Metalworking (rec.crafts.metalworking) Discuss various aspects of working with metal, such as machining, welding, metal joining, screwing, casting, hardening/tempering, blacksmithing/forging, spinning and hammer work, sheet metal work.

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  #1   Report Post  
Tom Gardner
 
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Default 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!


  #2   Report Post  
BillP
 
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Default 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?
  #3   Report Post  
The other Thomas Gardner
 
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Default 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
).
  #4   Report Post  
Tom Gardner
 
Posts: n/a
Default 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!


  #5   Report Post  
Ken Davey
 
Posts: n/a
Default 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.




  #6   Report Post  
Tom Gardner
 
Posts: n/a
Default 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.


  #7   Report Post  
Rick
 
Posts: n/a
Default 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.




  #8   Report Post  
Don Foreman
 
Posts: n/a
Default 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.
  #9   Report Post  
Christopher Tidy
 
Posts: n/a
Default 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

  #10   Report Post  
Ken Davey
 
Posts: n/a
Default 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.




  #11   Report Post  
surftom
 
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Default 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

  #12   Report Post  
Rex B
 
Posts: n/a
Default 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!


  #13   Report Post  
Brian Lawson
 
Posts: n/a
Default 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.
  #14   Report Post  
CAMCOMPCO
 
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Default 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
;-)

  #15   Report Post  
Pete Keillor
 
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Default 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


  #17   Report Post  
Bob Engelhardt
 
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Default 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
  #19   Report Post  
Doug White
 
Posts: n/a
Default 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

  #20   Report Post  
Bushy Pete
 
Posts: n/a
Default 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





  #21   Report Post  
Mike Young
 
Posts: n/a
Default 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.

  #22   Report Post  
Roger Shoaf
 
Posts: n/a
Default 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?


  #23   Report Post  
Eric R Snow
 
Posts: n/a
Default 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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