How do you set up a face plate?

[HMF]

Guys, here we have a face plate quandry:

You want to bore a 1-5/16" hole In a odd shape 3/4" thick plate. Can't use the 4- jaw chuck, when the jaws are closed tight, you can't drill through this plate. Need to use the faceplate.

How do you hold aflat plate to the face plate?
Dogs that slide through the faceplate slots? Hold downs?

Either of these methods ok?

Method #1:
First locate the center of the hole. You can simply do some layout and center punch it, drill a pilot hole with a drill press, or if accuracy is necessary drill & ream and hole on a mill. Mount the face plate and use a center in the tailstock to locate the hole. Then using hold downs like one uses on a mill clamp the workpiece to the faceplate. If precise location is needed and you have drilled & reamed the hole use a test indicator to finish aligning the hole location using a mallet or a hammer & a block of wood to move the piece around before you finish tightening the clamps. When you are drilling & boring the hole pay very close attention to your hold down studs/bolts so you do not accidentally run into them. Also watch your RPM's since the piece will not be balanced. Sometimes it is even necessary to bolt on a counter weight if the piece is too far off the lathe axis and causes excess vibration.

Method #2:
If the face plate is slotted, what about using odd pieces of scrap with a hole drilled through them and bolts, nuts, and washers to hold your workpiece to the faceplate. Be sure and pad it out from the faceplate enough so that you don't run into the faceplate when boring out the hole. The outer ring of an old ball bearing is good for that.


Any good, or is there a better way?

Thanks,


Nelson

 

[pdentrem]

Both methods work for me.

I have backed up parts with a sacrificial piece of tempered hardboard or sheet of fibreglass laminate board and yes, even wood. It all works, and you piece is supported better than using piece of metal that could fly out at any time.