Toolpost Dial Indicator Part 4: Final Machining and Assembly 

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thanks!

Thank you. Yes, I've seen the split threaded bushing technique. I do modify a fair number of screws. I should probably make some.

It would have to be bored. A drilled hole is not accurate enough.

@@Clough42 A drill was ok. You had to a couple of offsets. To blend it in. Or If there was a Zero stop at the X .Then at the solid jaw. A zero Y Then top a jaw for Z. Would that help in in programming . Just a thought. Great work keep it up. Never stop.

Thanks!

You're welcome.

Thanks!

Thank you. I think anodizing the aluminum would make a big difference. The aluminum builds up a hard oxide layer on it anyway, but I think the anodizing process makes it a lot tougher. A quick web search suggests that hard anodizing cuts the coefficient of friction against steel by almost 2/3. I've thought seriously about getting set up to anodize, but I really just don't want to deal with storing and disposing of the acids.

Good tip. Thanks.

Oh, interesting idea.

Thank you.

Yes I would like to see that as well. a nice Cherry Red?

You're welcome.

Or mill a hole in the middle where the chips can evacuate.

This should never be mounted while chips are being generated, though.

I would also like to make or purchase something like this.

I thin that would help. I looked into setting up an anodizing line about a year ago. At the time I was thinking about wear surfaces on aluminum pulleys. It's totally achievable in a home shop, but it requires some care in storing and handling the acids. After doing the research, I decided I didn't really want to deal with it. What I need is a friend with an anodizing line who wants to trade for some CNC work. :)

I've thought about making one. I did build a small indexer for milling hobbed bolts for 3D printers, but I would love to have a larger indexer with a chuck or maybe even a general purpose fixture plate.

These are the indicators I used: amzn.to/2BFIDO1

You're right. The chamfer is much wider around the inside radius. I'm not sure why that is. It doesn't show up that way in the CAM simulation, so it must be something about the tool I'm using. Just visualizing it in my head, it isn't obvious to me why that might be, but it clearly is.

@@Clough42 - If the tip angle of the tool model is smaller (more acute) than the actual tip angle of the tool, the toolpath would go significantly further into concave features, yes? I'll apologize in advance in case this is something you've already checked & ruled out or my visualization faulty, but what is the tip angle / diameter of the tool model you are using for the spotting/chamfer tool itself? After some thought, it seems very like a problem I had trying to stupidly program a chamfer on an inside square corner. I had accidentally picked a 100 degree chamfer tool model, and the program kept leaving more untouched profile in the corner than I simulated. I also had some classmates who failed to account for the flat on the tool tip when touching off Z height. Their chamfer widths were way off, and wonky things happened on any kind of concave feature. Some of the models we had to work with assumed a sharp pointed tool, some assumed the standard flat/end diameter. Just some seemingly related experiences I've had, maybe they are relevant enough to cause a light bulb to go on for anyone pondering 'impossible' errors with chamfer or bevel programs.

I'm not really set up to manufacture them efficiently.

Too much!

Yes. I will get them organized and uploaded shortly.

@@Clough42 awesome thanks for sharing with us garage builder's

@@Clough42 I'd be interested in the files as well, is there somewhere they can be downloaded? Thanks!

@@Clough42 did you ever upload them?

And...there go my three Finnish viewers. :)