Tom, This short video is a jewel! You have the knack of capturing the essence of solutions that engages the viewers to think for themselves. Knowing that I'll come away armed with new insight is what makes your videos so enjoyable. Keep up the good work! Richard
I think that short video is brilliant and most helpful to anyone that does not have the ready cash to an additional purchase a piece of equipment. Very well done sir.
I too am a beginner/hobbyist and stuck on desert Island lol, this video is the answer to the one question that been bugging me on my next project. So a BIG Thank You for this one Tom.
I love seeing both the complete view of how things are done in a well-outfitted shop, and how to get things done with minimal equipment and tooling. I'm blessed to have a surface grinder, which most obviously don't have, but I don't have much tooling for any machines yet at all. Seeing both sides (ideal and minimalist approaches) helps me know how to prioritize my tooling purchases, and helps me accomplish more before I have "everything" (as though that's ever possible). Thank you for all the information you share!!
+Jon Miller Hey Jon, Good point. The machines are just the beginning. Many have tooling needs that exceed the machine cost. Thanks for the comment. Cheers, Tom
I am a fabricator by trade...know to weld and fabricate many things...but have an earnest desire to expand my knowledge on milling...your videos and skill are great...but more importantly for me is I sense a great level of humility and thoughtfulness in the undertones of your voice....you would make a great teacher.....
Please!! keep making your videos. I watch lots of them and learn something every time. I am a home tinkerer and sometimes ya just can't come up with the fix. and here is where i find the answers. so, you and mr pete, and a few others keep me going. thanks again for your time you invest in doing these. I for one greatly appreciate it
Hi Flip, Good point. In most work the most cut down simplest and elegant designs are the most difficult. Anything can be achieved with massive applications of tooling, devices and contraptions. Regards, Tom
Hi Steve, It all boils down to basics. If you don't have those in the bag then might as well leave the bag at the mall. Thanks for the comment. Best, Tom
Nice video Tom thanks for bringing us back to earth. Lesson learned " don't forget the basics" How often do we just grab the rotary table and bang out a project and never think about those who have basic tooling. Great Lesson Thanks Scot
I will be making a draw bar with a square end for my mill what I learnt watching this video will save a lot of work setting up A BIG THANKS TOM. and now I know how to set up my vice for my Milling table after watching your video. Doug Mazonowicz.
Glad there are people like you out there. So many things that I just haven't thought of. I'm kinda limited on tooling myself, just the basic stuff and these videos open my eyes.
MrJoeGarner Hey Joe, You can make a heck of a lot of stuff with really simple hand tools. I am mesmerized watching Japanese blacksmiths make swords and knives with simple hand tools. Thanks for the comment. Cheers, Tom
Hi Dave, Thanks for the comment. Its about putting yourself in somebody else's shoes for a while. I find that when I do that I often make a new discovery in the process. This channel is supposed to be a two way street for that very reason. So far so good. Regards, Tom
very nice Tom, I discovered that in machine work, tooling addiction is closer aroud the corner than in other trades, like for instance, blacksmithing or woodworking. yet, the less special tools and more skilled thinking, the more elegant the solution; like in many other trades.. For me, this is where it really happens, Thanks.
Set up is everything in machining. I built a live steamer successfully, but do not claim to be a machinist. I love watching the basics as posted by others. Thank you.
Hi Bill, Thanks for the feedback. Sometimes I wonder because its so simple whether its important enough for documentation. I appreciate the comment. Best, Tom
Hi Don, Thanks for the comment. The older I get the less I realize I know. I hope to still be excited when I learn something new when I get older. Regards, Tom
Tom, You did a great job with the work stop. It looks like a store bought tool. Ive seen them in the SPI book for a while and always wanted one. Im glad you liked the "big boy" stuff! I knew you would have some experience with that! I wish I had video of some of the jobs we did in our Monarch. I'll hopefully be working on some new videos soon. I'll send dad your regards. Adam
Tom Many thanks for the video. I wish someone would have shared knowledge like you have when I was an apprentice. Currently I'm training an apprentice and he has said that there is a lot of information to take in so the short specific videos are a brilliant idea that I can get him to look at and learn from. Thanks again.
Great video Tom. Good solution to a problem in a simple but accurate way. I am just getting into the trade and your videos are supper helpful keep them coming.
