Bored today, so I got the idea to make an angle index for my AXA toolpost.

Shotgun said:
Wouldn't it be easier to mill a slot in the post and the washer, then make a key to an interference fit?
Click to expand...

Possibly. But the washer is only .048" thick. I'd considered making the washer alot thicker, and using a 3mm setscrew, but am worried that the additional thickness won't leave enough threads for the nut. A tiny, .048" thick key might suck to try and make.

MikeWi said:
Or, if you know it's going to change by 5 degrees when you tighten it, you already have an accurate system. Just allow for the movement.
Click to expand...

I could do that, but it would bug me until the day I die. I'm kinda like that autistic guy in that Tom Cruise movie about the casino card counting. I just can't let some things go.
 
I think it’s going to be tough to get a real precision fit against the thread tops of the stud. I know in theory there should be no difference in dimension but in reality I suspect there is, and maintaining a snug sliding fit there that stays fit for any length of time may be difficult. A thicker washer would mitigate that some by bearing against more threads, but the thickness becomes objectionable for the already mentioned reason. It’s a worthy effort though, good luck with it.

-frank
 
Ken226 said:
I'm going to make another washer/spacer tomorrow. This one will have a tab that protrudes toward the center of the hole.
I'll mill a slot into the toolpost stud, that fits the washers tab more tightly. That should do the trick.

Like this, but bigger.
Click to expand...
I have been looking for that type of washer for a while for my AXA tool posts, so that the lock nut doesn't turn the height nut.
I have searched hard for that. I have tried many different variations of a tabbed washer, keyed ... you name it.. arbor washer, spindle washer...
I can find some but they all start at than 1" ..

Anyone know where I can find smaller sizes?
 
Brento said:
Only issue the OP has is it has play with 5 degrees otherwise i would copy that. Would need a way to get it more accurate.
Click to expand...
A vernier could be added to make one degree resolution, but I think the "fat" graduations are a poor idea for accuracy.
 
woodchucker said:
I have been looking for that type of washer for a while for my AXA tool posts, so that the lock nut doesn't turn the height nut.
I have searched hard for that. I have tried many different variations of a tabbed washer, keyed ... you name it.. arbor washer, spindle washer...
I can find some but they all start at than 1" ..

Anyone know where I can find smaller sizes?
Click to expand...
 
Once I finish it, if the tabbed washer works, I'll test it by setting up for threading using the index, then check how close I got with a fish.
 
I got it finished. The stainless steel washer is much better. Now it moves about a
Half the thickness of the index marks. Accuracy seems reasonable. I set the compound 60° clockwise from parallel to the lathes Z axis, then rotated the toolpost to the 60° mark. When the nut is tightened, the pointer moves from the center of the mark, to just short of the marks left edge. I checked it with a fish, and it looked at least as good as doing it with just the fish.





My protractor shows the correct angle as well. I moved it around to a few settings and re-measured.

For the time being, it works. It may wear and lose accuracy over time though. We shall see



In the worst case scenario, it still works the same way it did before I added this index thing. The 2 parts are drop-in, I can swap the regular washer back in in 10 seconds.
 
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