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Gallery, Projects and General => The Design Shop => Topic started by: raynerd on May 27, 2014, 04:17:30 PM

Title: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: raynerd on May 27, 2014, 04:17:30 PM
Hi guys

Before I start, NO PICTURES ON THIS FIRST POST ARE MY OWN - they are from the net for reference only. I`ve been collecting pictures for years - if I can reference, I will do. I am posting for inspiration and ideas.

For many years I have wanted a clock wheel depthing tool. This tool allows you to correctly distance a wheel and pinion and then scribe the correct distance onto the frame.

This is commercial clock depthing tool:
(http://www.milehiclocksupplies.com/dept1a.jpg)

The runners sticking out of the end are then used to scribe a line to correct depth by turning the device vertical:
(http://www.historictimekeepers.com/Depth_check.jpg)

A cheap simple depthing tool can be made by plans described in several books I own, specifically by John Wilding and Colin Thorne. This is good for the majority of jobs, but at 30 years old, I`d like to keep this for a good time and would like to invest more time in to making a more traditional and more versatile tool.
From Dean and Deans Photographica:
(http://www.deansphotographica.com/machining/projects/clockmaking/23depthingplate.jpg)


There are loads and loads of homebrew depthing tools on the internet. My issue is that they rarely describe the machining process to ensure they maintain parallelism between the two split runners. Also, I`m not clear how the hinge is made or designed to ensure the two parts are held firmly without wobble but lose enough to be moved. I also don`t know how the spring is being applied to force the two halves together!!

Taking madmodding to the limits, here is a Perspex tool with elastic band as the spring. Made by John Prevatte:
(http://www.raynerd.co.uk/images/dt7.JPG)

And another, this one made from a door hinge by Jay Fortner:
(http://www.raynerd.co.uk/images/dt9.JPG)

This homemade design, unfortunately I don`t know the maker, has a slightly different clamp down top, rather than the V groove style holder for the runners:
(http://www.raynerd.co.uk/images/dt2.JPG)

Aluminium body, again I don`t know the maker but has a more homemade feel about it -  no idea how it being sprung
(http://www.raynerd.co.uk/images/dt6.JPG)

This is smart spring method - I can clearly see how this is working but would you need to have a spring on each side to ensure even pressure is put on both sides otherswise the frame could twist, depending on the rigidy of the hinge:
(http://www.raynerd.co.uk/images/dt5.JPG)

Lots of food for thought! If you have any ideas or suggestions as to how to make one, I`d appreciate your input. The key is getting the runners parallel and a solid hinge between the two parts but allowing you to fine adjust the two.

I believe there is a full article: MEW no 8 Dec 91 jan 92 - if anyone has a copy of this article, I`d be really grateful!

I look forward to replies.
Chris
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: micktoon on May 27, 2014, 06:30:28 PM
Hi Chris , interesting tool, I do have some randon old MEW I will check through and see but I think they are a bit later from memory but you never know. Cheers Mick.
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: BillTodd on May 27, 2014, 06:33:14 PM
The hinge appears to be a simple knife edge or bar in a pair of Vs. I suspect  two bearing balls in small holes would suffice.

It is only necessary to ensure that the spring closing force is applied between the hinge and the opening adjuster so both are forced together.

milling identical grooves in the flat faces of the arms would be trivial on a horizontal mill (let me know if you need one)

bill
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: vtsteam on May 27, 2014, 10:51:59 PM
Just from my dumb stand back and imagine basic process approach to stuff like this, I see:

1.) The hinge is the hardest part to make, and most important part -- everything else follows. So make the hinge first, as precisely as you can, ignoring the rest of the needs. Make the hinge whatever way or shape you want. But just get that part fabricated.

