Machinist Jacks

firemaker76

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So another tool crossed off the 'To Do' list. Made a pair of machinist jacks, and wanted to post a few pics.
I started by turning down some 1.250" diameter Heat Treated 4140 and made the screw/head pieces first. That way I could measure my thread pitch and make sure it was within proper 2A specs. Then I drilled the top of the heads to accept some .375" diameter bushings with a .0005" press fit.
After that, I turned the jack bodies down to 1.200". With the screw threads already done and within specs, I was able to bore and thread the bodies 3/4-20 and get a very smooth and precise fit with zero slop. Then I turned some grooves along the outside of the bodies for aesthetics and better grip. These were parted off and faced to an OAL of 1.750".
The extensions are made 1.000" long with an upper shoulder for the body to sit on and a lower inner shoulder in case another extension needs to be added. The shoulders mated up very well.
Finally I made some caps and drilled and reamed the bottoms to .375". This allowed them to engage the head bushings and spin freely. I also put several varying-sized diameter grooves around the top and milled a .075" deep V-groove through the center of the cap. This allows smaller diameter stock to engage the groove and sit dead center when supported by the jack. I did not realize how handy and necessary these little jacks were, but I use them all the time now.
One more quick note...I also attached a magnified pic of some chips from the 4140. I spent more time trying to remove these little monsters from my shop broom than I did actually building the jacks. Now I know why LOL. Take a look at the teeth on those chips!

Thanks for reading guys and Happy Machining!! Be safe.
 

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I have several Starrett jacks, and used them today, seems like I use them about once in a decade, but they show a lot of class in my Gerstner tool box drawer, sharing space with a pair of 1-2-3 blocks and a few other goodies from, oh so many years ago, like maybe 50 or so.
 
Thanks very much! The hardened 4140 has a beautiful finish. I really enjoy working with it.
 
I have several Starrett jacks, and used them today, seems like I use them about once in a decade, but they show a lot of class in my Gerstner tool box drawer, sharing space with a pair of 1-2-3 blocks and a few other goodies from, oh so many years ago, like maybe 50 or so.
50 years? Wow! I am truly grateful for you experienced guys sharing your experience so us Noobies don't have to learn so many hard lessons :) Thanks very much for reading and commenting!

-Mitch
 
@firemaker76, those are truly fantastic looking jacks - well beyond the run-of-the-mill, store bought ones I have! Very sturdy as well. And unlike @benmychree, I use my machinist jacks every couple months or so. Different strokes for different oarsmen, eh wot?
 
@firemaker76, those are truly fantastic looking jacks - well beyond the run-of-the-mill, store bought ones I have! Very sturdy as well. And unlike @benmychree, I use my machinist jacks every couple months or so. Different strokes for different oarsmen, eh wot?
Thanks Hman! I built these after trying to shortcut and dimple an AR barrel for a gas-block. Instead of following my instincts and doing the "machinist jacks" project first, I figured I'd jump ahead on my To-Do list and knock out a "quick'n easy" project first. Well I ended up with egg on my face after I dulled a brand new hss drill bit trying to push it through the thin layer of melonite. Yep, humbling moment, but needless to say, the very next day I started on turning some Machinist Jacks :-D
And yes different strokes my friend ;-)

Thanks for reading and commenting!
 
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