My idea shows how to quickly fix broken edgefinders using a paper clip and a 6-in. scale.
Cal Valentine
Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Making inaccurate machines accurate
For meeting the lathe-bed indicator's point, I attach a target at a convenient spot, and both the indicator and target are longitudinally adjustable. The cross-slide indicator's point rides against the machine's tool post. A magnetic mounting clamp holds this indicator in place and makes it adjustable along a custom-made rod mounted to the machine carriage.
As a secondary control tool, I mount an industrial limit switch to the lathe's bed clamp and its adjustable target to the small shelf located under the carriage that holds the indicator's target. I wire the limit switch's normally closed contacts to the machine's "run" relay wiring with cable. An in-line, on-off switch serves as an override that delivers power to the machine spindle for finishing shoulders or bore bottoms. The setup also lets me turn long shafts unattended because the machine automatically shuts off at the end of the run.
Folker Weiss
Ashland, Ore.