2.) Then fasten or clamp the hinged assembly to a mill or boring table. You can now drill/bore arbor holes/bearings whatever. If you index the table without loosening the part, you will automatically make holes parallel to each other and the established hinge line. (Assuming you clamped it true to that line, in the first place, of course).

ps. a  boring table on the lathe might be better for this than a vertical mill -- depends on the size of the piece.
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: raynerd on May 28, 2014, 12:23:22 PM
Thanks for the info so far. If a bar running in v grooves is used for the hinge, I dont see how the assembly is held together, I.e force at the bottom on the bar.
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: BillTodd on May 28, 2014, 01:30:38 PM
Thanks for the info so far. If a bar running in v grooves is used for the hinge, I dont see how the assembly is held together, I.e force at the bottom on the bar.

it'll stay together if the force is between the hinge and the adjuster i.e. it is pulling both together.

if groove cutting  is a problem then drill holesand balls would work (I'll try to draw it for you later)

Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: David Jupp on May 28, 2014, 01:38:55 PM
I was sure I'd seen something in MEW - I was right, see
http://www.myhobbystore.co.uk/product/35246/clock-depthing-tool-article-december-1991-january-1992-digital-edition (http://www.myhobbystore.co.uk/product/35246/clock-depthing-tool-article-december-1991-january-1992-digital-edition)
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: vtsteam on May 28, 2014, 01:51:46 PM
Thanks for the info so far. If a bar running in v grooves is used for the hinge, I dont see how the assembly is held together, I.e force at the bottom on the bar.

That would be more Vert-Mill friendly than long bored holes. I tend to still think boring because that's how my homemade lathe came together, long before I had a vertical mill. But V-grooving everything makes a lot of sense. You can do all the main body grooves without shifting the part in the clamping setup, which makes them all parallel. Good way to do it!
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: BillTodd on May 28, 2014, 02:11:55 PM
grooveless version 1

5mm balls sitting in 4mm reamed holes
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: chipenter on May 28, 2014, 03:35:48 PM
I made one out of several 4" brass hinges , knocked the pin from two and rivited them together then reamed for the pins and cut out the centre , stil got it somewhare .
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: raynerd on May 28, 2014, 07:08:04 PM
Thanks for the suggestions...


BillTodd - I really really like the ball bearing suggestion! I know I'm being thick but I'm still not clear how they would be held and forced together. Obviously some have the obvious spring on the side bar I mentioned in my first post but I can't see how the others are spring closed without this.  I understand the adjuster is putting pressure on the hinge, bar, ball bearings but what is holding them from just falling apart.  Bill - also, why 4 bearings in each top corner?

This method would stop me needing to machine a parallel v groove for the bar hinge, I'd still need to machine, either mill a groove or bore a long parallel hole along each top side for the runners right.

The length of the depthing tool will be about 170mm long... That's a long way to bore two holes!!  :bang:
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: BillTodd on May 29, 2014, 08:27:03 AM
Well this is what I had in mind...

the balls would be a right PITA if not glued in position and the adjuster, as draw, is somewhat sub-optimal (i.e. a bodge)

balls are 4.5mm in 4mm holes. If the holes are drilled and reamed with the two plates clamped together the hole positions will align perfectly.  All you need to do is drill them in the correct places.

Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: rowbare on May 29, 2014, 11:44:08 AM
Chris,

Perhaps using a flexure instead of a hinge would do the job. Mill grooves in the bottom of the two uprights and solder or epoxy in a strip of springy steel -- a bit of metal strapping might do the job. Mill a pair of grooves into a base plate and solder or epoxy the other side of the strips into it. You will have a fairly limited range of travel but it would probably be adequate for your needs.

If you really want to be fancy, for the adjusting screws you could make a differential screw from a 4mm coarse and a 6mm fine capscrew. Machine the head off of the 4mm and remove a cm or so of threads and drill a hole of an appropriate diameter and depth into the 6mm fastener. Press fit, loctite or solder the 4 mm bit into the 6mm. Put a post drilled and tapped with a 4mm coarse thread on one arm and one with a 6mm fine thread on the other. That would give you an effective screw pitch of .05 mm per turn. At least one of your posts would have to be removable for coarse adjustment. Might be overkill.

bob
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: BillTodd on May 29, 2014, 12:37:32 PM
This version uses a spring from a cheap bull-dog clip
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: raynerd on May 29, 2014, 12:53:04 PM
Bill that really is genius.

So you'd drill all holes with the two frames pinned together. Providing the two frames were set horizontal on the mill, I'm guessing it would ensure the runners are parallel.

