DIY Spindle Square For Tramming Your Mill

[JKeetonKnives]

So I had a chance to tackle this spindle square project last weekend. Really enjoyed it! I have a feeling I'll be using this guy a bunch, considering the mini-mill I have isn't very rigid and can be shifted.



FREE PDF plans are in the description of the video if yall want to build one.

Cheers,
Red Beard Ops

PS: I got the inspiration and overall design of this build from "Build Something Cool"

[DIYer]

Thanks JKeetonKnives! We've added your Spindle Square to our Measuring and Marking category,
as well as to your builder page: JKeetonKnives's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Spindle Square by JKeetonKnives

tags: dial indicator, tramming

[Karl_H]

When I built mine, I took an extra step to adjust one of the dial indicators so that both have the zero at the 12 o'clock position. (Actually 12 o'clock-ish position.) It makes it a bit easier to read. I trammed my mill just as you described, then adjusted the z axis so the left needle was pointing straight up. Then I loosened the set screw for the right dial indicator and moved the indicator until the right needle was straight up. I still have to do an actual calibration, but t is less confusing with both needles pointing the same way.

I am glad you didn't make a big deal about the arbor and bar being perpendicular since that doesn't really matter.

From a design perspective, you want to have the dial indicators as far apart as possible, for a more accurate reading, but close enough that you have clearance to rotate the tool 180 degrees.

[JKeetonKnives]

When I built mine, I took an extra step to adjust one of the dial indicators so that both have the zero at the 12 o'clock position. (Actually 12 o'clock-ish position.) It makes it a bit easier to read. I trammed my mill just as you described, then adjusted the z axis so the left needle was pointing straight up. Then I loosened the set screw for the right dial indicator and moved the indicator until the right needle was straight up. I still have to do an actual calibration, but t is less confusing with both needles pointing the same way.

I am glad you didn't make a big deal about the arbor and bar being perpendicular since that doesn't really matter.

From a design perspective, you want to have the dial indicators as far apart as possible, for a more accurate reading, but close enough that you have clearance to rotate the tool 180 degrees.

Agreed! That is one reason why I extended my slots... so that I'd be able to move the actual indicators to match. The method you described makes it easier to read for sure!

I went with that total length dimension so that I can use it on a parallel, but looking back at it, I could of gotten away with making it longer for sure.

The arbor and holder being perpendicular hung me up at first when I was planning this project... I had to draw it in CAD and rotate it to make it make sense in my head! lol

Have a great Sunday sir!