The Home Machinist!

Hi, One thing that I would like to correct in this thread. A 2 1/2 Axis machine isn't what has been described. If one of the axis needs to be manually controlled, it would be a two axis machine. A 2 1/2 axis has all three axis under machine control, but only two of the axis can move simultaneously. ...

Hi, Don't too worked up over tramming your mill. It's good to do, and the practice to get it perfect never hurts. But, you won't ever get it perfect. And it won't stay that way. Best you can ever do is say it's dialed right with that collet, with the knee and saddle in that particular position, on t...

Hi, Sorry to be late getting back to you Seal Killer. I don't know of any granite surface plates that would have parallel top and bottoms. That really isn't required for what they are intended for anyway. That's why I made mine. There are inspection grade granite parallels that cost a modest fortune...

Hi, Yep, you need to sweep the indicator in a circular pattern across the table. There isn't really a good, simple way to do it. Those spindle squares are pretty nice and do work well, but are spendy. What I finally did was to use one of those cheap Enco granite surface plates. The bottom is unfinis...

Hi, I don't really like those Drill Doctors either. I could get decent points on small drills, (1/8-1/4"), but anything larger was a bust. The split-pointing was ok. Not much better than I can do by hand with either a belt grinder or a die grinder with a thin cut-off wheel mounted in it. I can ...

Hi, Unscrew the table lock from the saddle. What is happening is the lock screw and possibly the back of the gib is worn so the gib can't be "jammed" against the ways. Either purchase a new one, or repair the old one. I've seen them welded up a bit, (I don't really like that). Or a brass s...

Hi, I have to agree with Harold V. It generally takes some serious power and mass to use insert shell cutters effectively. At 3" or bigger, you really need to be plus 5hp. A Bridgeport really isn't the best machine for that kind of usage. Fly-cutters are a better choice for you. A lot slower to...

Hi, I realize I'm pretty new here, :lol: , but could you post a few pictures of just how you are measuring? Indicators don't often just go bad unless you've dropped or otherwise damaged them. And to have two that are giving screwy readings would seem to point towards something else causing you grief...