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Optical center punch
How did I ever live without this? In my little world, I have had to mark
and drill holes for bolts, threads and pins and have gotten lucky and not so lucky. The mark of a good machinist is how well he RECOVERS from little inaccuracies. My designs have always included fudge-factors for eyeballed holes, as setting-up edgefinders and using the BP for drilling every hole is just too time consuming and relies on accurate edges, good math and back-lash problems. My thanks to the person that came up with the optical center punch, it sure fills a spectrum of jobs. I think this should be one of the first tools in a machinist's box! |
Optical center punch
Tom Gardner wrote:
How did I ever live without this? In my little world, I have had to mark and drill holes for bolts, threads and pins and have gotten lucky and not so lucky. The mark of a good machinist is how well he RECOVERS from little inaccuracies. My designs have always included fudge-factors for eyeballed holes, as setting-up edgefinders and using the BP for drilling every hole is just too time consuming and relies on accurate edges, good math and back-lash problems. My thanks to the person that came up with the optical center punch, it sure fills a spectrum of jobs. I think this should be one of the first tools in a machinist's box! How 'bout a link, Tom? |
Optical center punch
Well, now. There's an endorsement for you. I think I've seen what
you're talking about but I'm not sure. I believe I just assumed it was an expensive toy, and moved on. You gotta pointer to the one you like? You mind if I ask what one might expect to spend on one? So, how 'ya been? I've been in hibernation for a while, I guess. Sorry. L8r, tg. Tom Gardner wrote: How did I ever live without this? In my little world, I have had to mark and drill holes for bolts, threads and pins and have gotten lucky and not so lucky. The mark of a good machinist is how well he RECOVERS from little inaccuracies. My designs have always included fudge-factors for eyeballed holes, as setting-up edgefinders and using the BP for drilling every hole is just too time consuming and relies on accurate edges, good math and back-lash problems. My thanks to the person that came up with the optical center punch, it sure fills a spectrum of jobs. I think this should be one of the first tools in a machinist's box! -- To reply by mail, remove all lower case letters in my return address ). |
Optical center punch
"BillP" wrote in message news:R_83f.5525$MN6.2038@fed1read04... Tom Gardner wrote: How did I ever live without this? In my little world, I have had to mark and drill holes for bolts, threads and pins and have gotten lucky and not so lucky. The mark of a good machinist is how well he RECOVERS from little inaccuracies. My designs have always included fudge-factors for eyeballed holes, as setting-up edgefinders and using the BP for drilling every hole is just too time consuming and relies on accurate edges, good math and back-lash problems. My thanks to the person that came up with the optical center punch, it sure fills a spectrum of jobs. I think this should be one of the first tools in a machinist's box! How 'bout a link, Tom? I googled it and found a bunch. I bought one from one of my customers, "Production Tool Supply" but, I would recommend Fowler...just because Fred is such a good guy...and it's $10 cheaper! |
Optical center punch
Tom Gardner wrote:
"BillP" wrote in message news:R_83f.5525$MN6.2038@fed1read04... Tom Gardner wrote: How did I ever live without this? In my little world, I have had to mark and drill holes for bolts, threads and pins and have gotten lucky and not so lucky. The mark of a good machinist is how well he RECOVERS from little inaccuracies. My designs have always included fudge-factors for eyeballed holes, as setting-up edgefinders and using the BP for drilling every hole is just too time consuming and relies on accurate edges, good math and back-lash problems. My thanks to the person that came up with the optical center punch, it sure fills a spectrum of jobs. I think this should be one of the first tools in a machinist's box! How 'bout a link, Tom? I googled it and found a bunch. I bought one from one of my customers, "Production Tool Supply" but, I would recommend Fowler...just because Fred is such a good guy...and it's $10 cheaper! This is the one I use http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=45502&cat=1,42936,50298 Ken. |
Optical center punch
"The other Thomas Gardner" wrote in message ... Well, now. There's an endorsement for you. I think I've seen what you're talking about but I'm not sure. I believe I just assumed it was an expensive toy, and moved on. You gotta pointer to the one you like? You mind if I ask what one might expect to spend on one? So, how 'ya been? I've been in hibernation for a while, I guess. Sorry. L8r, tg. This tool's an epiphany! I wish I had one 30 years ago...especially with my eyes aging. Google it, they are $50 to $80 and worth many times that. The one I have is: "On Mark", Simple enough to make, you might have a couple hours in it. Get the "Fowler" one, it's cheaper and Fred's a third-generation indentured family servitude guy. Been good! My dad just passed a few weeks ago...a good thing. We're building 2 new machines, one for flat wire and one for wire wheels. Glad you're still drawing breath, hope all's well with you and the better half. |
Optical center punch
