"Don't get mad, get even."

 Things have a way of working themselves out.

"Don't get mad, get even."

"Don't get mad, get even."
- Kennedy, Robert F.

The Gaging Environment: Degrees of Control

The Gaging Environment:

Degrees of Control

The environment is often the largest contributor to measurement errors. Conversely, once the environment is under control, great strides can be made in improving the overall measurement process. That's the basic idea behind building a laboratory for dimensional measurement: control the environment to reduce measurement variation and improve agreement with other laboratories.

The effort and expense of setting up a controlled environment can vary dramatically. On one extreme you may decide it's necessary to protect a geometry machine or CMM out on the shop floor from dirt, dust, oil mist and sudden changes in temperature. In this case enclosure will probably provide all the protection you need. On the other hand, if it is necessary to measure gage blocks or other dimensional standards, a lot more sophisticated temperature control would be needed to obtain the desired results.

In deciding what you need, the first step is to look at the environmental issues that will influence your measuring process. Get out a piece of paper and jot them down. They probably include sources of heat and cooling, such as radiators, windows, vents, operator body heat, lights, sunlight on walls, and perhaps even cold north walls in the winter. You should also jot down other influences such as vibrations sources and humidity, and even things like barometric pressure if laser interferometers are to be used.
To read the remainder of this article "click here" 

To Buy or Not to Buy?

 Buy any Toolmex Chucks at http://www.lighttoolsupply.com

To Buy or Not to Buy?

May 18, 2010 — by Chuck Toolmex
The other day Ark Kielb, the President and CEO of Toolmex, asked me if we were selling chucks of what the chuck holds. I paused and thought about what the typical response might be, and then I took the complete opposite tactic, and said, "We are selling what the product holds." Right answer!
Lots of companies sell chucks and tooling products, and everyone will tell you why their products are better, but they never tell you if there is added value to purchasing their workholding and tooling. At toolmex, we offer you a lot. We have a 2-tier testing system, ensuring that our chucks and tooling are quality products. We have a great customer service team, and of course, let's not forget that we have been in business for over 40 years, so we know what we are doing!
By now you must be wondering where this is going. Is this the same old pitch you've heard time and time again? Absolutely not. I want to talk about the benefits and advantages to buying a new chuck versus repairing and/or reconditioning your existing chuck.
We all know that chucks can last for years and years. However, there will be a time, sporadic or not, when a jaw cracks or may be wearing unevenly. This is when you will need to make an informed decision—do you repair, recondition or buy a new chuck?
In all circumstances, safety should be your first priority. Next, decide whether the chuck will be operate for only a short period of time, or whether you expect to get a longer period of trouble-free use. And, most importantly, decide how much the cost difference of repairing and/or reconditioning versus getting a new chuck will affect your purchasing decision. The difference may not be as much as you may expect, and the benefits to ordering a brand new chuck may outweigh it.
Let's look at the reasons why you might need to repair or replace your chuck:

1. Does the chuck visibly appear to be worn?
2. Has an accident broken something in the chuck?
3. Has the chuck begun to lose its gripping force or its accuracy?
4. Is the chuck design incapable of holding a part to meet your part process and tolerances?

REPAIRING or RECONDITIONING YOUR CHUCK

Usually, this is the least expensive option and the quickest way to get you back into production. If there is a broken master jaw or a broken jaw activator caused by an accident, then replacing the broken part and cleaning up some damaged surfaces may make the chuck serviceable at very little expense. However, what happens when the broken part is a special part? It may now need to be reverse engineered and manufactured, which is more time-consuming and costly than if you called your local distributor and asked about the best chucks they have to offer. Some chucks today are technologically different than older chucks, and are better engineered with better tolerances.
The repairing procedure may provide a very serviceable chuck, returned almost to its original condition prior to breaking. However, the repaired chuck is still a somewhat worn chuck with a warranty that is typically good only on the replaced parts. A final consideration is that replacement parts may not have the same fit with worn parts, which, in turn, may not provide the best situation for holding parts. You then need to ask yourself what kind of service will you get with the repaired chuck, if any, and if there is someone that you can call and ask for a new chuck to be sent to you overnight as a replacement? Any problems and/or deficiencies inherent to the old design and any desired changes usually require replacement.

REPLACING YOUR CHUCK

Quite often, the cost of reconditioning exceeds 60% of the cost of a new chuck or it's simply time to update and replace it with a newer model chuck. The new chuck will have all the advantages of the latest designs and materials. This is especially beneficial if your operations have changed and you require redesigns to improve performance.
In addition to receiving a full 1-year factory warranty, considerations for selecting new chucks are:

1. The need to operate chucks at a higher RPM, which the newer chucks will do unlike their older counterparts.
   Today's selection of coated carbide tooling requires much higher speeds and feed than ever before. Current designs take high speed into consideration, using counterweights and counter centrifugal mechanisms.
   
