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New shop. Now I need a lathe and milling machine
- Thread starter EastTexCowboy
- Start date
Great suggestions! A list for me to work on going forward. Thanks.
I actually already have both of these, and a few other measuring tools that I use often. I need to get a decent set of micrometers. I've seen some used occasionally on ebay at reasonable prices, but have never pulled the trigger. I have a few different kinds but nothing that's accurate enough to complement these machines. I expect most of my work to not require ultra high precision, but I want the ability to have it when I do need it.
I have one but I don't recall now if it's a Starrett.
Eh, I'm just idly browsing this thread but man alive, my heart skipped a beat at this.
That's one lovely looking machine tool. Wouldn't fit in my 'English-sized' workshop of course but yeah, that's something to feast my eyes on.
Thank you for that little moment of delight.
You're more than welcome. I'm absolutely spoiled now, but I admit it!Eh, I'm just idly browsing this thread but man alive, my heart skipped a beat at this.
That's one lovely looking machine tool. Wouldn't fit in my 'English-sized' workshop of course but yeah, that's something to feast my eyes on.
Thank you for that little moment of delight.
I like the Eagle Rock K144 knurling tool, no side pressure on the spindle.
This indicator is most useful for a 4 jaw chuck.
This indicator is most useful for a 4 jaw chuck.
Dial Indicator Holder, Lathe Indicator Mount, BXA, AXA tool post's, Lathe Tool | eBay
The mount ONLY the dial indicator is NOT included. The dial indicator stays on the mount, and the mount always stays set up and ready to go in a dedicated, quick change tool holder. This is a rugged heavy duty mount.
www.ebay.com
You hit the nail on the head. You threw down $30k large, now for the measuring tools that can actually measure to the accuracy the machines can produce.
Mics - I have high accuracy digital Mitutoyo ratcheting mics in 0-1, 1-2, and 2-3 that measure to half a tenth or something insane. For the rest I went used old school mechanical mics. I picked up a 6 mic set of ratcheting Mitutoyo's for $400 on craigslist. After kicking myself for not pulling the trigger on a set of mint Starrett's for $300 they got scooped up quick. These pop up for sale pretty often in my area. For 6-12 inch I went with again Mitutoyo ratcheting but with the single mic frame and anvils for 6- 7, 7-8, 8-9, 9-10, 10-11. This set takes up less space than a full blown set with individual mics for each size. Also less expensive, I paid $300 for them vs typically people are asking $700 - $1,000 for the individual mic sets in this size.
Test Indicator - I have one high accuracy Mitutoyo that measures in tenths. In red because you definitely need a high quality tenths indicator to confirm the runout of your mill and lathe spindles when they arrive. There have been posts about this being out of spec and they had to be replaced. Also for checking the runout of tool holders, chucks, etc. Especially if you purchased set true type lathe chucks that need to be adjusted. It's not just about measuring part accuracy. If you are going to hit tenths on a part then the spindles, chucks, tool holders need to be confirmed to be in spec otherwise hitting tenths is fantasy.
I've got a Shars test indicator that's rated at .0005 but that's probably not good enough for this. I've used it for checking runout on shafts etc., and it's more than sufficient on those. Any particular model you recommend?
I have (prefer) this Mitutoyo it's .0001 with .016 of range. Multiple revolutions in a 0-4-0 dial. They come in white and black, also basic or full kits.