Edge finder

**threesixesinarow** · Sep 13, 2018, 06:00 AM

Originally Posted by old_toolmaker

threesixesinarow,

Maybe I will use O-1

I would have preferred that but I used what I had and it seems to harden enough.

I used one of my little ER-11 spindles to grind it - the big Unimat pulley makes it hard to do anything between centers.

**Toolmaker51** · Sep 14, 2018, 07:12 PM

I'm a big fan of 0-1, unbelievably fine material. Sure some are more modern, but never been a substitute for Oil hardening grades. As far as a spring goes, a couple weeks back needing one for my edgefinder [and inappropriate to spin one on shop time] I had one scrounged from a oil seal.
No such thing as scrap, until you can't hold it.

**old_toolmaker** · Sep 16, 2018, 01:53 PM

Toolmaker51,

I can't agree more. For me saving junk to recycle into something else is almost a disease.

**Toolmaker51** · Sep 16, 2018, 05:02 PM

Yes. No end to what use 'material' can be put to. Present situation stifles originality like whats due tool posts and Quorn Grinders. But I see all kinds of worthwhile remnants. Right now I'm mulling 30°-ish ramps to perch machinist jacks at different increments; similar to planer gauge or adjustable parallels. Anytime I clamp long bars [key-waying etc.], level stock on blocks without touching vise bed, even with two vises in alignment, especially when there are stepped diameters. Machinist jacks are fine, at lower amounts of extension. Each seem to have their own individual harmonic limit that fail to dampen vibrations and consequent chatter.

**threesixesinarow** · Sep 17, 2018, 06:40 AM

Recycling

Edge finder-72deb2ff-4c92-49ed-bb58-81aa917c9c63.jpg

**old_toolmaker** · Sep 17, 2018, 10:12 AM

threesixesinarow,

A super nice tool chest made with recycled material! WOW

**threesixesinarow** · Sep 18, 2018, 06:13 AM

Originally Posted by old_toolmaker

threesixesinarow,

A super nice tool chest made with recycled material! WOW

Thanks, Dick,

Reusing wood often doesn’t need the same kind of creative thinking as metal, though. The drawer pulls were a small exception, and I thought a nice tie-in to the ongoing Studley thread.

The spring in the edge finder shares a similar source.

**Toolmaker51** · Sep 18, 2018, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by threesixesinarow

Thanks, Dick,
Reusing wood..........often doesn’t need the same kind of creative thinking as metal, though. The drawer pulls were a small exception, and I thought a nice tie-in to the ongoing Studley thread.
The spring in the edge finder shares a similar source.

There is a statement in one [which I don't recall] of my older books on genuine gunsmithing; not just the screwing things on variety. The quote, which comes to mind whenever I select remnant or other passed over wood, is in section about stockmaking and the nature of it. "Wood is alive until it burns".

In many ways, real Gunsmiths are ultimate toolmakers, not just by combining form and function; but all manner of cross discipline work to complete things like double rifles, side x side shotguns, handwork developed by Frank Pachmayr accurizing 1911's, and countless others.
https://www.google.com/search?q=fran...nt=firefox-b-1

**old_toolmaker** · Sep 19, 2018, 05:26 PM

Toolmaker51,

I have an interest in and appreciate all types of hand work. I also like to watch skilled people work. My dad was one those rare types who had mastered many skills and passed them on to his children. He is gone now but I still have all the memories.

**gatz** · May 26, 2024, 11:50 AM

Edge Finders have always fascinated me. Ive been a machinist / tool & die maker since the early 70's and even in retirement use one frequently in my home shop on the ol' DoAll mill. But, i never understood how they work. What is it that makes them go off-center so accurately?
And, who was the lucky guy that first encountered the principle?