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  1. #1
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    Default Optical centre punch for 'simonl'

    Hi Simon,
    I have finally gotten around to taking the pics of the 'prototype' optical centre punch. The optic part is made from a perspex curtain pulling rod. It isn't the diameter I wanted but it served the purpose and proved that if I went to 1/2" this would work great. I cut a short piece and machined and polished the ends finishing with Brasso. I then set up the vernier height gauge to scribe the crosshairs. Next is a lump of steel with a hole drilled through the same size as the rod. The pics aren't great as I had a hard time getting a good view but you will get the drift. In real life the view is a lot clearer.

    Phil

    Attachment 214926 the two parts
    Attachment 214927 The crosshairs
    Attachment 214928 The parts assembled
    Attachment 214930 A view on paper
    Attachment 214931 A view on aluminium

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  3. #2
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    Default

    Looking good Phil.

    I have just cast some clear polyester rods, 19mm diam and about 125mm long, would they do the job?

    If so let me know and I'll send you a couple.

  4. #3
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    Ueee is offline Blacksmith, Cabinetmaker, Machinist, Messmaker
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    Default

    Hi Phil,
    Nicely done, but what is it's use? Once lined up do you drop a fitting center punch in and give it a tap to get precisely positioned marks?

    A slightly puzzled Ewan
    1915 17"x50" LeBlond heavy duty Lathe, 24" Queen city shaper, 1970's G Vernier FV.3.TO Universal Mill, 1958 Blohm HFS 6 surface grinder, 1942 Rivett 715 Lathe, 14"x40" Antrac Lathe, Startrite H225 Bandsaw, 1949 Hercus Camelback Drill press, 1947 Holbrook C10 Lathe.

  5. #4
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    Default

    Hi Phil,

    I thought you had forgotten! Cheers. Like what Ewan said, I assume the process works by then dropping in an appropriately hardened centre punch?

    Cheers,

    Simon

  6. #5
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    Of course, lazy types just by one.


  7. #6
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    Hi Phil, Bob

    So it relies on the light traveling down the perspex?

    I see Bobs has an O-ring. To make it less likely to slide?

    Nice one Phil, making one of theses has been on my list for awhile.

    Stuart

  8. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Big Shed View Post
    Looking good Phil.

    I have just cast some clear polyester rods, 19mm diam and about 125mm long, would they do the job?

    If so let me know and I'll send you a couple.
    That would be absolutely fantastic Big Shed. Then I can make a proper one. I will PM you my address. Please let me know the costs involved and I will be more than happy to pay.
    Thanks again.

    Phil

  9. #8
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    Hi phil,

    What level of accuracy with the centre punch would expect to obtain using this system?

    Simon

  10. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ueee View Post
    Hi Phil,
    Nicely done, but what is it's use? Once lined up do you drop a fitting center punch in and give it a tap to get precisely positioned marks?

    A slightly puzzled Ewan
    Quote Originally Posted by simonl View Post
    Hi Phil,

    I thought you had forgotten! Cheers. Like what Ewan said, I assume the process works by then dropping in an appropriately hardened centre punch?

    Cheers,

    Simon
    Ummm, when you guys get as old and feeble sighted as me you too will need some sort of visual aid to see a fine scribed line. I haven't made the centre punch yet as I will wait until I make the larger one which, thanks to Big Shed I can now make.

    Quote Originally Posted by Stustoys View Post
    Hi Phil, Bob

    So it relies on the light traveling down the perspex?

    I see Bobs has an O-ring. To make it less likely to slide?

    Nice one Phil, making one of theses has been on my list for awhile.

    Stuart
    Hi Stuart,
    It's the same as a bore light for a gun barrell and I have absolutely no idea what the 'O' ring is for in Bobs other than to stop it sliding when you use the centre punch.

    Phil

  11. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by simonl View Post
    Hi phil,

    What level of accuracy with the centre punch would expect to obtain using this system?

    Simon
    Hi Simon,
    A truck load more accuracy than I am getting now

    Phil

  12. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by Anorak Bob View Post
    Of course, lazy types just by one.

    Bob,
    You know if you had've told me you made it and etched the writing I would've believed you

    Phil

  13. #12
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    Have you considered just using a light to see your marking out.
    Then again if it needed to be accurate wouldnt you be better off using a mill or jig borer.

  14. #13
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    Default An indispensable tool

    Quote Originally Posted by Steamwhisperer View Post
    Bob,
    You know if you had've told me you made it and etched the writing I would've believed you

    Phil
    Ha Ha Phil,

    My only criticism of the tool is the loud, untypically English OPTICAL CENTRE PUNCH emblazoned on the holder. Could have been restrained.

    I have had it for about 15 years and it is in regular use. Used it this arvo. The O ring prevents slippage and marring of the work surface. The magnified image allows the use of faintly scribed lines. Lines that only need to scratch away the layout blue.

    Quote Originally Posted by pipeclay View Post
    Have you considered just using a light to see your marking out.
    Then again if it needed to be accurate wouldnt you be better off using a mill or jig borer.
    Peter,

    My eyesight isn't flash these days. If I didn't have the finder I'd have to fool around with a jeweller's loupe and a centre punch. The finder is easy to use because you are looking vertically at the scribed intersection rather that at an angle with a loupe.

    Bob.
    Last edited by Anorak Bob; 7th July 2012 at 11:59 PM. Reason: response to Peter's post

  15. #14
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    Hi Bob,
    I brought the same brand unit a couple of months ago and they are more constrained on the engraving now. I would show a photo but not only is my eyesight failing so is my memory. I know it is in a safe place.
    I had to rip eight full size sheets of that lovely MDF stuff today and moving everthing to make room around the table saw means the shed is in a bit more mess than normal.
    Hard to balance between woodworking and metalwork in the same shed.
    Cheers,
    Rod

  16. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by rodm View Post
    Hi Bob,
    I brought the same brand unit a couple of months ago and they are more constrained on the engraving now. I would show a photo but not only is my eyesight failing so is my memory. I know it is in a safe place.
    I had to rip eight full size sheets of that lovely MDF stuff today and moving everthing to make room around the table saw means the shed is in a bit more mess than normal.
    Hard to balance between woodworking and metalwork in the same shed.
    I was hoping that they had toned it down Rod.

    I don't have that balance problem. I can hardly metal work in my midden, let alone plane a piece of wood.

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