Another vote for more of these, no one person can think of everything so watching others has to help increase knowledge. One of my mottos is "the more I know, the more I can do", I now know a little bit more, Work holding can often be a challenging exercise, requiring experience and some lateral thinking. Videos like this can help provide the experience, even if vicariously, as for lateral thinking the Greats have it, others must watch videos and increase the experience part.
Tom, A series like this would be excellent. I love seeing you use expensive equipment but its nice from a guy in his garage to see how I could manage jobs with a handyman budget. Thanks
Good video and lesson Tom. You did a great job showing that there's always other ways to machine something. You just have to think about it, and use a little bit of ingenuity with your set ups. BTW, I've always wanted one of those multi-axis work stops! I gotta get me one!
I am also starting out and have limited funds, or tooling.. thank you for the tip.. it has given me a new way to think about a couple projects i have been thinking about tackling.
I always enjoy videos like this one. A lot of my "hobbyist" machine work does not require high precision and the use of test indicators for ever setup. However, most work does need to be done "good enough." Simple setups using indexing are great time savers.
Hi Slickoz, That would have been the best way. Eric's part was long so laying it down in the vise was more representative of how he had to process the end. Thanks for the comment. Regards, Tom
I really like the basics videos. I would love to see more like this one. Fancy tooling is nice, but having the skills to make do (or build the fancy tool) is what I find fascinating.
Hi Adam, Thanks for the comment. The multi axis stop is shop built. I made it with a vertical bandsaw and a file. No rotary table. Looking forward to your next video. I really liked the "big boy" lathe work. Keep em coming. Say hi to your dad for me. Regards, Tom
Hi, I've recently found your videos and have to say I find them really interesting and informative. I've just retired and started getting into machining as a hobby. Thanks for the practical information and I'll keep in touch. Russell Brisbane Australia.
Hi Rich, Thanks for the kind words.. Be sure to let me know if there is something specific your apprentice needs. Always want to help the youngins get a good start in the trades. Regards, Tom
love this basic stuff to get me into a new way of thinking.i bought a mill and lathe to do parts for my dragbike .as I just got fed up of waiting weeks on machine shops to do my parts.
I am going to add to the pile of likes for this format. The fundamentals are a good portion of why I watch. I am a Telecom switch installer, not a machinist. I work with metal pretty often but I have to stumble across the better method the hard way. The project videos do a real good job of that but stepping out and handicapping yourself with tooling limitations is a good way to explore the basics.
Great video for a milling novice, so much to learn!! I like the wooden milling table covers, either side of the vice, will make some tomorrow. Regards Paul
Since I"m just starting out as well I found this very helpful - but how do you know how much to remove or depth of cut? Yes simple short video's like this for those of us who are an a very tight budget are extremely helpful Thanks for posting
Great tip, I have had to do the same thing but had limited success. Your method is great because it requires only 1 change of setup in the vice. Like a fool I didnt think of cutting from both sides thus insureing parrallel faces.. Thankis again
Hi Opinionator, Thanks for the comment. Eric actually end milled his key. I chose side milling because the work could be done in one index and I thought it looks better with the radius lead out. I think you are right that its probably stronger than end milling also. So pluses all around. Best, Tom
A fab little video and be great to see more. Maybe a theme of back to basics and how to do simple stuff without all the toys we have today.....and take for granted.
Tom loved the video, I think tips like this are informative as an addition to your project videos that we all love. Anytime you can slip in a tip like this I for one will appreciate it these kind of knowledge-bytes can be priceless to folks if it happens to light that Ah Ha bulb. So I give the idea of short tip videos a thumbs up, great idea.
Hi Ben, They are pretty much the same as the wood work versions. I poo poo them for years until I tried them. They do actually work well if you use them correctly. Thanks for the comment. Best, Tom
Hi Chris, Thanks for the comment. One of my motto's is be a great spy. Its amazing what you can learn just watching somebody go about their work. The old codgers I worked with wouldn't suffer basic obvious questions so you had to resort to watching and thinking. In retrospect I think this was their plan from the start. Regards, Tom
I like the basic information as it teaches to look at the problem and think of a solution, the advanced tooling was developed to solve these basic problems and make them easier and faster to deal with, understanding the problem is half the battle.
My $0.02 - I like videos like this. Not everyone is blessed with a shop full of tools (I raise my hand). Having to be creative with what you have is part of the fun. Since I haven't worked ton's of metal and my own experience is very light, being able to watch how an experience machinist approaches a job and the techniques they use gives me a bit of an experience surrogate. Learning from your experience and mistakes makes my learning easier - thank you!
