Setting proper height of cutting tool on lathe

[Doc]

Here is a short vid I did awhile back on setting tool height on your lathe.

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[RotarySMP]

Nice clear video, simple idea. Thanks.

What do you use to set center height on a facing tool?
Mark

[Lew_Merrick_PE]

Here is a short vid I did awhile back on setting tool height on your lathe.

I was taught that "trick" in 1967 and it still works!  The next (and more permanent "trick") is to turn a shoulder rod (say ø.750 inch X ø.375 inch) and thread the ø.375 inch end (say) .3750-24UNF such that, when hung from the ø.750 shoulder just clears the bed of the lathe by (say) .125 inch.  A "nut" made from some of the ø.750 inch rod that is (say) .50 thick and squarely tapped (.3750-24UNC) is then thread-locked to the threaded end such that it will "hang" by a thou or so at that setting becomes an OD cutter height setting tool (and remember to mark that designation on the tool!).  The same thing a couple of thou of so taller (and appropriately identified) becomes your ID cutter height setting tool!

I cannot tell you how many of these setting tools I have made over the years nor how many times they have simplified my life!

[Arbalist]

I use a four way tool post so I've epoxied a suitable shim to the bottom of my insert tool holders so they're permanently on centre height. Most of my turning though us done with a Tangential tool so I made a centre height gauge for setting it. Only takes a few seconds to set the height after sharpening.

[Jonny]

Cant beat facing off by taking a cut to set tool height, eliminates machine and tool inadequacies as well.

[JD]

George I use the rule/scale method, quick and easy.
JD

[awemawson]

Yes I've used the 6" ruler method for years and it works splendidly on a manual lathe.

My CNC lathe has a fancy optical setting up system that relies on a special jig putting in the VDI 30 turret, but I'm convinced that my jig is out of kilter (actually I have two and they differ so at least one is wrong). I'm going to have to work out how to re-set the jigs from first principles.

It would be SO much easier with a 6" ruler but it's all cabinet enclosed 

[lordedmond]

Andrew

that would be a FBH then that should do it 


Stuart

[mechman48]

Have used that method before but now stick with same method as Arbalist... take a facing cut & when no 'pip' left... dead on centre height 

George.

[loply]

This method also works well for setting the tailstock - either put a dead centre in the spindle, or, turn a cone onto the end of some stock. Then squeeze the scale (or something like a stanley knife blade) between a dead centre in the tailstock and the one in the spindle.

Can be used for checking both vertical and horizontal offset.

[SteveT]

I always use the 6" ruler method, learnt when I was an apprentice long time ago :-)