Precision Machining, Machine Tool Repair/Reconditioning, Optical Metrology
Check out the Practical Machinist website. It has a wealth of information about virtually everything machinery and metalworking related. I have been documenting the rebuild of our toolroom lathe on the site and the pictures and discussion are very informative. Post #127 of the thread details and discusses optical alignment of the lathe spindle axis to the ways of the machine. Found a picture of the bedliner we applied to the work areas of the lathe. Turned out great.
We ended up buying the Deckel FP5NC universal milling machine. Now that it's in the shop and running I wonder why we ever hesitated in the first place. Micron accuracy and hogging power to spare. Check the project gallery for a few pictures.
We're also making good progress on the rebuild of the Monarch toolroom lathe. Finished paint some time ago and proceeding with initial assembly for alignment verification and adjustments. Watch the gallery for some pictures and information on how the spindle axis is aligned to the ways and the carriage is then aligned to the headstock's spindle axis.
Another interesting note: I am editing the EG Toolmakers website from an overseas deployed location via my Android phone and spotty wifi. Connected world...... But expect some weirdness on the pages as I try to make edits without a desktop machine.
The Caged Dice project is moving along nicely.
Finished the ski boat deck yesterday.
We knocked together a carbon fibre rear deck for a friends ski boat today.
