Using steel rule and 90-degree tangent for centre height tool setting Quick and easy

[thehomeengineer]

Hi All
I have seen a lot of lathe centre height setting gauges. (which I might add are nicely made) I usually set my tools against the revolving centre or dead centre from the tailstock. If I need to set a tool half way in to a job which is supported by the tailstock I use the following quick fix. I use a steel rule and simply set this between the work piece and the tool to be set. If the rule leans forward the tool is to high and if the rule leans back to low. So, when the rule is upright the tool is on centre height and therefore, the cutting edge must be at a 90-degree tangent to the centre line/height of the machine. Simply and very quick.

photo showing rule between component and rule



Tool to high



Tool to low



Tool at centre height




Thank you for viewing
The Home Engineer

[DIYer]

Thanks thehomeengineer! We've added your Tool Height Setting Method to our Measuring and Marking category,
as well as to your builder page: thehomeengineer's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Tool Height Setting Method by thehomeengineer

tags: scale, measurement

[olderdan]

I remember once seeing an old toolmaker doing this on a drill press, I said why are you doing that, he said finding the centre of the bar.
I said how accurate is that going to be? a couple of thou came the reply, and it was.
We should not forget these old tricks, thanks for posting.

[PJs]

I remember once seeing an old toolmaker doing this on a drill press, I said why are you doing that, he said finding the centre of the bar.
I said how accurate is that going to be? a couple of thou came the reply, and it was.
We should not forget these old tricks, thanks for posting.

Roger that! That is the way I was taught way back when. The only thing I do different is use about 3-5 thou feeler gauge I keep in the drawer. I found using a scale the tool bit would get caught in the engraving and throw me off.

Thanks for posting this The Home Engineer.

[Jonny]

Hi All
I have seen a lot of lathe centre height setting gauges. (which I might add are nicely made) I usually set my tools against the revolving centre or dead centre from the tailstock. If I need to set a tool half way in to a job which is supported by the tailstock I use the following quick fix. I use a steel rule and simply set this between the work piece and the tool to be set. If the rule leans forward the tool is to high and if the rule leans back to low. So, when the rule is upright the tool is on centre height and therefore, the cutting edge must be at a 90-degree tangent to the centre line/height of the machine. Simply and very quick.

photo showing rule between component and rule



Tool to high



Tool to low



Tool at centre height




Thank you for viewing
The Home Engineer

Congratulations
Finally, Someone has remembered the simplest and possibly best method of locating a lathe tool on center.
I have quite enjoyed all the clamor of building "Hight Gages" to do the job when the absolute simplest and best method of locating was using a thin flat piece of metal against the work or something on the lathe that is always on the vertical center.
An OLD Tool Maker
Jon

[mklotz]

Congratulations
Finally, Someone has remembered the simplest and possibly best method of locating a lathe tool on center.
I have quite enjoyed all the clamor of building "Hight Gages" to do the job when the absolute simplest and best method of locating was using a thin flat piece of metal against the work or something on the lathe that is always on the vertical center.
An OLD Tool Maker
Jon

I might point out that it may be OK for setting tools used on the exterior of the workpiece but it isn't very useful for setting boring bars.

[thehomeengineer]

Hi Marv
I simply move the tool to the opposite side of the workpiece and set the boring tool in the same way on the outer diameter. If using a boring bar it is highly unlikely that you would be using a centre to support the work piece.
The Home Engineer

[fandres]

Thanks thehomeengineer neat trick worth remembering.

[WOTSIRB]

chuck a piece of ROUND bar in your 3 jaw, out of true a bit? swing the chuck round so that the tool tip touches the run out high spot(felt tip pen applied to bar, if fussy) install rule and carry on.

[marksbug]

Hi Marv
I simply move the tool to the opposite side of the workpiece and set the boring tool in the same way on the outer diameter. If using a boring bar it is highly unlikely that you would be using a centre to support the work piece.
The Home Engineer

ditto!!! many guys would not of thunk about that, simple things make the jobs eazyer. I my self bought one of those fancy aluminum red "edge technology" level thingy. it seems like a good idea at the tyme where my lathe is it's a little difacult to see that angle within a degree or 3......that dam fancy anodized pretty little tool( and when I say little I mean little) is so small I cant use it..... no I dont have mondo charlie hands, but if I was a 12 year old girl I might be able to use it. they make about 4 versions of it.some have a rod that go's in the chuck witch would be perfect if you set every tool ahead of time and had lots of holders...I like to set it off the work peice....almost impossiable with this little POS. it's also so narrow it's hard to get square on any thing..... I was expecting it to be about 3x as large as it is and be able tog grab it and go quickly. So for now it's on the wall of shame. And to farther add to the issues....setting the vial square to the tiny POS with the small set screw that moves the vial when snuged down... is pretty reedickyoulass. as I always say" YOU CANT FIX STUPID" and yes I did fall into that category when a spent the $16 or 18 what ever it was for the junk. But!!! It is made in USA. ( for the spellen teachers, my spellen is better than the tool i just dissscribed.)