Bored today, so I got the idea to make an angle index for my AXA toolpost.

[Ken226]

Wouldn't it be easier to mill a slot in the post and the washer, then make a key to an interference fit?

Possibly. But the washer is only .048" thick. I'd considered making the washer alot thicker, and using a 3mm setscrew, but am worried that the additional thickness won't leave enough threads for the nut. A tiny, .048" thick key might suck to try and make.

Or, if you know it's going to change by 5 degrees when you tighten it, you already have an accurate system. Just allow for the movement.

I could do that, but it would bug me until the day I die. I'm kinda like that autistic guy in that Tom Cruise movie about the casino card counting. I just can't let some things go.

 

[francist]

I think it’s going to be tough to get a real precision fit against the thread tops of the stud. I know in theory there should be no difference in dimension but in reality I suspect there is, and maintaining a snug sliding fit there that stays fit for any length of time may be difficult. A thicker washer would mitigate that some by bearing against more threads, but the thickness becomes objectionable for the already mentioned reason. It’s a worthy effort though, good luck with it.

-frank

 

[woodchucker]

I'm going to make another washer/spacer tomorrow. This one will have a tab that protrudes toward the center of the hole.
I'll mill a slot into the toolpost stud, that fits the washers tab more tightly. That should do the trick.

Like this, but bigger.

I have been looking for that type of washer for a while for my AXA tool posts, so that the lock nut doesn't turn the height nut.
I have searched hard for that. I have tried many different variations of a tabbed washer, keyed ... you name it.. arbor washer, spindle washer...
I can find some but they all start at than 1" ..

Anyone know where I can find smaller sizes?

 

[wachuko]

When can we order these?

 

[benmychree]

Only issue the OP has is it has play with 5 degrees otherwise i would copy that. Would need a way to get it more accurate.

A vernier could be added to make one degree resolution, but I think the "fat" graduations are a poor idea for accuracy.

 

[Shotgun]

I have been looking for that type of washer for a while for my AXA tool posts, so that the lock nut doesn't turn the height nut.
I have searched hard for that. I have tried many different variations of a tabbed washer, keyed ... you name it.. arbor washer, spindle washer...
I can find some but they all start at than 1" ..

Anyone know where I can find smaller sizes?

https://www.mouser.com/Electromechanical/Switches/Switch-Accessories/Switch-Hardware/_/N-cbtcs?Keyword=tab+washer&FS=True

 

[Ken226]

Once I finish it, if the tabbed washer works, I'll test it by setting up for threading using the index, then check how close I got with a fish.

 

[woodchucker]

https://www.mouser.com/Electromechanical/Switches/Switch-Accessories/Switch-Hardware/_/N-cbtcs?Keyword=tab+washer&FS=True

thank you... if only it were the right size.

 

[Ken226]

Just need to part it off at the right thickness, then mill the toolpost stud.

 

[Ken226]

I got it finished. The stainless steel washer is much better. Now it moves about a
Half the thickness of the index marks. Accuracy seems reasonable. I set the compound 60° clockwise from parallel to the lathes Z axis, then rotated the toolpost to the 60° mark. When the nut is tightened, the pointer moves from the center of the mark, to just short of the marks left edge. I checked it with a fish, and it looked at least as good as doing it with just the fish.





My protractor shows the correct angle as well. I moved it around to a few settings and re-measured.

For the time being, it works. It may wear and lose accuracy over time though. We shall see



In the worst case scenario, it still works the same way it did before I added this index thing. The 2 parts are drop-in, I can swap the regular washer back in in 10 seconds.