Here’s an easy fixture for inspecting run-out on shafts with a diameter too large to fit in your V-blocks. We place 2-4-6 blocks (or you can use a couple of 1-2-3 blocks) on our granite surface plate. You could also use a mill table. Next drop 4 steel ball bearings...
Chamfering a bolt hole might require an extended reach countersink cutter. Here's how to quickly make an extension for the more common 1/4" shank cutters. First, drill a 15/32" x 1" deep hole in the end of a 6" length of 3/8" - 1/2" diameter shaft. Ream the hole with...
It is a huge time-saver to attach a magnetic bar to your hoist to hold common lifting bolts. I also attached a swivel to the hook end to keep parts from twisting and bumping into things when lifted, and to make positioning easier. Arus Kinney AK's Engine and...
A small reduction of run-out on lathe or crankshaft grinder chucks, with bolt on top jaws, can often be achieved by an even torque of the socket head cap screws that attach the top jaws. I’ve included the proper torque, by cap screw size, for the more common American...
Here are three simple CNC milling hacks. 1.) Slip a zip-lock bag over a dripping coolant nozzle while loading and unloading a part or cleaning up the machine. This’ll save you some aggravation. 2.) Secure floppy C-clamp handles with a rubber band to save time, and a...
When setting up a job on one of our milling machines, we lightly run a fine grit whetstone lightly over the milling machine’s table to make sure there are no tiny dings, lumps or bumps on the table that may cause inaccuracies when milling. The whetstone eventually...