Doug's fixture is perfect for anyone needing to engrave graduations and stamp numbers on round dials.
For my use all I needed was the Stamping features of his fixture. I already had the lines engraved on my dials.
My shop uses small machines and I thought it would be a long process to bore out the main block of the tool
as Doug did. So I decided to piece it together from flat stock. I also thought I would use some 2.5" diameter
hot rolled steel for the spindle. (should have just bought the DOM as Doug states in his parts list!).
The pictures show most of the steps in the construction and how the main block was made.
The spindle was bored half way and then swapped end for end in the lathe since my little boring bar does
not like going past 4". I was surprised to find very close alignment of the inside bore since it had to be re-indicated
but I was using a 4 jaw chuck so that was easy.
The collet draw bar was also made from hot rolled steel and then threaded per plans.
I used a tommy bar for the draw bar instead of making a spanner wrench.
5/8-16 allen cap screws provide the fastening for all connections.
Another part that was pieced is the tool holder. Had some cold rolled on hand so I used that and
connected the vertical to the horizontal parts with 10-32 allen cap screws.
The bearings. Well I had a pair of used bearings as specified on the plans and since I was going to be
using a hammer to do the stamping I just used them. They work fine since I don't really need grease or oil
on them. However I did order two bearings on line that are new with seals just in case these bearings give out!
Doug's plans are here:
Homemade Dial Making Fixture - HomemadeTools.net
Over all the project was a nice addition to my shop and will find use in the future.
Cheers, JR
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