Great videos.I think at a way of milling a square end having only the milling machine,a cutting tool and a way of holding the round on the milling table(vise or just some T clamps). Clamp the part perpendicular to the x axis with the end hanging out,and do all 4 cuts with the horizontal head.Or 3 cuts with the vertical head and the lower one with the horizontal.
Liked the vid! Sometimes going back to basics makes us think! Like the clamps they looked like a miniature version of a popular style wood working clamp. -Ben
Tom I saw this vid before and made a note of it. Just had a guy ask how he could make wrench flats on a round. sent him your link. Keep up the good work. Oh yeah the other day I was at the book store to pick up my fav. machining mag, it was not out yet so I wandered over to see what books they had (Small selection). I find thisbook thumb through the index and a few pages, think it looks like I could learn somethings from this book. Get home start reading get to pg.11 and go holy crep thats the Oxtools guy from all the utube vids I learned a lot from. Funny I would have bought the book faster if I had known it was you. (BTW it was Metalworking doing it better in case you have more than one book) so far the book is really good and a fun read. thanks for all the things you have tought me.
Hi Xonkkram1, Thanks for the comment and support. Glad you wandered over to the book department. Doing it better is actually me second book in case you are wondering. Cheers, Tom
Tim, great video as usual! I am always interested in seeing how others solve workholding puzzles. I also calibrate machine tools and often have to figure out how to fixture LASER interferometer optics to different machines on the fly..
Great video. Nice to see the brain put to work to solve a problem and find another way. You don't alway have the tooling or time to order and wait for it. Hopefully these videos do last a lifetime and are available for people to learn from. Even if RUclips ever goes away, I'm sure the videos will somehow survive and keep teaching. Joe
Hey Joe, I'm hoping these things will last as long as the internet lasts. Its seems like the new repository for the sum of all human experience. Thanks for the comment. Cheers, Tom
I don't even have 123 blocks, I just used a few parallels and a machinist square, placing those on the milling table helped me to rotate/line up the bar for the next cuts. I've only made a small chuck key for my 4 jaw chuck so far, I used the end of the cutter, never would have thought to use the side of it so thanks for that.
Hi Steve, 123 blocks are pretty cheap. If you catch them on sale and get the import brand you can get them for under thirty bucks. Maybe under twenty. Thanks for the comment. Cheers, Tom
Thanks Tom. I have that exact same problem--I need to make a chuck key or two, and I don't have a collet block or spin indexer, which would be the obvious choices to me.
I'm sure you have your own plans and projects, but I'd sure like to see more of this sort of thing. It seems every time I see people making something, they're using yet another tool I don't yet have in my arsenal. Thanks for the video :)
Hi Chris, That was method number sixty three. He would have had to make another chuck key to operate the chuck to make a chuck key. I think this is what is known as circular argument in mathematics. Regards, Tom
Nice teaching video. I am here after the event so to speak, But for somebody with very basic kit maybe one way is to drill and ream (or even forget the reaming) a hole the correct size in some square stock and put a grub screw in the side with a piece of ali or brass to prevent scoring of the work piece. Then its just a matter of turning the stock to get the 4 sides. This works with hex stock as well to get 3 or 6 sides if required. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. regards from the UK
Hi Coop, Thanks for the comment. You are right there are many ways and common items around that can help with decent indexing problems. Lots of folks get hung up if they think they don't have the right tool. All the best, Tom
oxtoolco i got to thinking... now i wonder if automotive/trailer hubs would be accurate enough for a more permanent fixture. stick a piece of pipe through a hub, stick it on a pair of rests or vees, drill and pin the hub to the pipe. a collet(maybe homebuilt) to fit the material, could be pulled tight into the pipe if it's not very long. for a longer piece, a drilled out pipe cap could push the collet in. another pin/bolt through the bolt hole on the flange into the base, tighten it to lock the angle, unbolt, rotate and put the bolt back in. could use other kinds of flanges, like 3bolt or 12, which would be too big. with decent scrounging or 4, 5, 6 and 8bolt hubs, there's angle steps of 45, 90, 72, 60, 120, 180 from relatively normal car hubs, if the pipe is drilled and bolted, it could be rotated in the hub to get 36 from a 5bolt. that is, -if- the hubs are at the proper angles. the same assembly through pillow blocks with another flange on the end would be useful as a light duty lathe headstock, i've been looking at possibly using 2" id pillow blocks for one in future, comically oversized. littlemachineshop has relatively cheap, though tiny, chucks that would work quite well for a starter homebuilt, or use the gingery method to chuck stuff. so, maybe a short series on experiments for diy metal shop equipment, you might look up matthias wandel on woodgears.ca, he's been building wooden woodshop tools, might inspire you. one thing that would be VERY useful, is lessons on how to make parallels from bar stock, maybe someone will send a link you could share.
