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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
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    Australind , WA
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    1,277

    Default Lathe tool height gauge

    What do you use?

    I've seen a few on U Tube and am thinking I might make the gauge like this:

    https://youtu.be/iNhQYFsou1Y


    Steve

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Healesville
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    2,129

    Default

    I use one of these https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mini-Dig...frcectupt=true it has multiple uses but i seem to use it for tool height setting mostly.

  3. #3
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    Sep 2006
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    Quote Originally Posted by shedhappens View Post
    I use one of these https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mini-Dig...frcectupt=true it has multiple uses but i seem to use it for tool height setting mostly.

    Might be time for me to get one of those. Thanks

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    York, North Yorkshire UK
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sterob View Post
    What do you use?

    I've seen a few on U Tube and am thinking I might make the gauge like this:

    https://youtu.be/iNhQYFsou1Y


    Steve
    Hi Steve, Guys,

    You may recall that I made one a little while ago

    26-02-2020-01.JPG 26-02-2020-02.JPG

    A simple 30 mm diameter pillar turned to the centre height with a cap so that you could set the rear tool as well. Nothing complicated at all. In fact made from bits out of the scrap bin.
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Southern Highlands NSW
    Posts
    1,894

    Default

    If there's nothing in the chuck yet, put something in and face it, with a rough guess at centre height.
    Adjust and repeat until perfect - no tool needed.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Melbourne
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    34
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    1,075

    Default

    Centre in the tailstock, then if it's super critical to get it perfect.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    sydney ( st marys )
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    64
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    4,887

    Default

    Use a rule.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Perth, Western Australia
    Age
    67
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    362

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    Quote Originally Posted by elanjacobs View Post
    Centre in the tailstock, then if it's super critical to get it perfect.
    I was starting to get a complex about not having one of these centring (or is than height) tools.

    Glad to see others use the tail stock and or facing methods.

    Tony

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Southern Highlands NSW
    Posts
    1,894

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by pipeclay View Post
    Use a rule.
    I can't seem to get consistent results using the rule method.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Australind , WA
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    I've done the rule and tailstock thing. I've always had to do that way, or take cuts and adjust, etc.Don't really care for it anymore.

    I like the idea of having a gauge and being able to quickly check it its correct or not, with your nail.

    Not having seem anything better, I think I will go with the height gauge. Have ordered a magnet to mount in the bottom as I will use some Ali round bar I already have.


    Steve

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    York, North Yorkshire UK
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sterob View Post
    I've done the rule and tailstock thing. I've always had to do that way, or take cuts and adjust, etc.Don't really care for it anymore.

    I like the idea of having a gauge and being able to quickly check it its correct or not, with your nail.

    Not having seem anything better, I think I will go with the height gauge. Have ordered a magnet to mount in the bottom as I will use some Ali round bar I already have.


    Steve
    Hi Steve,

    I wouldn't bother with a magnet !

    Two reasons, The gauge simply stands on the top slide, I just give mine a wipe to make sure that there are not any bits under it that could cause it to tilt. And the magnet will pick up any ferrous swarf near by. I've just recalled a third reason the magnet will magnetize everything in its vicinity.

    When setting a tool height I just slide the gauge ever so slightly towards the tool tip, if it catches the tool is too high, if its too low the gauge will rock slightly. I set the rear parting off tool so that the blade tip just touches the top surface of the column not the cap.

    HTH.
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    NSW
    Posts
    177

    Default

    This is my method. Set the calliper to centre height (130), hang it on the tool edge and it should just skim the bed.
    B30FB2DC-311A-47B8-89CC-E3E364C0C744.jpg

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