   
2. The additional travel required in master jaw strokes.
   The usual stroke of a standard power chuck is 3/8" per jaw which in most cases is quite substantial. However, with the long stroke chucks, this can be up to 1" per jaw. This permits gripping parts where a flange may have restricted gripping to only a certain area, which may not be the ideal situation. Also, the longer stroke will allow the gripping of more part diameters with the same set of jaws, thus reducing setup time. With automation, the long stroke chuck allows parts to be loaded easily, and also permits chips to escape more effectively.
   
   
3. The ability to mount locators on chuck facings.
   Newer chuck models allow Locators or Locator Bungs to be mounted on the face of the chuck, which provides a stationery repeatable flat surface for the part to locate. Usually the locating face is on the moving top jaw and may yaw when clamping, causing inconsistency from part to part.
   
   Today, in order to stay competitive, many companies have to run "Lights Out" with robots or automation, which requires a great deal of sophistication throughout the whole processing, including the chucking. Monitoring the chucks' actions is critical to preventing a problem which could shut down the process. Feeding air pressure through the locating surface is a common way to detect whether or not a part is located properly. A drop in air pressure signals that the part is not seated properly, and is allowing air to escape. Air may also be fed through the spindle to blow off chips from the mounting surface and part. Today, sensors can be used to indicate clamp/unclamp, part location and clamping pressures.

Tool Review Website

TOOLGUYD
Every so often I come across interesting websites I would like to share.
This website reviews tools and the person is passionate about tools, giving his honest opinion.
He seems to have a love for Tools.
Stuart who writes for the website says," I am a toolaholic that writes for and maintains ToolGuyd.com. At times I am also a gadget geek."
Check out his site http://toolguyd.com/
Thank you,
Michael Elson 
President 
Light Tool Supply

New Product News-Power Driven #Thread #Gaging-Rotary Thread Inspection Tool

Only $929.95 

Order at

http://www.lighttoolsupply.com

 

Watch video here Rotary Thread Inspection Tool Video

 

Rotary Thread Inspection Tool

Patent No. 7661196
The patented Rotary Thread Inspection Tool accurately inspects internal screw threads for functional size and depth faster and easier than conventional methods. The unique Rotary Thread Inspection Tool safely checks internal threads while eliminating operator arm and hand fatigue and repetitive motion injuries. The instrument features a portable and ergonomic design engineered for industrial applications. The unit is supplied with high performance rechargeable NIMH “quick change" batteries that provide long lasting hours of operation. It also includes a patented depth control feature with automatic reversal.
Safely Inspect Parts
Out of Tolerance parts are instantly recognized. If the thread is undersized, damaged, not deep enough, or has foreign matter in the thread the gage will stop advancing into the threaded hole. This prevents damage to the part and excessive wear to the thread gage. To remove the gage, simply press the reverse button.
Eliminates Repetitive Motion Injury
The power driven gage eliminates all operator wrist motion, arm stress, hand fatigue, and repetitive motion injuries. The Rotary Thread Inspection Tool is ergonomically designed and light weight.
Flexibility
The Rotary Thread Inspection Tool accepts both standard and custom size thread taper lock style plug gages. Changing gage sizes is fast and easy. The tool accommodates a size range from #8 (.164) up to ¾". Other sizes can be priced upon request.
Depth Control
The Rotary Thread Inspection Tool includes a patented depth control feature that allows for the setting of a specified length or depth for the gage to travel before automatically reversing and exiting the threaded part.
Instant feedback
The Rotary Thread Inspection Tool features an “accepted" green light which indicates when the specified depth is reached before automatically reversing the gage out of the threaded part.
Power Source
The Rotary Thread Inspection Tool is powered by a special 9v Lithium rechargeable battery with a rating of 550 mAh. The battery powers the tool for up to 4 hours under normal use. The battery recharge time is 2-3 hours using the supplied charging station which charges 2 batteries at a time. The complete kit is supplied with 3 batteries for continuous use.

Technical Specifications

• Unit Dimensions
  
  
  • Weight: 12 oz.
  • Length: 11 inches
  • Diameter: 1-11/32"
• Battery Operated
  
  
  • Unit uses 1x 9v Lithium Battery, 550mAh Rechargeable
  • Single 9v battery lasts up to 4 hours of gauging time
• Battery Charger
  
  
  • 110 volt charger
  • 2-3 hours to charge battery
  • Charges 2 batteries at a time
• Motor Speed: 170 RPM
• Unit is oil and water resistant
• Adjustable Gauge Length or Depth Capacity
• Automatic Reversing
• LED "Accepted" Green Light Indicator

Rong Fu RF-30 Manual

Many people seem to be asking for Rong Fu Milling Machine Manuals.
Please feel free to email me for free manual for the Rong Fu RF-30 Milling Machine.
michael@lighttoolsupply.com
Also please visit my website for many metalworking tooling and supplies.
http://www.lighttoolsupply.com
Thank you,
Michael Elson
President
Light Tool Supply

Gaging Tips

.