"Tom Gardner" wrote in message ... "The other Thomas Gardner" wrote in message ... Well, now. There's an endorsement for you. I think I've seen what you're talking about but I'm not sure. I believe I just assumed it was an expensive toy, and moved on. You gotta pointer to the one you like? You mind if I ask what one might expect to spend on one? So, how 'ya been? I've been in hibernation for a while, I guess. Sorry. L8r, tg. This tool's an epiphany! I wish I had one 30 years ago...especially with my eyes aging. Google it, they are $50 to $80 and worth many times that. The one I have is: "On Mark", Simple enough to make, you might have a couple hours in it. Get the "Fowler" one, it's cheaper and Fred's a third-generation indentured family servitude guy. Been good! My dad just passed a few weeks ago...a good thing. We're building 2 new machines, one for flat wire and one for wire wheels. Glad you're still drawing breath, hope all's well with you and the better half. |
Optical center punch
On Wed, 12 Oct 2005 14:53:53 GMT, "Tom Gardner"
wrote: This tool's an epiphany! I wish I had one 30 years ago...especially with my eyes aging. Google it, they are $50 to $80 and worth many times that. The one I have is: "On Mark", Simple enough to make, you might have a couple hours in it. Get the "Fowler" one, it's cheaper and Fred's a third-generation indentured family servitude guy. Here is another handy gadget: http://tinyurl.com/8quak It goes in a 3/8" collet in a mill -- or in the chuck of a drillpress. They go on sale now and then for under $100. Aside from centering for drilling, it's also useful for measuring between features that are hard to "grab" with calipers or a mike. Find edge or feature with reticle, zero the DRO, find other feature, read the DRO. |
Optical center punch
Tom Gardner wrote:
How did I ever live without this? In my little world, I have had to mark and drill holes for bolts, threads and pins and have gotten lucky and not so lucky. The mark of a good machinist is how well he RECOVERS from little inaccuracies. My designs have always included fudge-factors for eyeballed holes, as setting-up edgefinders and using the BP for drilling every hole is just too time consuming and relies on accurate edges, good math and back-lash problems. My thanks to the person that came up with the optical center punch, it sure fills a spectrum of jobs. I think this should be one of the first tools in a machinist's box! If the base is accidentally moved between lining up the mark and exchanging the optic rod for the centre punch, presumably you don't find out until you've punched the wrong place? I guess people don't find this a problem... Chris |
Optical center punch
Christopher Tidy wrote:
Tom Gardner wrote: How did I ever live without this? In my little world, I have had to mark and drill holes for bolts, threads and pins and have gotten lucky and not so lucky. The mark of a good machinist is how well he RECOVERS from little inaccuracies. My designs have always included fudge-factors for eyeballed holes, as setting-up edgefinders and using the BP for drilling every hole is just too time consuming and relies on accurate edges, good math and back-lash problems. My thanks to the person that came up with the optical center punch, it sure fills a spectrum of jobs. I think this should be one of the first tools in a machinist's box! If the base is accidentally moved between lining up the mark and exchanging the optic rod for the centre punch, presumably you don't find out until you've punched the wrong place? I guess people don't find this a problem... Chris Oh, it's a problem all right. My technique is to give the punch the lightest of taps. If all worked well (one gets better with practice) it is easy to drag the point of the punch into the mark and hit it again to obtain the appropriate dimple. If I did miss - try again. Ken. |
Optical center punch
Love mine too - Got the one from Leevalley. It has a rubber ring on the
bottom that helps keep it secure. Not too expensive either Tom |
Optical center punch
You know, I almost bought one off ebay last week, but declined to bid
because I wasn't sure it wouldn't just wind up as another unused tool, and I have lots of those. I'll take another look, thanks - - Rex Burkheimer Fort Worth TX Tom Gardner wrote: How did I ever live without this? In my little world, I have had to mark and drill holes for bolts, threads and pins and have gotten lucky and not so lucky. The mark of a good machinist is how well he RECOVERS from little inaccuracies. My designs have always included fudge-factors for eyeballed holes, as setting-up edgefinders and using the BP for drilling every hole is just too time consuming and relies on accurate edges, good math and back-lash problems. My thanks to the person that came up with the optical center punch, it sure fills a spectrum of jobs. I think this should be one of the first tools in a machinist's box! |
Optical center punch
On Wed, 12 Oct 2005 07:50:59 -0700, "Ken Davey"
wrote: Tom Gardner wrote: "BillP" wrote in message news:R_83f.5525$MN6.2038@fed1read04... Tom Gardner wrote: How did I ever live without this? In my little world, I have had to mark and drill holes for bolts, threads and pins and have gotten lucky and not so lucky. The mark of a good machinist is how well he RECOVERS from little inaccuracies. My designs have always included fudge-factors for eyeballed holes, as setting-up edgefinders and using the BP for drilling every hole is just too time consuming and relies on accurate edges, good math and back-lash problems. My thanks to the person that came up with the optical center punch, it sure fills a spectrum of jobs. I think this should be one of the first tools in a machinist's box! How 'bout a link, Tom? I googled it and found a bunch. I bought one from one of my customers, "Production Tool Supply" but, I would recommend Fowler...just because Fred is such a good guy...and it's $10 cheaper! This is the one I use http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=45502&cat=1,42936,50298 Ken. Hey Ken, $31.50 US on your webpage, $39.50 Cdn in the 2005/2006 Canadian catalogue which arrived with the Bull O' the Woods books yesterday. Some other neat stuff there too. Brian. |