Hi John, Thanks for the nice comment. I got somebody else interested in your Ikea LED lights. He bought four of them. You should get a stipend from Ikea. Regards, Tom
I know that I'm watching a video that's a year old, ( today, Oct. 13, 2014) but I thought it was great. Very informative for a newbie, to the world of metal machining. :-)
The more 'clamping work' videos you do the better off I will be! Home made jigs and fixture videos would be very helpful also. I'm new to machining so every little task is a learning experience for me. Thanks for the help... Take care, be safe!
Hey Tom I'm glad you helped me out on that one. Know I need to make two more Chuck keys. I just got a Monarch 16cy 18.5" swing by 30" between centers and 10 H.P. ABOM79 size lol. This lathe has a 12" chuck. I been thinking about this one what would be a nice design for a chuck key for this chuck? The one I have is too long. The handle is to big and handle slides. This time I want to make some thing more ergonomic any ideas. Thanks.
Hi Eric, Hope I did you justice. I re-read your questions and missed the fact that you had a set of v-blocks. Anyway thanks for making me think about something that I take for granted most of the time. I'll check out your slide show. Regards, Tom
Tom,
This short video is a jewel! You have the knack of capturing the essence of solutions that engages the viewers to think for themselves. Knowing that I'll come away armed with new insight is what makes your videos so enjoyable.
Keep up the good work!
Richard
I think that short video is brilliant and most helpful to anyone that does not have the ready cash to an additional purchase a piece of equipment. Very well done sir.
I too am a beginner/hobbyist and stuck on desert Island lol, this video is the answer to the one question that been bugging me on my next project. So a BIG Thank You for this one Tom.
Pure gold. I know I’m reaching back in your archives, but this is priceless information for us home gamers. Thanks Tom.
I love seeing both the complete view of how things are done in a well-outfitted shop, and how to get things done with minimal equipment and tooling. I'm blessed to have a surface grinder, which most obviously don't have, but I don't have much tooling for any machines yet at all. Seeing both sides (ideal and minimalist approaches) helps me know how to prioritize my tooling purchases, and helps me accomplish more before I have "everything" (as though that's ever possible). Thank you for all the information you share!!
+Jon Miller Hey Jon,
Good point. The machines are just the beginning. Many have tooling needs that exceed the machine cost. Thanks for the comment.
Cheers,
Tom
Doug Ankrum What in the world does that have to do with anything in this post??
I am a fabricator by trade...know to weld and fabricate many things...but have an earnest desire to expand my knowledge on milling...your videos and skill are great...but more importantly for me is I sense a great level of humility and thoughtfulness in the undertones of your voice....you would make a great teacher.....
+Danhill Oglive Hi Danhill,
Thanks for the nice comment.
Cheers,
Tom
Please!! keep making your videos. I watch lots of them and learn something every time. I am a home tinkerer and sometimes ya just can't come up with the fix. and here is where i find the answers. so, you and mr pete, and a few others keep me going. thanks again for your time you invest in doing these. I for one greatly appreciate it
Hi Kidd,
Thanks for the nice comment and feedback. Always nice to hear.
Cheers,
Tom
Hi Mick,
Stay tuned. Your not the only one interested in the multi axis stop. Thanks for the comment.
Best,
Tom
Hi Flip,
Good point. In most work the most cut down simplest and elegant designs are the most difficult. Anything can be achieved with massive applications of tooling, devices and contraptions.
Regards,
Tom
Hi Steve,
It all boils down to basics. If you don't have those in the bag then might as well leave the bag at the mall. Thanks for the comment.
Best,
Tom
Nice video Tom thanks for bringing us back to earth. Lesson learned " don't forget the basics" How often do we just grab the rotary table and bang out a project and never think about those who have basic tooling. Great Lesson
Thanks
Scot
Hi 787,
Thanks for the comment. You could fill several books with workholding stuff on its own.
Regards,
Tom
Thanks for the tip. Always nice to see a simple way of doing something that can be easily over thought out.