Calipers: Ideal For Measurments On The Go
George Schuetz,  Mahr Federal Inc.
http://www.mahrfederal.com/

Although it has been around for a long time, the caliper is still an extremely versatile and useful tool for making a wide range of distance measurements (both ODs and IDs).  While micrometers are more accurate, they have a limited measurement range (typically several inches). The caliper, on the other hand, can span from two inches to four feet, depending on the length of the scale.  External measurements are made by closing the jaws over the piece to be measured, while internal measurements are made by opening up the inside diameter contacts.
Three Types
There are three different types of caliper which may be found today in a machinist's tool chest.
Vernier.  The vernier caliper was the original design and is still the most rugged.  Graduated much like a micrometer, it requires the alignment of an etched scale on the vernier plate with an equally spaced scale running the length of the tool's handle.  Skillful alignment of the tool and interpretation of the reading is necessary to achieve the measurement tool's stated accuracy.
Dial.  A dial caliper is the second generation caliper.  Similar to the construction of the vernier caliper, this style replaces the vernier scale with a dial indicator.  The indicator is fixed to the moveable jaw and engaged with toothed rack on the body of the unit.  The dial, which is typically balanced (i.e., can move in either plus or minus directions from zero), may be graduated in either inch or metric units.
The dial caliper is a dual purpose tool for making either direct or comparative measurements.  To make a comparison, first measure the reference dimension and set the dial indicator to zero then measure the compared dimension.  The indicator will show how much the compared dimension varies from the original (plus or minus).
Another useful feature of the dial caliper are jaws which slide past each other to allow contact points or depth rod extensions to fit into narrow openings for small ID measurements.
Digital.  In the last 20 years, the digital caliper has made its way onto the shop floor.  The latest designs provide many numerous electronic features which make the device easier to use, but add little in the way of cost.  These include: larger digital displays, easy switching between inch and metric units on the readout, tolerance indications, digital output to electronic data collection systems, waterproofing for harsh shop environments, zero setting anywhere along the caliper's range, and retention of the zero setting even when the caliper is turned off.  With no moving parts in the readout, the digital caliper is exceptionally durable, standing up to some of the toughest manufacturing environments.
Concerns
Care and Respect.  Like any measurement tool, the caliper must be treated with care and respect.  Don't use it for purposes for which it was never intended (such as prying things apart).  Wipe it clean after using, and don't throw it on the workbench.  For dial calipers, be particularly wary of dirt which can accumulate on the rack, throwing measurements off and ultimately damaging the indicator.  Store a caliper in its case.  If it's going to be there for a while, apply a thin coat of oil to the jaws to inhibit corrosion.
Wear and Calibration.  Check the caliper often for wear, as well as burrs and scratches on the jaws and contacting surfaces.  A simple way to do this is to pass a master disc along the jaws while inspecting for wear or taper.  Like any measurement tool, a caliper should be calibrated at least once a year or more often when use is heavy or there are multiple users of the same instrument.
Proper "Feel".  While the caliper is a versatile tool, it is not one of the most precise.  Skill is required for positioning the tool and interpreting the measurement result.  As the user develops his "feel" for the tool, his measurement results become more consistent.
While the digital caliper may take some of the guess work out of reading the measured value, it still requires skill on the part of the user to apply the tool properly to the dimension being measured.  The jaws of the caliper must be square or perpendicular to the part.  They are held firmly against the part, but not to the point of deflecting them.  The part should be kept as close as possible to the frame of the measurement tool.
Knowing its Limits.  The rule of ten says that a measurement tool should have ten times more resolution than the tolerance of the dimension.  Calipers typically read in 0.001" units. So if the tolerance is tighter than ±0.005", a micrometer (or some other higher accuracy tool) is the way to go.

The humble caliper is a surprisingly versatile tool for a wide range of general purpose distance measurements.  With a little skill, you can make a fast direct measurement or comparison in seconds and move on quickly to your next important task.

Gage Care and Replacement Pins Just a Phone Call Away!!!!

50TH ANNIVERSARY  1960 - 2010 Gage Care and Replacement Pins Just a Phone Call Away!!!!     July, 2010 - Vol 1, Issue 2

Greetings! I'd like to share some tips with you on how to care for your gages. Gages are a valuable tool for your business, and the investment made should be properly cared for to maximize your ROI.  With a proper care they can provide long service on the production floor.  Gage Handling   Proper handling of gages will extend their useful life.  Avoid handling the gage surface because oils from your skin can rust gages.  If you must handle the gage surface wipe the gage clean and reapply a light coating of oil to protect the surface when finished using the gage.  Once rusted the gage in most cases is ruined!

Proper Use   A few simple rules when using the gages. Clean the parts before gaging to remove dirt, coolant, or metal chips. Do not force the gage, use light pressure Inspect for nicks or burrs before each use, this will eliminate innaccurate results. When using plug gages for go no-go inspection the go member should fit into the work piece to indicate to the operator that the component meets the correct specifications.  The no-go member should not fit into the work piece.  If it does this indicates to the operator that the component has been machined incorrectly and is out of specification. Plug And Pin Gages:  What They Can Do     What Plug Gages Are: Used to inspect holes and or slots for pass or fail conditions only Used as masters for setting micrometers, verniers, or calipers. Check locations, and distance between holes What Plug Gages Are Not:  Resizing tools, or reamers Debur tools, or clean out tools Used to measure the exact or actual size