Optical center punch
I snagged one on ebay for $75, new condition, a while back...darn thing
is one of the most useful things I have ever paid for. All I can say is it's like when someone told me "If you use your Bridgeport a lot, get a DRO"...I did, and they were 100% right, makes working on projects boatloads more enjoyable...same can be said for the centering scope...keep an eye open on ebay, if you take your time, they pop up every two weeks or so...don't pay more than $100 ish though...mine is a ECCO, very nice :-) John PS There is one on ebay right now....#7553612161 some one should call it so there is not a bidding war amungst us gents ;-) |
Optical center punch
On 12 Oct 2005 19:12:08 -0700, "CAMCOMPCO"
wrote: I snagged one on ebay for $75, new condition, a while back...darn thing is one of the most useful things I have ever paid for. All I can say is it's like when someone told me "If you use your Bridgeport a lot, get a DRO"...I did, and they were 100% right, makes working on projects boatloads more enjoyable...same can be said for the centering scope...keep an eye open on ebay, if you take your time, they pop up every two weeks or so...don't pay more than $100 ish though...mine is a ECCO, very nice :-) John PS There is one on ebay right now....#7553612161 some one should call it so there is not a bidding war amungst us gents ;-) They're pretty easy to make, too, if you have some acrylic rod. I made one and use it regularly. Pete Keillor |
Optical center punch
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Optical center punch
Here's a guy that made his own:
http://www.nucleus.com/~harlan/punch.html looks like it's pretty straight forward and not requiring too much skill or special material. Fits in with our motto of "Making tools for making more tools". Bob |
Optical center punch
Keywords:
In article , wrote: see http://www.thomasregister.com/olc/59531509/optical.htm one of the better tools I ever bought. Esp. good when you get older and can't see like you used to. Magnetic base is very good. This one looks much nicer than most I've seen. Any idea how much they cost? Doug White |
Optical center punch
Magnetic base, what a great idea.
Now I know how to make mine based on an earlier posters home build instructions http://www.nucleus.com/~harlan/punch.html and instead of a steel base, I'll use an old speaker magnet! Anyone else is allowed to copy my idea for home use..... for commercial use a few beers would go down well! Peter "Doug White" wrote in message ... Keywords: In article , wrote: see http://www.thomasregister.com/olc/59531509/optical.htm one of the better tools I ever bought. Esp. good when you get older and can't see like you used to. Magnetic base is very good. This one looks much nicer than most I've seen. Any idea how much they cost? Doug White |
Optical center punch
"Bushy Pete" wrote in message
... Magnetic base, what a great idea. Now I know how to make mine based on an earlier posters home build instructions http://www.nucleus.com/~harlan/punch.html and instead of a steel base, I'll use an old speaker magnet! Moving it around would be the problem then, not keeping it still. :) A couple of small neodym magnets should do it. I'm sure some clever soul will figure out a good way to pivot or raise them out the way until you want it clamp to the surface. How about a 3W Luxeon light and electromagnet base? Now we're talking "project". Anyone else is allowed to copy my idea for home use..... for commercial use a few beers would go down well! I say have a few more beers, and think the idear through to completion. |
Optical center punch
"Bushy Pete" wrote in message ... Magnetic base, what a great idea. Now I know how to make mine based on an earlier posters home build instructions http://www.nucleus.com/~harlan/punch.html and instead of a steel base, I'll use an old speaker magnet! Anyone else is allowed to copy my idea for home use..... for commercial use a few beers would go down well! If you had a full time magnet this might be annoying to place dead on target. Perhaps you could make a design that worked like an indicator base where you could align it, then press the button to engage the magnet. -- Roger Shoaf If knowledge is power, and power corrupts, what does this say about the Congress? |
Optical center punch
On Sun, 16 Oct 2005 16:24:33 -0700, "Roger Shoaf"
wrote: "Bushy Pete" wrote in message ... Magnetic base, what a great idea. Now I know how to make mine based on an earlier posters home build instructions http://www.nucleus.com/~harlan/punch.html and instead of a steel base, I'll use an old speaker magnet! Anyone else is allowed to copy my idea for home use..... for commercial use a few beers would go down well! If you had a full time magnet this might be annoying to place dead on target. Perhaps you could make a design that worked like an indicator base where you could align it, then press the button to engage the magnet. Just making it heavy with a non-skid surface, rubber or cork for instance, will work fine. ERS |
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