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Thread: Mill depth stop improvement

  1. #1
    Supporting Member mklotz's Avatar
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    Mill depth stop improvement

    Like many mill-drills, mine came with a depth stop that consists of a threaded rod (1/2-20) with a longitudinal flat on it. (See first picture below.) The actual "stop" consisted of two nuts; one acted as the stop and the other as a lock nut to hold the stop in place.

    Calling it a poor design would be a compliment. The nuts had too little inertia to spin freely so one had to tediously turn them by hand, then repeat the same operation with the so-called lock nut. Precise adjustment was nearly impossible and the lock nut seldom stayed tight so the setting would drift.

    I solved part of the problem by turning a heavy, elongated brass nut (see second picture) that had enough inertia to spin rapidly up and down the thread if given a healthy twist. Rather than fuss with a lock nut, I threaded the stop for five 8-32 setscrews. Tightening one of these against the flat holds the stop in place with no chance of drift. I used five screws because that makes for a convenient setting interval. (1/5) * (1/20) = 0.01" so each setscrew position represents a 0.01 inch change in depth relative to its neighbors.

    I only use this stop when I need very fine control over the depth setting. For less demanding work, a clip-on commercial stop of the type shown in the third picture is quicker to use. It consists of a spring-loaded "clothespin" with a split hole threaded to match the depth rod. Repositioning it is done very easily and it doesn't slip but it does lack the fine position control of my design.








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    Last edited by mklotz; Jan 9, 2019 at 07:28 AM.
    ---
    Regards, Marv

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  2. The Following 14 Users Say Thank You to mklotz For This Useful Post:

    baja (Jan 6, 2021), lazarus (Jun 13, 2016), marksbug (Sep 28, 2018), Moby Duck (Apr 26, 2017), NortonDommi (May 27, 2018), Okapi (Jan 12, 2019), Paul Jones (Jun 13, 2016), paxx (Apr 26, 2017), rlm98253 (Apr 26, 2017), Scotsman Hosie (Mar 22, 2019), threesixesinarow (Jan 12, 2019), tonyfoale (Sep 5, 2023), Tonyg (Mar 22, 2019), Toolmaker51 (Apr 27, 2017)

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    Thanks mklotz! We've added your Depth Stop Modification to our Milling category,
    as well as to your builder page: mklotz's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:




    2000 Tool Plans

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    Paul Jones (Jan 21, 2018)

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    Hey Marv......thanks for posting this. I am wondering if you know where a guy could find one of those "clothes-pin" nuts?

    Paxx

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    Supporting Member Toolmaker51's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by paxx View Post
    Hey Marv......thanks for posting this. I am wondering if you know where a guy could find one of those "clothes-pin" nuts? Paxx
    In a box of scrap aluminum, stir with a 1/2"-20 tap, hack saw, a small extension or torsion spring, 2 roll pins, and a pair of cap screws for handles.

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    Paul Alciatore (Oct 8, 2018), paxx (Apr 27, 2017)

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    Supporting Member mklotz's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by paxx View Post
    Hey Marv......thanks for posting this. I am wondering if you know where a guy could find one of those "clothes-pin" nuts?
    Below are a few places that sell them. If you want to search on your own, use the search term "Bridgeport depth stop" as these were originally supplied for that milling machine and so that name has become attached to them.



    https://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Quic...ort+quill+stop

    https://www.amazon.com/HHIP-3900-020...ort+quill+stop

    https://www.mcmaster.com/#milling-ma...stops/=17dohe0

    Positioning Stops | Travers.com

    Accessories for Bridgeport milling machines - drawbars, work stops, replacement handles.
    ---
    Regards, Marv

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    Toolmarker51..........thanks for the obvious suggestion that I didn't even consider........There is always great satisfaction in mixing tools, parts and a bit of time into a new tool or needed item!!! Thanks for pointing out the obvious....

    Marv........thankyou again!!! This had me stumped for a while as to what I needed to search for and I had just had figured that out before I got your reply. I appreciate the links and original post to give me something to look into to make my old Rockwell drill press a whole lot more useable.

    Paxx

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    Toolmaker51 (Apr 27, 2017)

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    Hi Marv, , I tried to find one of those spring loaded ones but I see 40.00 to much how ever the set screws does appeal to ma by I'll try that Thanks for your input I like your as well. up date bought one on amazon THANKS MARV.....DROP BY ANYTIME..Cap
    Last edited by Captainleeward; Jan 21, 2018 at 04:27 PM.

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    Hi Marv
    Have ever seen a quick stop for a round column mill? I have a Grizzly G1007
    and the depth stop is very inconvenient.
    Thanks
    Jim D.

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    Supporting Member mklotz's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Deprey View Post
    Hi Marv
    Have ever seen a quick stop for a round column mill? I have a Grizzly G1007
    and the depth stop is very inconvenient.
    Judging from the picture here...

    Mill/Drill w/ Variable-Speed Power Feed | Grizzly Industrial

    your mill has its depth indicator enclosed in the spindle housing. I can't even puzzle out how the "inconvenient" stop you mention works.

    Sorry, but I've never encountered a discussion of adding a depth stop to a machine like this.
    ---
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