Chris
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: BillTodd on May 29, 2014, 01:14:53 PM
actually it does not matter if the frames are slightly off. as long as alll the holes are drilled one row (x axis) at a time the thing should be accurate :)

Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: chipenter on May 29, 2014, 02:46:44 PM
Iff the points are sharp you can test by scribing a curve form each end , and there is one line it must be parrallel .
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: raynerd on May 29, 2014, 03:12:32 PM
BillTodd, have you by any chance dimensional drawings for that? It looks very much in proportion and would give me a scale to work from.
The next question is brass, steel or aluminium? - brass looks the part but is pricy.

I wonder now if it would be nicer if the depth adjusting screw was now placed more centrally, in the position of the old spring hole perhaps.

Also, I'm just wondering if it would be better to slightly oversize the holes in the runner threaded rods. My thoughts were getting onto reaming these accurate but actually, there job is only to pull the runners against the bearings so having the hole larger would I expect be better, allowing the runner to find its true seat.

Also,could the balls be soldered in position or is this likely to push them out of position slightly with the solder running below them. I would have thought that there wouldn't be a right lot for the glue to stick to.

Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: BillTodd on May 29, 2014, 05:33:44 PM
BillTodd, have you by any chance dimensional drawings for that? It looks very much in proportion and would give me a scale to work from.

I can make it any size you want :) ATM it's plates are 100mm wide, throat 80mm x 40 ish  The spring clip is 50mm long
 
Quote
The next question is brass, steel or aluminium? - brass looks the part but is pricy.

Aluminium might be a bit soft (you don't want the balls digging in too much)
Stainless (say 3-4mm think) would be good
Brass 3/16" - 1/4" would be fancy (and should always be quoted in imperial units! LOL)

Quote
I wonder now if it would be nicer if the depth adjusting screw was now placed more centrally, in the position of the old spring hole perhaps.

Yes. it needs a a rotating/hinging mechanism (left & right thread with thumb wheel in the middle?)

Quote
Also, I'm just wondering if it would be better to slightly oversize the holes in the runner threaded rods. My thoughts were getting onto reaming these accurate but actually, there job is only to pull the runners against the bearings so having the hole larger would I expect be better, allowing the runner to find its true seat.

Absolutely right :)   I need to check that the guide ball spacing is OK and that it wont just ping the balls out when tightened

Quote
Also,could the balls be soldered in position...

Why not. Clamp and solder from the hole side should keep any lifting to a minimum.
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: raynerd on May 30, 2014, 04:23:38 AM
I've attached some plans that were freely available at some point on nawcc forum. The shape and dimensions on here look good.

Chris
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: raynerd on May 30, 2014, 04:49:16 AM
The 80mm called for would be best reducing to 3" - 76mm so it can be cut from more freely available 3" bar stock,
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: BillTodd on May 30, 2014, 05:51:26 AM
Quote
so it can be cut from more freely available 3" bar stock

 cut longways?   or are you thinking a C shaped version?

Bill
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: raynerd on May 30, 2014, 05:55:11 AM
Hi Bill

I can get bar stock that is 1/4" thick by 3" wide. That means I can use cz121 (?) extruded bar rather than 1/4" brass plate which would be much more expensive!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/400441260894?limghlpsr=true&hlpv=2&ops=true&viphx=1&hlpht=true&lpid=108&device=t&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=108

Or if that doesn't work, item 400441260894 on ebay

Chris
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: BillTodd on May 30, 2014, 06:29:45 AM
Ah! FLAT bar stock  :doh: (must learn to read)

Yes, that looks a better price. 

1/4" thick is going to need a much bigger bull-dog clip

Will they cut to any multiple of 50mm? I'm thinking a length of 350 would give you two pieces ~175 long
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: raynerd on May 30, 2014, 11:06:29 AM
I have purchased the brass needed for the depthing tool today - 1/4". Would two large bulldog clips be more suitable?

Could you just explain your thoughts on bearing size for the pivot/hinge? You mentioned 4.5mm in a 4mm reamed hole. You also mentioned that slightly larger may be better for the hinge - why? And what size - 5mm, 6mm?

