Milling a square drive

[hotrats]

I found what I needed. I really should have paid more attention in math.

Since I started (trying to) learn machining, well, I've realized the same... (but, is a great learning opportunity!)

 

[Aukai]

I have dyscalculia, there is hope, these guys will get you going in the right direction.

Dyscalculia - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[verbotenwhisky]

Is there a formula to determine what size I should turn my round stock to mill a .550" square? The .550" is across the flats measurement.

the pythagorean theorem will give you the minimum diameter you need.

 

[BWS Arms]

I only have basic math skills. If I can see a formula or have someone write it out, I can usually get it. I never believed that I would need algebra or advanced math. I sure was wrong.

 

[BGHansen]

Food for thought is if you need square corners, you may want to turn down to 0.050" or so larger than your target. Then mill the flats to get to your target. If you turn the diameter to your target, you're not giving yourself any wiggle room for runout (if you need sharp corners). I posted a link to a thread of a 1/2" square punch I made years ago. The round was 1" diameter, my target was something like 0.711" but I left turned it oversize. Then went to a square collet block on the mill and cut it square.

Bruce

2017 POTD Thread Archive

My lathe is pretty much done! Still have a few covers to make and add the digital readout and machine light. I have time for that. Trying to get geared up to rework some parts for my client on some of the products I've designed. It's those things that come back and bit you in the a$$ that...

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