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BORING TOOL ALIGNMENT
Nov 1, 2025 | BLOCK WORK
Here's an easy way to precisely align or clock a boring tool in a boring head. You'll need a dowel pin the same size as the tool shank to fit the boring head, a 1/4" thick x 1/2" aluminum flat bar, and a 1-1/2" x 1/2" aluminum flat bar, though the size is not...
TUBE TO FIND CENTER
Oct 30, 2025 | BLOCK WORK
When boring blocks, in addition to a cardboard chip deflector and a vacuum cleaner running under it, I still wipe the bar down with a microfiber as it retracts. Just one more way to keep chips out of the column seal. Ron Flood Cedar Machine North Branch, MN
DEPTH SETTER
Oct 13, 2025 | CYLINDER HEADS
Continual measuring takes time and doesn't make any money. I take a measurement from the gasket surface on diesel heads before removing the guides. I use a large diameter disc, add balancer washers, ARP washers and whatever it takes to get the guide driver the right...
USING OFFSET LOCKS
Oct 13, 2025 | CYLINDER HEADS
We all know how handy offset locks can be when setting up valve springs, and here are a couple tips regarding using them. With heavy spring pressures, I'd recommend against using positive height offsets, as you lose some support at the keeper groove, possibly allowing...
CHUCK RUN-OUT
Oct 6, 2025 | OTHER SHOP WORK
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...
TAKING CAM BREAK IN SERIOUSLY
Oct 6, 2025 | CAMSHAFTS & VALVE TRAIN
When breaking in flat tappet cams, I place these Rare Earth Magnets on the top of the outer head bolts, and I'll use break-in rocker arms when the open pressure is high. These and a magnet on the drain plug let me keep an immediate eye on ferrous metal, and I send off...