Chris
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: raynerd on May 30, 2014, 11:55:05 AM

I'm guessing I'd need to keep 1.25"  of meat at the bottom to give room from the spring clip and adjuster. That'll leave 1.75" to centre allowing a 3.5" maximum dia wheel. That would be a substantial wheel. Length wise, at 175mm - that's just short of 8" - having 1.5" sides also would give a distance of 5", about 100mm maximum distance between runners I.e max pivot size. Any thoughts?
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: tom osselton on May 30, 2014, 03:22:21 PM
So why can't the hinge part of this just be a piano hinge all it does is open up.? The acuracy to me would be in the shaft suports and if there is enough room to drill and ream for the spring tension in the shaft to hold the gears.
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: BillTodd on May 30, 2014, 03:54:44 PM
So why can't the hinge part of this just be a piano hinge all it does is open up.? The acuracy to me would be in the shaft suports and if there is enough room to drill and ream for the spring tension in the shaft to hold the gears.

It can be any kind of hinge as long as it is parallel to the axles - it is ensuring the alignment of all the parts that is critical.

Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: raynerd on May 30, 2014, 03:56:33 PM
Bill - did you see my earlier messages regarding ball bearing size?

I have brass and 15 of each, 4.5.  5.  6 mm ball bearings

Also, do you think a 1.5" frame all arounds sounds ok? I'd still appreciate any dimensions of your drawing if you have any.
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: BillTodd on May 30, 2014, 04:05:33 PM
Quote
Bill - did you see my earlier messages regarding ball bearing size?

Yes, the bigger the hinge balls the larger the opening (although this also requires a bigger diameter spring)

ATM I am experimenting with a 15mm ball. This gives it a 66mm axle spacing (not much point in holding one large gear only)


I've been looking around at bull dog clips the largest standard type clip (70mm wide) has a maximum throat of 17mm (the spring would probably open to 20+), which is a bit too small even with small ball hinges.

Anyone know of a source of larger springs?

This design is 3" x 170mm the arms and base are 25mm wide
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: raynerd on May 30, 2014, 04:56:51 PM
Bill,
Would the 15mm bearings still sit in a 4mm hole, i.e could you drill out and experiment wit appropriate sizes?
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: BillTodd on May 30, 2014, 05:03:51 PM
Bill,
Would the 15mm bearings still sit in a 4mm hole, i.e could you drill out and experiment wit appropriate sizes?

No it sits in a 12mm hole.

hmmm it's just occured to me, what is the minimum axle spacing?   putting the axles on the outside of the plates may give some useful extra room:D

Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: raynerd on May 30, 2014, 05:39:15 PM
The commercial Webster design gives a maximum 3 3/4" swing between axel centres but this is generally bigger overall than this one. I appreciate practically it'll work but aesthetically odd! Also, it may be tricky holding smaller wheels if placed on the outside.
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: fcheslop on May 30, 2014, 06:02:02 PM
Why not make it so that the pins can go either side of the frames?
Also make spacers with the bearing holes to space out the pins
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: BillTodd on May 30, 2014, 06:21:00 PM
Quote
Why not make it so that the pins can go either side of the frames?

Yes there is no reason why you could not attach the balls to both side of the plate :)

This one uses 6mm hinge balls in 5mm holes with 70mm bull-dog clip springs
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: fcheslop on May 31, 2014, 03:27:32 PM
Sorry Bill , I missed youre earlier idea :doh: :doh:
what min/max are you looking at?
cheers
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: raynerd on June 01, 2014, 04:10:13 AM
Bill - what opening does that give?
Thinking about it, the opening would have to be larger than the maximum wheel diameter radius. Otherwise, the depth would allow you to fit the wheel on but if you couldnt space it to the radius, you could not mesh it with a pinion. 
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: BillTodd on June 01, 2014, 05:14:06 AM
it opens to about 73mm

it is impossible to design a ball in hole type hinge that will open beyond 60° , so to get a larger opening requires a  spacer (e.g. a big ball) or longer arms.

if you need a greater angle then it a will require an enclosed hinge.


Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: PeterE on June 01, 2014, 08:32:32 AM
Why not base the design around a pair of rod compasses using a sturdy ruler?

That would eliminate the difficulties of a hinge I think.

Just another idea.

