My favorite way to measure tool height is to measure from the outsite diameter of an part in the chuck straight down to the cutting edge oft the tool close to the part's face. This should be half of the parts diameter. This method gives you an value of the needed shim stock, if you don't have an adjustment. If important, then fine check the hight with a very light facing cut. Comparing the tool to the tail stock might misslead you with some import lathes. Mine was off center by 0.1 mm.
Not sure who would tell you that, as a machinist for nearly half a century, I have never heard anyone say that, including tool manufacturers and machine builders. To my knowledge, tools are designed to be exactly on center. Of course we know that in machining terms, there is no such thing as exactly. Therefore, the preference is to be "slightly" below center. Slightly meaning as close to the center as possible without being above, as any amount over will cause poor finish, chatter and chipping tools, especially carbide tools! Above center will cause the tool to rub the part under the cutting edge as that diameter will be larger than where the tip of the tool is trying to cut. The terms above and below, are of course relative to the cutting edge of the tool, and not predicated by the direction of gravity to the cutting edge, since many lathes and turning operations apply the cutting edge of the tools at many different locations around the circumference of the spindle.
Simple, quick, to the point. Found some other very confusing videos and this one cuts through the crap. Thanks.
For center height setting, how do you feel about making light face cuts until you don’t leave a little knub?
I made this video for apprentices and people new to machining
depending on your skill level that will work out OK
but you must go from lower to higher
Yea, cause if you're above center the body of the insert or cutter itself will basically rub the nipple off.
Good idea! You could also leave a knub about the size of a pencil eraser and use the center of that knub as a guide.
👍🏻
My favorite way to measure tool height is to measure from the outsite diameter of an part in the chuck straight down to the cutting edge oft the tool close to the part's face. This should be half of the parts diameter. This method gives you an value of the needed shim stock, if you don't have an adjustment. If important, then fine check the hight with a very light facing cut.
Comparing the tool to the tail stock might misslead you with some import lathes. Mine was off center by 0.1 mm.
that is a good idea
thank you for sharing
Ray
Some really good tips. I always learn something from your videos.
Glad to hear it!
Ok that's it... Making a custom tool height tool. Will be fantastic for my hardinge chucker!
Thanks for sharing hopefully everything goes well with the build
And thank you for taking the time to call me it’s very much appreciated
Ray
take a face cut and adjust until it leaves no nub in the center
Very handy to know, thank you from Aus!!
Well that was easier than expected. Lol!
thank you for taking the time to comment
Ray
Laser level.
Carbide - Lathe Inserts are designed to operate slightly above center line.
Is slightly a technical term?
if they were designed to be placed above center, they would have an exact dimension
Not sure who would tell you that, as a machinist for nearly half a century, I have never heard anyone say that, including tool manufacturers and machine builders. To my knowledge, tools are designed to be exactly on center. Of course we know that in machining terms, there is no such thing as exactly. Therefore, the preference is to be "slightly" below center. Slightly meaning as close to the center as possible without being above, as any amount over will cause poor finish, chatter and chipping tools, especially carbide tools! Above center will cause the tool to rub the part under the cutting edge as that diameter will be larger than where the tip of the tool is trying to cut. The terms above and below, are of course relative to the cutting edge of the tool, and not predicated by the direction of gravity to the cutting edge, since many lathes and turning operations apply the cutting edge of the tools at many different locations around the circumference of the spindle.