Seeing the need for a faster way to set tool height on my mini-lathe, I re-purposed a Noga magnetic base which has a multi-diameter threaded base on the top. I selected the M10-1.25 hole as I had a matching black oxide cap head bolt in the bin. After parting off the cap head and the excess threaded end, I turned a line in the unthreaded shank which is easy to see.
I turned a piece of 5/16" diameter 12L14 to a point which I used to "calibrate" the gage. The bolt height is adjusted up or down so it lines up with the turned point, a jam nut locks it in place.
The ways need to be clean for this to work, and I still use a steel rule to double check, as well as a test cut to make sure I'm where I want to be. I know there are many ways to skin this cat, this is just another one, and hopefully worth sharing
.
I turned a piece of 5/16" diameter 12L14 to a point which I used to "calibrate" the gage. The bolt height is adjusted up or down so it lines up with the turned point, a jam nut locks it in place.
The ways need to be clean for this to work, and I still use a steel rule to double check, as well as a test cut to make sure I'm where I want to be. I know there are many ways to skin this cat, this is just another one, and hopefully worth sharing
.