BR

/Peter
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: PeterE on June 02, 2014, 04:50:16 PM
Hmmmm, felt like I kind of stalled the discussion. Too bad and not my meaning. To try to illustrate what I was after, I quickly made a 2D sketch.
(http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss219/H0n3/Tooling/GearDepthingToolSketch-01.png)
It is based not on a ruler but on two bars, say about 6 mm dia and some various sized brass blocks about 25 mm high and 10 mm thick. Should be sturdy enough. Thickness probably OK if 8 mm.

The two end pieces are pinned to limit the risk for twisting. At the right end the end block is wider and carries one of the depthing pegs. The other larger block slides sweetly on the bars without any slop at all. This block carries the other depthing peg.

To achieve a micrometer adjustment, the smaller moving block to the left of the left peg block, has a locked in thumb screw working into a thread in the adjacent peg block. With a spring between them it will be easy to adjust minutely the gear centres.

Locking the depthing pegs is done like a height gauge and locking the peg block and adjustment block is done using a cross "bar" nipping the slide rods like the arm locks on a GHT pillar tool.

This would be easy to make and if the rod holes are drilled and reamed before parting the brass bit, the distances will be exact. Probably simple to make as well.

BR

/Peter
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: BillTodd on June 02, 2014, 05:00:27 PM
how do you hold the pinions (gears) while adjusting the spacing?

 :scratch:
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: PeterE on June 02, 2014, 05:08:49 PM
I thought that the depthing pegs shall allow to insert a 2mm? gear axle at the top to fit the gears on, and then when marking exchange the 2mm pins for a piece of say 5/2 mm extension piece to tap upon.

Much like the image on page 1 of this thread where the depthing pegs goes bweteen the "bars" 90 degrees compared with my sketch.

/Peter
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: BillTodd on June 02, 2014, 05:25:39 PM
I thought that the depthing pegs shall allow to insert a 2mm? gear axle at the top to fit the gears on, and then when marking exchange the 2mm pins for a piece of say 5/2 mm extension piece to tap upon.

Much like the image on page 1 of this thread where the depthing pegs goes bweteen the "bars" 90 degrees compared with my sketch.

/Peter

OK sould work :)
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: BillTodd on June 02, 2014, 05:29:04 PM
Chris here's a drawing of the plate. There's nothing critical except the spacing of the axle holder balls which are for a 3mm 0r 4mm axle (is that large enough?)

BTW the max opening is 83mm not 73 as previously stated.
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: raynerd on June 04, 2014, 07:24:42 PM
Hi guys and hi Bill, I know you have been putting a lot of effort into helping me here. I'm actually moving - it's all happened unbelievably quick and although we still have a good number of weeks until move day, getting the workshop in storage was priority as everything is so heavy and I happened to have some storage offered to me! I genuinely went and purchased that 1/4" brass and then the next day turned the power off to my machines and now they are gone!

I can assure you, this will be the first project on the list when I get going again.....whenever this may be!

In the mean time I keen to get a plan in place and continue with the discussion!
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: raynerd on June 04, 2014, 07:26:01 PM
3mm is plenty for the runners.
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: mattinker on June 04, 2014, 09:02:54 PM
Although I have nothing to do with clock making, this thread is of great interest and value. I am enjoying the development process! I wish I had a use for a Gear Depth Tool, it looks like a satisfying build.

Looking forward to you getting your workshop running Chris, hope the move goes well.

Regards, Matthew.
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: raynerd on June 06, 2014, 10:30:35 AM
Peter - I`m terrible at visualising things! I still can picture where the runners are held?
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: PeterE on June 06, 2014, 05:09:20 PM
Peter - I`m terrible at visualising things! I still can picture where the runners are held?
Need to do some sketches, I'll be back.

/Peter
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: PeterE on June 07, 2014, 05:11:54 PM
OK, some sketching later. To begin, I did some more thinking about the micrometer adjustment screw and changed the design as shown at B in the sketch below.
(http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss219/H0n3/Tooling/GearDepthingToolSketch-02.png)
This way I can use an ordinary thumb screw and keep it tight using a spring between the thumb screw runner and the depthing peg runner.

When it comes to locking the runners to the bars I would use the same type of lock as I used on the bed stop for my lathe.
(http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss219/H0n3/Tooling/SaddleStop-01.jpg)
The distance setting pin is locked using an intersecting "bolt" secured with a thumb nut. The works is shown below.
(http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss219/H0n3/Tooling/SaddleStop-04.jpg)
I think it is easy to see which is the locking "bolt" in the picture.