I will be making a draw bar with a square end for my mill what I learnt watching this video will save a lot of work setting up A BIG THANKS TOM. and now I know how to set up my vice for my Milling table after watching your video. Doug Mazonowicz.
Hi Jwsvandr,
Thanks for the comment. Setup change is the killer of accuracy. Glad you like the video.
Regards,
Tom
Glad there are people like you out there. So many things that I just haven't thought of. I'm kinda limited on tooling myself, just the basic stuff and these videos open my eyes.
MrJoeGarner Hey Joe,
You can make a heck of a lot of stuff with really simple hand tools. I am mesmerized watching Japanese blacksmiths make swords and knives with simple hand tools. Thanks for the comment.
Cheers,
Tom
Hi Richard,
Thanks for the nice comment. Glad you like the weeknight series.
Regards,
Tom
I like the idea of tips like this. Very helpful to someone who needs simple ways for doing things
Hi Dave,
Thanks for the comment. Its about putting yourself in somebody else's shoes for a while. I find that when I do that I often make a new discovery in the process. This channel is supposed to be a two way street for that very reason. So far so good.
Regards,
Tom
Hi Chuck,
Thanks for the comment.
Best,
Tom
very nice Tom,
I discovered that in machine work, tooling addiction is closer aroud the corner than in other trades, like for instance, blacksmithing or woodworking. yet, the less special tools and more skilled thinking, the more elegant the solution; like in many other trades.. For me, this is where it really happens, Thanks.
Set up is everything in machining. I built a live steamer successfully, but do not claim to be a machinist. I love watching the basics as posted by others. Thank you.
Hi Bill,
Thanks for the feedback. Sometimes I wonder because its so simple whether its important enough for documentation. I appreciate the comment.
Best,
Tom
Hi Don,
Thanks for the comment. The older I get the less I realize I know. I hope to still be excited when I learn something new when I get older.
Regards,
Tom
Tom,
You did a great job with the work stop. It looks like a store bought tool. Ive seen them in the SPI book for a while and always wanted one. Im glad you liked the "big boy" stuff! I knew you would have some experience with that! I wish I had video of some of the jobs we did in our Monarch. I'll hopefully be working on some new videos soon. I'll send dad your regards.
Adam
Tom
Many thanks for the video. I wish someone would have shared knowledge like you have when I was an apprentice. Currently I'm training an apprentice and he has said that there is a lot of information to take in so the short specific videos are a brilliant idea that I can get him to look at and learn from. Thanks again.
Great video Tom. Good solution to a problem in a simple but accurate way. I am just getting into the trade and your videos are supper helpful keep them coming.
Another vote for more of these, no one person can think of everything so watching others has to help increase knowledge. One of my mottos is "the more I know, the more I can do", I now know a little bit more, Work holding can often be a challenging exercise, requiring experience and some lateral thinking. Videos like this can help provide the experience, even if vicariously, as for lateral thinking the Greats have it, others must watch videos and increase the experience part.
These setup videos are gold. Thanks Tom
Tom,
A series like this would be excellent. I love seeing you use expensive equipment but its nice from a guy in his garage to see how I could manage jobs with a handyman budget.
Thanks
Good video and lesson Tom. You did a great job showing that there's always other ways to machine something. You just have to think about it, and use a little bit of ingenuity with your set ups. BTW, I've always wanted one of those multi-axis work stops! I gotta get me one!
More than one way to get it done.Holding the job is half the battle.Thanks for making cool videos.
Hi Nonames,
Thanks for the comment. I agree short, single subject like a quick magazine article. Easier to upload also.
Regards,
Tom
Hi Tesduck,
Trying for no child left behind. Thanks for the comment.
Best,
Tom
Hi Togaida,
Stay tuned more on the multi axis stop coming. Thanks for the comment.
Best,
Tom
8 yrs later and as a NEW (self taught/learning) Hobby machinist this is interesting video to me. New sub for sure.
I am also starting out and have limited funds, or tooling.. thank you for the tip.. it has given me a new way to think about a couple projects i have been thinking about tackling.
I always enjoy videos like this one. A lot of my "hobbyist" machine work does not require high precision and the use of test indicators for ever setup. However, most work does need to be done "good enough." Simple setups using indexing are great time savers.
Hi Gizzo,
Glad you like the show. Thanks for the comment.
Best,
Tom
Hi Slickoz,
That would have been the best way. Eric's part was long so laying it down in the vise was more representative of how he had to process the end. Thanks for the comment.
