Mini lathe/mill project No.4 Marking gauge

[neksmerj]

Dear Members,

This next little project was a real test of my newly learned skills, and involves turning, milling, drilling, tapping, threading and knurling. All these operations were done on my Unimat 3 mini lathe/mill. Being a novice, if I can do it, so can you.

I chose brass for the body, mainly because of what material I had on hand, and when polished, would look the part.

The body and adjusting block were drilled out 10 dia in one piece, then parted off with a slitting saw. See earlier Slitting saw project No.1 5/9/07.

I use this item to scribe lines a certain distance in from the edge of the work, or down the centre line. The scribed lines are used to locate hole centres, etc.

The thumb screws and adjustment wheel were knurled with my knurling tool, see earlier Knurling tool project No.3 22/9/07. The diamond pattern was achieved by swinging the knurling around on the saddle.

I use my digital vernier to set the distance, then transfer this to the marking gauge.
Fine adjustment is achieved by using the adjustment wheel.

Attached are some photos and a couple of drawings.

I find this little gadget very handy, it's almost too good to use. Might even be a usefull item for wood workers.

There are more projects to come, if anyone is interested.

Ken

[pipeclay]

how did you get on with your other problems chuck ,carbide tips

[neksmerj]

Hi Pipeclay,

I have virtually given up using my 3 jaw chuck, and now use the 4 jaw and clock dial.

The carbide tipped tool works really well, with a better quality tip. Tip chipping was caused by hitting intermittent work, ie, turning square material into round.

Thanks for asking,

Ken

[neksmerj]

Dear Members,

It seams I might be wasting my time documenting my mini/mill projects, are these projects too complicated, or am I simply on the wrong track?

Future projects, posted here, will depend on your response. I am not looking for a gold medal, or a pat on the back, I just figured that others, especially novices like myself, would get some benefit out of making some usefull items.

I guess you can't win them all.............

Ken

[Wood Butcher]

Ken,

At least for me I love seeing what you come up with. I don't have a lathe yet but am filinf you pictures away for when I do. Thanks again for the effort and the plans.

[rpepper]

Hi Ken,

Please keep posting, it's great stuff. I'm saving and filing it away.

Even if someone, sometime is inspired to use your ideas in making something different, then it's been really worthwhile.

We should also admire the discipline involved in your technical drawings.

Thank you for taking the time putting these project on WWF (my favourite forum!).
:2tsup::2tsup::2tsup:

Regards, Richard

[China]

Keep em comming there are most likely many memmbers like myself who find them interesting but do not always post a response

[Sterob]

Yes, keep posting. They are very interesting reading. Good stuff!!

[neksmerj]

Struth Guys,

I'm inspired to continue, thank you.

I am currently working on a laser centre finder, so far I have destroyed one laser pointer in determining how it can be utilised, only cost $5, another is on the way, of a different type.

Will keep you all posted.

Ken

[DJ’s Timber]

Yeah, agree with the others, some great stuff there and excellent drawings to.

I noticed on your drawings that your work is in Vernon ave, used to have my workshop across the road from Australian Diamond Tools

[neksmerj]

Hi DJ,

Small world isn't it?

Now work from home in Heidelberg.

Ken

[Grahame Collins]

Hi neksmerj
I for one enjoy reading what projects everyone comes up with.
At times I will see how someone went about making a project and it will inspire me with a new method of completing a project of my own.

I love tools and above all love making my own.
I wholeheartedly support anyone that gets in and has a go at doing the same.
cheers

Grahame

[neksmerj]

Hi Gra,

I admire a man that loves tools, especially when they are hand crafted.

Thank you, and the many others for inspirational words, I just love making my own stuff.

I am limited to what I can do by the size of my mini lathe/drill, a real frustration at times, hence the small nature of my projects. I'd even trade in my ex missus in for a decent Sieg lathe and separate mill.

Any takers, just joking.

Regards,

Ken

[MrFixIt]

Dear Members,

This next little project was a real test of my newly learned skills, and involves turning, milling, drilling, tapping, threading and knurling. All these operations were done on my Unimat 3 mini lathe/mill. Being a novice, if I can do it, so can you.

There are more projects to come, if anyone is interested.

Ken

I think it's a FANTASTIC little gizmo. I'd like one of those :D Now I've got something else on the bottom of my todo list.

I am certain that almost everybody that peruses this section of the bbs would like you to continue - I do :)