MIC CHECK, CHECK One often overlooked item for regular calibration is the common block deck mic and depth mics. Simply lay it on the corresponding precision blocks on your mill table, or known true surface, and check them once in a while. Ron Flood Cedar Machine North...

PAIR OF GLASS PLIERS If you have trouble with flat-band spring-type hose clamps, try using a pair of glass pliers. The jaws are so wide that they hold any hose clamp very securely. They make it easy to compress the clamp for removal, installation, or repositioning....

DIAMONDS AREN'T ALWAYS FOREVER When using my profilometer for bore and surface readings, I hold the drive on the workpiece until the stylus has retracted and recorded it's reading. Then, I lift it off and let it retract without touching the workpiece. This effectively...

A SIMPLE REMINDER Even well-regarded brand name dial indicators typically have a +/- accuracy equal to 1X to 2X their resolution and can read +/- 0.0005" after 2 to 3+ revolutions. For example, a Mitutoyo 0.5" range, 0.0001" resolution indicator has a factory stated...

EASY MOUNTING When I need to mill something that's hard to set-up and hold, I use this 19" 3"x4" 3/8" thick angle iron. I just bolt on the head, ex manifold or whatever won't work out on the machine's mounting plate. I'll mill slots for even more universal mounting if...

LUG STUD DRILL GUIDE I made this drill guide to quickly center existing lug stud holes when upgrading to larger lug studs in axles. To begin, the round bar needs to be approximately 2" long, and approximately 1/4" larger in diameter than the drill bit's size. Drill...