Regards,
Tom
Hi Jack,
The little parallel clamps are Starrett's. Ebay is loaded with them. Thanks for the comment.
Best,
Tom
Hi Daniel,
Thanks for the comment. Let me know if you run into something you wonder about.
Regards,
Tom
Hi Lures,
Coming right up. Thanks for the comment.
Best,
Tom
I really like the basics videos. I would love to see more like this one. Fancy tooling is nice, but having the skills to make do (or build the fancy tool) is what I find fascinating.
Hi Adam,
Thanks for the comment. The multi axis stop is shop built. I made it with a vertical bandsaw and a file. No rotary table. Looking forward to your next video. I really liked the "big boy" lathe work. Keep em coming. Say hi to your dad for me.
Regards,
Tom
Hi Ansty,
Thanks for the comment.
Best,
Tom
Hi, I've recently found your videos and have to say I find them really interesting and informative. I've just retired and started getting into machining as a hobby. Thanks for the practical information and I'll keep in touch. Russell Brisbane Australia.
Hi Russell,
Welcome to the show. A perfect hobby to do in your retirement. Thanks for the comment.
Cheers,
Tom
Hi Ironheart,
Thanks for the comment. I have one or two more tricks up my sleeve for you guys.
Regards,
Tom
Hi Rich,
Thanks for the kind words.. Be sure to let me know if there is something specific your apprentice needs. Always want to help the youngins get a good start in the trades.
Regards,
Tom
love this basic stuff to get me into a new way of thinking.i bought a mill and lathe to do parts for my dragbike .as I just got fed up of waiting weeks on machine shops to do my parts.
Excellent. I also like the wood table that has the radius cut to your vise. Demon for details!
I am going to add to the pile of likes for this format. The fundamentals are a good portion of why I watch. I am a Telecom switch installer, not a machinist. I work with metal pretty often but I have to stumble across the better method the hard way. The project videos do a real good job of that but stepping out and handicapping yourself with tooling limitations is a good way to explore the basics.
Thanks Tom, this format for the occasional quick lesson is very good.
Glen Lynch Hi Glen,
Thanks for the comment.
Cheers,
Tom
Hi Tom,
Thanks for the comment.
Best,
Tom
Great video for a milling novice, so much to learn!!
I like the wooden milling table covers, either side of the vice, will make some tomorrow.
Regards Paul
Hi Peter,
Don't forget the lathe when you pack. Thanks for the comment.
Regards,
Tom
Since I"m just starting out as well I found this very helpful - but how do you know how much to remove or depth of cut? Yes simple short video's like this for those of us who are an a very tight budget are extremely helpful Thanks for posting
Great tip, I have had to do the same thing but had limited success. Your method is great because it requires only 1 change of setup in the vice. Like a fool I didnt think of cutting from both sides thus insureing parrallel faces.. Thankis again
Hi Opinionator,
Thanks for the comment. Eric actually end milled his key. I chose side milling because the work could be done in one index and I thought it looks better with the radius lead out. I think you are right that its probably stronger than end milling also. So pluses all around.
Best,
Tom
A fab little video and be great to see more. Maybe a theme of back to basics and how to do simple stuff without all the toys we have today.....and take for granted.
That was really a smart way to overcome a problem. Thanks for making the video.
Hey Fart,
Couldn't resist :)) Thanks for the comment.
Happy holidays.
Tom
Tom loved the video, I think tips like this are informative as an addition to your project videos that we all love. Anytime you can slip in a tip like this I for one will appreciate it these kind of knowledge-bytes can be priceless to folks if it happens to light that Ah Ha bulb.
So I give the idea of short tip videos a thumbs up, great idea.
Hi Ben,
They are pretty much the same as the wood work versions. I poo poo them for years until I tried them. They do actually work well if you use them correctly. Thanks for the comment.
Best,
Tom
Hi Eagle,
Thanks for the comment. Grog say simple =good.
Best,
Tom
Hi Chris,
Thanks for the comment. One of my motto's is be a great spy. Its amazing what you can learn just watching somebody go about their work. The old codgers I worked with wouldn't suffer basic obvious questions so you had to resort to watching and thinking. In retrospect I think this was their plan from the start.
Regards,
Tom
Thanks for taking the time to help all us amatuers along.
+alex laverick Hi Alex,
Thanks for the comment.
Cheers,
Tom
I like the basic information as it teaches to look at the problem and think of a solution, the advanced tooling was developed to solve these basic problems and make them easier and faster to deal with, understanding the problem is half the battle.