I think this type of lock is good. Easy to handle and locks with strength.

Hope this helps.

BR

/Peter
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: BillTodd on June 11, 2014, 05:10:45 PM
Chris, did you get my PM?
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: raynerd on June 14, 2014, 03:10:10 AM
Sorry Bill, just got it. I'd some how opened it but not seen it!

I'll download on my laptop today!
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: raynerd on June 16, 2014, 03:57:02 PM
Guys, another favour. Does anyone have articles on building the depthing tool from castings? I'd like to have them for reference:

Model Engineer 19 October 1973 - I believe it starts!
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: BillTodd on June 17, 2014, 01:56:30 PM
just a heads-up

 http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=251561575761&globalID=EBAY-GB&alt=web
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: raynerd on June 17, 2014, 02:54:34 PM
Are they bulldog clip springs???  :dremel:

Don't know about you but looks homemade! Could be a clog mile out.

Bill, I'm not going to lie. Since having this discussion I have actually got my hands on some original Malcolm Wild depthing tool castings. However, I promise you I'm so excited about the ball bearing idea that I'm going to attempt making that as my first project when my workshop is setup!!
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: BillTodd on June 17, 2014, 06:33:53 PM
Quote
Are they bulldog clip springs??? 

they certainly look like them :)

 
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: PekkaNF on April 14, 2015, 07:33:58 AM
Wondering how did this progress?

latest MEW (The April issue of Model Engineers' Workshop, number 227) had an article:
MAKING A CLOCK DEPTHING TOOL -

Don't know anything of the mater, but remembered this thread!

Pekka
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: raynerd on April 22, 2015, 06:08:35 PM
The day after I purchased all the metal and even the ball bearings, I sold my house and in panic packed up my workshop. I've only just got the new shop straight and ready for action. This is still on my immediate to do list, in fact, I genuinely got the material out a few weeks back. I'll Certainly be reading the article if I can get my hands on a copy...  :wave: :coffee: if I can get my hands on a copy  :med: if I can get my hands on a copy   :beer:
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: chipenter on April 23, 2015, 03:28:49 AM
Aprils issue of Model Engineers Workshop had plans and an artical for a dpthing tool , using a bulldog clip spring I don'd know iff it's the same , iff you can't get a copy pm me .
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: raynerd on April 23, 2015, 03:36:37 AM
It doesn't by any chance use bulldog clips and ball bearings as hinges does it!!! If so, I have an idea where he plans came from. :lol:
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: chipenter on April 23, 2015, 04:01:30 AM
No ball bearings but a hinge bar , it's 150 x 70 mm body , I have a PDF of the issue .
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: raynerd on October 19, 2016, 02:15:50 PM
Only two years later but I`ve made a start  :D

Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: mexican jon on October 19, 2016, 06:01:26 PM
Is it finished yet  :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: raynerd on April 02, 2017, 03:14:18 AM
Well its been months since I last posted and I`ve been moving forward at a snail pace. Anyway, finally its been made.

It may have been 3 years ago or more, but the concept works and the project is finally finished.

Thanks to everyone who chipped in on here and especially Bill Todd for all his drawings and thoughts. Appreciate the video may not be to everyone's taste but I enjoy putting them together and each to their own. Certainly shows the build and final product! I`m always looking for constructive criticism and opinions as to my machining! Cheers

Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: BillTodd on April 02, 2017, 08:29:11 AM
Nice one Chris, I'd forgotten about that design :D

Bill
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: ieezitin on April 02, 2017, 08:57:40 AM
Nice job Chris...

At the end of the video i was thinking you will have to get the measurement from the centers of the pins i was so surprised to see it doubles as a divider a very clever design... you made a smashing job of your tool.

Anthony.
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: raynerd on April 06, 2017, 09:02:23 AM
 Thanks a lot for your reply. It's working just great!
Title: Re: Gear Depthing Tool Plans- ideas, suggestions, plans, machining order
Post by: mexican jon on April 06, 2017, 04:49:04 PM
 :D Nice Job  :thumbup: