In a recent post - Mike (Aka @Flute Maker ) asked about a height gauge.
This was for set-up on his mini mill. While this is a reasonable tool and somewhat reasonable price wise on the used market - I kind of thought Mike was not getting into precision milling...
I thought I would share this discussion ./ thought process with you...
Recently I have been adding to my knowledge and metrology for the machining and metal side of things in my shop and purchased two height gauges that needed a little TLC...
In case you don't know - here is a picture of how a height gauge is used:
You can measure the height off a known true surface (think granite plate or cast iron surface) or use it to mark layout lines on a part for cutting or drilling.
So back to the point - I asked Mike what he wanted to do or maybe he posted that he wanted to "true" a part on the mill (I think it was for one of his flutes)
Based on that, the required accuracy is not in the "thousandths" but in 1/16ths or 1/32nds...
Different accuracy's "allow" different metrology...
Knowing Mike is like me (we don't say cheap, we are careful with our money! LOL) I suggested trying the poor man's height gauge.
You buy two try squares and mount the heads back to back and you have a cheap (economical) height gauge...
This was for set-up on his mini mill. While this is a reasonable tool and somewhat reasonable price wise on the used market - I kind of thought Mike was not getting into precision milling...
I thought I would share this discussion ./ thought process with you...
Recently I have been adding to my knowledge and metrology for the machining and metal side of things in my shop and purchased two height gauges that needed a little TLC...
In case you don't know - here is a picture of how a height gauge is used:
You can measure the height off a known true surface (think granite plate or cast iron surface) or use it to mark layout lines on a part for cutting or drilling.
So back to the point - I asked Mike what he wanted to do or maybe he posted that he wanted to "true" a part on the mill (I think it was for one of his flutes)
Based on that, the required accuracy is not in the "thousandths" but in 1/16ths or 1/32nds...
Different accuracy's "allow" different metrology...
Knowing Mike is like me (we don't say cheap, we are careful with our money! LOL) I suggested trying the poor man's height gauge.
You buy two try squares and mount the heads back to back and you have a cheap (economical) height gauge...