My $0.02 - I like videos like this. Not everyone is blessed with a shop full of tools (I raise my hand). Having to be creative with what you have is part of the fun.
Since I haven't worked ton's of metal and my own experience is very light, being able to watch how an experience machinist approaches a job and the techniques they use gives me a bit of an experience surrogate. Learning from your experience and mistakes makes my learning easier - thank you!
Hi Freeman,
Thanks for the comment.
Regards,
Tom
Hi Scot,
Thanks for the comment. You never know what you might have to do with your leatherman.
Regards,
Tom
Hi Michael,
Shop built. In fact it was made mostly on the vertical bandsaw and a lot of filing.
Best,
Tom
thanks for the videos I appreciate them and learn a lot from them I like how you go into detail where its important. love the videos!! , mark
+mark m Hi Mark,
Thanks for the comment.
Cheers,
Tom
2:23-2;40 pretty much sums up my apprenticeship. Leaning in this method however gives a much better understanding of work as we progress.
Ah another graduate of the kick, scream, squirm, flail and flop school of hard knocks. Class of 85 Here.
cheers,
Tom
Tom that was good. I'm always interested in solving those types of problems with minimal tooling and measuring eqp.
Great videos.I think at a way of milling a square end having only the milling machine,a cutting tool and a way of holding the round on the milling table(vise or just some T clamps).
Clamp the part perpendicular to the x axis with the end hanging out,and do all 4 cuts with the horizontal head.Or 3 cuts with the vertical head and the lower one with the horizontal.
+pasbogdan Hi Pas,
That would work as well. Thanks for the comment.
Cheers,
Tom
Liked the vid! Sometimes going back to basics makes us think! Like the clamps they looked like a miniature version of a popular style wood working clamp. -Ben
Great video for us who lack experience and equipment.....thanks
Tom I saw this vid before and made a note of it. Just had a guy ask how he could make wrench flats on a round. sent him your link. Keep up the good work.
Oh yeah the other day I was at the book store to pick up my fav. machining mag, it was not out yet so I wandered over to see what books they had (Small selection). I find thisbook thumb through the index and a few pages, think it looks like I could learn somethings from this book. Get home start reading get to pg.11 and go holy crep thats the Oxtools guy from all the utube vids I learned a lot from. Funny I would have bought the book faster if I had known it was you. (BTW it was Metalworking doing it better in case you have more than one book) so far the book is really good and a fun read. thanks for all the things you have tought me.
Hi Xonkkram1,
Thanks for the comment and support. Glad you wandered over to the book department. Doing it better is actually me second book in case you are wondering.
Cheers,
Tom
oxtoolco Found it Will get it when I finish this one Thank you!
this helps me out tons, always happy to learn something i might need one day, it will help me out in my trade.
+cbeaulac Hi C,
Thanks for the comment.
Cheers,
Tom
Tom, teaching the tricks is good thing. I watched with interest! Short and sweet can be good sometimes as well. Thanks, Larry
Tim, great video as usual! I am always interested in seeing how others solve workholding puzzles. I also calibrate machine tools and often have to figure out how to fixture LASER interferometer optics to different machines on the fly..
Hey Victor,
Thanks for the comment. What area of the country are you in?
Cheers,
Tom
Great video. Nice to see the brain put to work to solve a problem and find another way. You don't alway have the tooling or time to order and wait for it. Hopefully these videos do last a lifetime and are available for people to learn from. Even if RUclips ever goes away, I'm sure the videos will somehow survive and keep teaching.
Joe
Hey Joe,
I'm hoping these things will last as long as the internet lasts. Its seems like the new repository for the sum of all human experience. Thanks for the comment.
Cheers,
Tom
I don't even have 123 blocks, I just used a few parallels and a machinist square, placing those on the milling table helped me to rotate/line up the bar for the next cuts. I've only made a small chuck key for my 4 jaw chuck so far, I used the end of the cutter, never would have thought to use the side of it so thanks for that.
Hi Steve,
123 blocks are pretty cheap. If you catch them on sale and get the import brand you can get them for under thirty bucks. Maybe under twenty. Thanks for the comment.
Cheers,
Tom
Thanks Tom. I have that exact same problem--I need to make a chuck key or two, and I don't have a collet block or spin indexer, which would be the obvious choices to me.
+Rick Rose Hi Rick,
Thanks for the comment.
