Simplest of all tool setter

[olderdan]

Why make anything at all when you probably have the ideal gadget already.
Namely a planer gauge (subject of much recent discussion) used with the same thumbnail method or slide a small parallel over the tool, once set to the exact centre line of your lathe you can reset it with a mike if used for something else. I have tried using an LED contact method but for me it is not worth the bother.
We all have our favorite methods and that’s just fine if it works.
Here’s one I made earlier as they say (about thirty years ago).

[mklotz]

I'm not about to dedicate an adjustable tool to a fixed-height application. Besides, my lathe doesn't have flat ways so I can't use those as a reference and the planer gauge is way too long to be used on top of the compound.

[PJs]

Nice quality work Olderdan! Not to start a firestorm but what angle did you use?

Agreed Marv all tools should have multiple purposes within the range of their design structure...otherwise modify them if deemed necessary.

[Toolmaker51]

I'd also tend away from any adjustable form for a fixed height. HOWEVER; that and a step mic, caliper, or other means to gauge depth would be ideal to determine the spindle center line, having a more compact footprint than a height gauge. Refer to post about turning a diameter, measuring it and divide the result. Subtract that from dimension of reference surface to top of diameter.

Morning Guys; here as usual, getting morning fix of good clean XXX shop porn. Olderdan's rejection of LED contactor sparked me for an instant. There was a commercial version long ago. Saw ads, but never in person. My guess, designer failed in account variety of tool forms, especially positive and negative rake, not to mention any offhand ground bits. The little V with a spirit level is kind of lame too. V should be involute to accommodate a decent range of diameters; but OK solution when there isn't a conventional bed and slide.
This vocation shouldn't be so fun...it is though. I think it's same effect what drove the Victorian era, infinite detail, so much so it appears to change with each viewing.
We're lucky to be addicted, lucky to appreciate each other, and really lucky the 'net came along to feed it.
Thank's Jon!

[olderdan]

Nice quality work Olderdan! Not to start a firestorm but what angle did you use?

Just measured the angle and it is 25 deg in my case, the actual angle is not important it just affects the sensitivity of adjustment.
I have recorded all the dimensions I need using the method Toolmaker51 refers to.

[Paul Jones]

olderdan,

Now that the usual suspects are adding their two cents, I will jump in. A few years ago I published on HMT a lathe tool height gage (http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/l...8587#post25937) that is a modified knock-off of one made by Hardinge. I like the over/under feature because I like doing any thread cutting to a shoulder by having the tool upside down in the QCTP and running the lathe in reverse. This lathe tool height gage is useful when setting the cutting tools upside down (and the more typical way, right side up).



Regards, Paul

[DIYer]

Thanks olderdan! We've added your Tool Setter to our Lathe Accessories category,
as well as to your builder page: olderdan's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Tool Setter by olderdan

tags: height gauge

[G.Paul]

olderdan,

Now that the usual suspects are adding their two cents, I will jump in. A few years ago I published on HMT a lathe tool height gage (http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/l...8587#post25937) that is a modified knock-off of one made by Hardinge. I like the over/under feature because I like doing any thread cutting to a shoulder by having the tool upside down in the QCTP and running the lathe in reverse. This lathe tool height gage is useful when setting the cutting tools upside down (and the more typical way, right side up).



Regards, Paul

I don't understand the ruckus for a lathe tool height gage. have not needed a gage for 50 years. I recommend to learn how to use a lathe

[ncollar]

Toolmaker
You said: and really lucky the 'net came along to feed it

No the net is great but my list has gotten so long I will need and other 100 years to do it all.

Too many jobs, but aren't we having fun

Nelson

[G.Paul]

Toolmaker
You said: and really lucky the 'net came along to feed it

No the net is great but my list has gotten so long I will need and other 100 years to do it all.

Too many jobs, but aren't we having fun

Nelson