EASY SET SCREW This is an easy way to align a pulley or sprocket, when drilling and tapping for a set screw on the key. Suspend the pulley (or sprocket) on a length of key stock, supported and by vise jaws. Tighten the vise to secure the pulley. Center over the keyway...

THE WIGGLER When using a wiggler to center a mill spindle on a center punch mark or layout lines, many machinists use a pencil to push on the wiggler's pointer, until it runs true. However, risk of injury occurs when the pointer is pushed a tiny bit too far, and...

SWEETER THAN HONEY We can all relate to trying to remove a nut that is well bonded to a stud. You have heated the nut to glowing red hot and it will move, but it is snapping, and you know you’re going to break the stud. What do you use for penetrating oil? Oils just...

CNC FEED & FEED CHART Shops with CNC mills often need to do a "quick" task, such as drilling a few holes, or taking a cut along one axis, etc. this tip discusses 3 methods to do so. Most machines have a pendant or hand wheels the operator can use to move the tool...

REMOVING BOLTS BY CANDLE Removing broken bolts and studs can be surprisingly easy. First clean the area, then you heat up the broken bolt or stud. Let it cool for 5 minutes. Put a candle or paraffin wax on the broken bolt or stud. Let it sit for another 15 minutes...

IN HOUSING SHAFT REPAIR Let's say you need to repair damaged threads on the impeller end of a pump or turbo shaft, which is recessed in the housing, and maybe even mushroomed by a hammer-happy tech. You cannot remove the shaft from the housing because of the...