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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    York, North Yorkshire UK
    Posts
    6,439

    Default Lathe tool height setting gauge !

    Hi Guys,

    One of the things that I've been meaning to make for some time is a gauge for setting the height of my lathe tool bits.

    Height Gauge.png

    This is a drawing of mine. Note these are the correct dimensions for my Myford S7LB, but may not be correct for a different lathe centre height. I measured mine by putting a centre in the spindle and using a scale resting on the cross slide.

    26-02-2020-02.JPG 26-02-2020-01.JPG
    It is very simple to make. It took me about 1/2 an hour. The post is a bit of 30 mm diameter bar and the top piece is actually a cleaned up core from a hole core drilled in 6 mm plate, with the centre drilled out to clear an M6 screw and a slice cut off one side.

    In use you set the tool bit so that it just touches the underside of the washer.

    I cut a slice off mine so that I can use the top of the post to set the rear tool post parting off blade.
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Location
    gold coast
    Posts
    303

    Default

    I have a diamond toolpost in my lathe.
    I made a tool height gauge a couple of years ago.
    Its a rare earth magnet, cylindrical in shape with a tapped hole through the axis. Size approx 12mm diameter.
    I threaded a piece of silver steel and screwed it into the centre hole of the magnet
    I cut/ground the length so when the magnet is 'stuck' on the compound slide, the toolpost can be swung around until the tool tip lines up with the top of the post.
    It lives stuck to anything steel on the back of the lathe , waiting for instant use.
    I'll take a pic when I next have the phone in the workshop.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Canberra
    Posts
    1,322

    Default

    Bit fancier than mine, which is just a chunk of 1" round stock parted to size. I drag my fingernail over it and the edge of the cutting tool to work out if it's lined up. Perhaps I should upgrade it...

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    York, North Yorkshire UK
    Posts
    6,439

    Default

    Hi Rusty,

    What ever works for you

    I put that washer on top because, whilst like you I would be able to feel if the two surfaces were level, I wouldn't be able to see it. So if the edge of the tool catches the top I know that I'm too high. The same with the parting blade, if the gauge won't slide underneath then I know that I'm too low.

    For long enough I've just used a bit of aluminium with a scratched line across it, trouble is without a magnifying glass I can't see the line.
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Melbourne
    Age
    34
    Posts
    1,075

    Default

    I bought myself one of these https://www.edgetechnologyproducts.c...dy-lathe-gage/, but I find it's quicker to just line the tool up with the tip of a centre in the tailstock.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2020
    Location
    Albury
    Age
    58
    Posts
    90

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by elanjacobs View Post
    ... I find it's quicker to just line the tool up with the tip of a centre in the tailstock.
    That's what I normally do and that's how I learned decades ago.

    I normally keep a dead centre in the tailstock to a) protect the MT3 and b) be ready for tool height check/alignment.

    With all these modern centring aids around I'm wondering if I'm missing something?
    What extra functionality/accuracy do I get from a tool height gauge?

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Nov 2017
    Location
    Geelong, Australia
    Age
    57
    Posts
    2,651

    Default



    This is my one. Came with a mixed box of tools I bought.
    The relief in the underside of the arm allows you to set the height of short boring bars by reaching over the top rather than rotating the tool post.

    I always seemed to struggle with the center in the tailstock method. Easy to get close, but never spot on. Maybe I need a sharper center!!

    Steve

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Melbourne
    Age
    34
    Posts
    1,075

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by TheApprentice View Post
    With all these modern centring aids around I'm wondering if I'm missing something?
    What extra functionality/accuracy do I get from a tool height gauge?
    The main benefit I can see is that it means you don't have to be able to see the tip close up or use a magnifier.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Canberra
    Posts
    1,322

    Default

    I find it's quicker, both in terms of just placing the gauge on the compound as opposed to fitting a centre to the tailstock, and easier to set, as going by feel with a fingernail is easier than trying to sight the cutting edge and the point of the centre.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    York, North Yorkshire UK
    Posts
    6,439

    Default

    Hi Guys,

    I've never liked the centre in the tailstock, same with drills, Its way too easy to snag your hand on the sharp point.

    Same problem with lathe tools when leaning over to take a measurement ! I can't count the number of times I've got a cut that way.
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Charlestown NSW
    Age
    65
    Posts
    1,669

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by TheApprentice View Post
    What extra functionality/accuracy do I get from a tool height gauge?
    The main reason for all these tools and attachments, (not just this one) is to give old blokes like myself something to use their machine for and keep their minds active - particularly if they are retired.

    I remember when I was in my mid to late 20's, I used to read the UK Model Engineers mags and there were always articles about some bloke making a special tool/accessory for his Myford lathe or Tom Senior mill etc.
    That's all they seemed to do and at that time I couldn't understand why.
    Now I'm in my early 60's I get it. In fact I'm starting to go that way myself a bit.

    I've observed that a lot of the old blokes who have a home machine shop are not your typical "spend your retirement days playing bowls, golf or bingo at the club" types. So unless they ave a big project like a loco or something, it might be hard to find things to do.
    That's my take on it anyway. Others may have other ideas.
    peter

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Sydney
    Posts
    395

    Default

    I’m no machinist but I learned from my Dad who was a Fitter and Turner to just put a 6” rule vertically against the job and kiss the tool up to it.
    If it stays vertical you’re on centre, above it leans over, if it’s below it leans under.
    Sounds a bit rough but his nickname at work was Thou Black.
    H.
    Jimcracks for the rich and/or wealthy. (aka GKB '88)

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Location
    gold coast
    Posts
    303

    Default

    Here's a pic of my height gauge.
    The advantage I find, is not having to hunt in a drawer for a 'centre'
    regards
    Brian
    Attached Images Attached Images

  14. #14
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    10

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by clear out View Post
    I’m no machinist but I learned from my Dad who was a Fitter and Turner to just put a 6” rule vertically against the job and kiss the tool up to it.
    If it stays vertical you’re on centre, above it leans over, if it’s below it leans under.
    Sounds a bit rough but his nickname at work was Thou Black.
    H.
    Hi,
    I also use the 150mm ruler between the tool tip and a round bar in the lathe chuck for initial setting of lathe tool height then run a couple of cuts on the end of the bar until there is no pimple on the bar end.

    I have recently changed my Sieg C6 lathe 4 way tool holder to a quick change tool holder and purchased 10 x 250-101 holders.

    BEST upgrade for the Lathe No need for spacer shims etc, set the tool height once only. once each lathe tool is mounted in a holder

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    Perth WA
    Age
    71
    Posts
    6,458

    Default

    I knocked together a height setting tool a few years back and it has proved invaluable. My eyesight has deteriorated to the point that trying to align a tool with the tailstock centre would be at best an exercise in frustration, so a gauge that works by feel is a perfect solution. More here https://metalworkforums.com/f65/t129...24#post1259624

    Simple Lathe Tool Centre Height Gauge-centre-height-gauge-014-medium-jpg


    BT

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