please keep posting, it's great stuff. I'm saving and filing it away.

    Even if someone, sometime is inspired to use your ideas in making something different, then it's been really worthwhile.

    We should also admire the discipline involved in your technical drawings.

    Thank you for taking the time putting these project on WWF (my favourite forum!).


    Regards, Richard

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    South Australia
    Posts
    1,656

    Default

    Keep em comming there are most likely many memmbers like myself who find them interesting but do not always post a response

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Australind , WA
    Age
    58
    Posts
    1,277

    Default

    Yes, keep posting. They are very interesting reading. Good stuff!!

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Heidelberg, Victoria
    Age
    79
    Posts
    2,074

    Default

    Struth Guys,

    I'm inspired to continue, thank you.

    I am currently working on a laser centre finder, so far I have destroyed one laser pointer in determining how it can be utilised, only cost $5, another is on the way, of a different type.

    Will keep you all posted.

    Ken

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Vic
    Posts
    5,629

    Default

    Yeah, agree with the others, some great stuff there and excellent drawings to.

    I noticed on your drawings that your work is in Vernon ave, used to have my workshop across the road from Australian Diamond Tools
    Cheers

    DJ


    ​ADMIN

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Heidelberg, Victoria
    Age
    79
    Posts
    2,074

    Default

    Hi DJ,

    Small world isn't it?

    Now work from home in Heidelberg.

    Ken

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Mackay North Qld
    Posts
    6,446

    Default Great work ,don't stop

    Hi neksmerj
    I for one enjoy reading what projects everyone comes up with.
    At times I will see how someone went about making a project and it will inspire me with a new method of completing a project of my own.

    I love tools and above all love making my own.
    I wholeheartedly support anyone that gets in and has a go at doing the same.
    cheers

    Grahame

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Heidelberg, Victoria
    Age
    79
    Posts
    2,074

    Default

    Hi Gra,

    I admire a man that loves tools, especially when they are hand crafted.

    Thank you, and the many others for inspirational words, I just love making my own stuff.

    I am limited to what I can do by the size of my mini lathe/drill, a real frustration at times, hence the small nature of my projects. I'd even trade in my ex missus in for a decent Sieg lathe and separate mill.

    Any takers, just joking.

    Regards,

    Ken

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    Carine WA
    Age
    74
    Posts
    75

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by neksmerj View Post
    Dear Members,

    This next little project was a real test of my newly learned skills, and involves turning, milling, drilling, tapping, threading and knurling. All these operations were done on my Unimat 3 mini lathe/mill. Being a novice, if I can do it, so can you.

    There are more projects to come, if anyone is interested.

    Ken
    I think it's a FANTASTIC little gizmo. I'd like one of those Now I've got something else on the bottom of my todo list.

    I am certain that almost everybody that peruses this section of the bbs would like you to continue - I do
    Kind Regards

    Peter

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