Cheers,
Tom
I'm sure you have your own plans and projects, but I'd sure like to see more of this sort of thing. It seems every time I see people making something, they're using yet another tool I don't yet have in my arsenal. Thanks for the video :)
Hi IB,
Thanks for the comment and feedback,
All the best,
Tom
Hi Mike,
Put up a link to your site so everybody can have a look. Thanks for the comment.
Regards,
Tom
Hi Chris,
That was method number sixty three. He would have had to make another chuck key to operate the chuck to make a chuck key. I think this is what is known as circular argument in mathematics.
Regards,
Tom
Nice teaching video. I am here after the event so to speak, But for somebody with very basic kit maybe one way is to drill and ream (or even forget the reaming) a hole the correct size in some square stock and put a grub screw in the side with a piece of ali or brass to prevent scoring of the work piece. Then its just a matter of turning the stock to get the 4 sides. This works with hex stock as well to get 3 or 6 sides if required. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. regards from the UK
Hi Coop,
Thanks for the comment. You are right there are many ways and common items around that can help with decent indexing problems. Lots of folks get hung up if they think they don't have the right tool.
All the best,
Tom
oxtoolco i got to thinking... now i wonder if automotive/trailer hubs would be accurate enough for a more permanent fixture. stick a piece of pipe through a hub, stick it on a pair of rests or vees, drill and pin the hub to the pipe. a collet(maybe homebuilt) to fit the material, could be pulled tight into the pipe if it's not very long. for a longer piece, a drilled out pipe cap could push the collet in. another pin/bolt through the bolt hole on the flange into the base, tighten it to lock the angle, unbolt, rotate and put the bolt back in.
could use other kinds of flanges, like 3bolt or 12, which would be too big. with decent scrounging or 4, 5, 6 and 8bolt hubs, there's angle steps of 45, 90, 72, 60, 120, 180 from relatively normal car hubs, if the pipe is drilled and bolted, it could be rotated in the hub to get 36 from a 5bolt. that is, -if- the hubs are at the proper angles.
the same assembly through pillow blocks with another flange on the end would be useful as a light duty lathe headstock, i've been looking at possibly using 2" id pillow blocks for one in future, comically oversized. littlemachineshop has relatively cheap, though tiny, chucks that would work quite well for a starter homebuilt, or use the gingery method to chuck stuff.
so, maybe a short series on experiments for diy metal shop equipment, you might look up matthias wandel on woodgears.ca, he's been building wooden woodshop tools, might inspire you. one thing that would be VERY useful, is lessons on how to make parallels from bar stock, maybe someone will send a link you could share.
I think over time, examples of different setups will be popular videos.
Don't be afraid to keep videos short like this - one topic videos.
Hi John,
Thanks for the support. I already have a subject for the next one.
Regards,
Tom
Hi Tom at 71 years old I am still learning.
The Best to you
Hi Dan,
Thanks for the kind words.
Regards,
Tom
Hi Monkey,
Thanks for the comment.
Best,
Tom
Hi John,
Thanks for the nice comment. I got somebody else interested in your Ikea LED lights. He bought four of them. You should get a stipend from Ikea.
Regards,
Tom
lmao I just watched your next video and its about your mill stop!!!!! your a brilliant man!!!
I know that I'm watching a video that's a year old, ( today, Oct. 13, 2014) but I thought it was great. Very informative for a newbie, to the world of metal machining. :-)
Hi Dave,
Thanks for the comment. These tricks (and hopefully the videos) will last a lifetime.
All the best,
Tom
The more 'clamping work' videos you do the better off I will be! Home made jigs and fixture videos would be very helpful also. I'm new to machining so every little task is a learning experience for me. Thanks for the help... Take care, be safe!
Hey Tom I'm glad you helped me out on that one. Know I need to make two more Chuck keys. I just got a Monarch 16cy 18.5" swing by 30" between centers and 10 H.P. ABOM79 size lol. This lathe has a 12" chuck. I been thinking about this one what would be a nice design for a chuck key for this chuck? The one I have is too long. The handle is to big and handle slides. This time I want to make some thing more ergonomic any ideas. Thanks.
Hi Eric,
Hope I did you justice. I re-read your questions and missed the fact that you had a set of v-blocks. Anyway thanks for making me think about something that I take for granted most of the time. I'll check out your slide show.
Regards,
Tom
Cool, one of a hundred ways I didn't know about. I really like that mill stop, is that shop built or store bought?
If you were on an island with a milling machine (provided you had electricity), that would be an awesome life.