03-18-2018, 11:09 PM
Tom, that's definitely understandable - I wouldn't want to scratch my "General" six inch scale, with original pocket clip, that I've owned for over fifty years (are those even made now ?).
But I have half a dozen $2 scales (and $15 dial calipers) around the shop in various places so not really a problem with damaging them. And there's always the option of just using a piece of scrap rather than a scale for the purpose, in fact a spare parting blade would be ideal.
Anyway, the main point was to make a fifteen-twenty second trial cut on the face of a piece of stock, adjust the blade so that the tit is cut off - done. No need to change the height setting until the next time the blade is sharpened, right ?
Regarding using the tailstock center to set tool height, here is a trick from years ago. After setting the tool height to one's satisfaction by whatever method, move the carriage and cross-slide so that the sharp tool touches the side of the tailstock quill near the front. Scribe a short line on the side of the quill with the tool by moving the carriage.
Cutting tools can usually be set to height by aligning the cutting edge with the scribed line even when there is a drill chuck installed or when there is work between centers. This is mostly useful for lantern toolposts but can work for quick change holders too.
But I have half a dozen $2 scales (and $15 dial calipers) around the shop in various places so not really a problem with damaging them. And there's always the option of just using a piece of scrap rather than a scale for the purpose, in fact a spare parting blade would be ideal.
Anyway, the main point was to make a fifteen-twenty second trial cut on the face of a piece of stock, adjust the blade so that the tit is cut off - done. No need to change the height setting until the next time the blade is sharpened, right ?
Regarding using the tailstock center to set tool height, here is a trick from years ago. After setting the tool height to one's satisfaction by whatever method, move the carriage and cross-slide so that the sharp tool touches the side of the tailstock quill near the front. Scribe a short line on the side of the quill with the tool by moving the carriage.
Cutting tools can usually be set to height by aligning the cutting edge with the scribed line even when there is a drill chuck installed or when there is work between centers. This is mostly useful for lantern toolposts but can work for quick change holders too.