Stamping numbers

How do you stamp numbers on a dial, so it is good looking.

And have the same depth.

Just by hand or sight, or do you use some kind of jig??

Maybe post a picture.

Hi Claus,

This Youtube video might give you the information you're looking for... **LINK**

HTH

Jon

I made a similar stamping jig to his one shown but I think he made a better one than I did so thanks for that.

Michael W

I use my Universal Pillar Tool:

Controlling the depth is tricky since an 8 needs a bigger blow than a 1. I think it helps to use a big hammer to ensure that the indent has good depth, then clean up in the lathe afterwards with a smooth file.

HTH,

Rof

I did use a 4lb hammer once but I think it's getting too big at that stage, so I think 2lb would be a good hefty weight.

Michael W

I use a bar in the toolpost with a 1/4" notch in it.

I like RJ's method. Looks like perfect control of line and orientation. Perhaps he needs a set of different hammer head sizes for various numbers/letters, and a standard 'thump'?

Only needs to be mounted on a rotary table/chuck for accurate/precise space control!

I watch that Youtube video and could help thinking it might be better to strike each character with the stamp supported truly radially. Indexing the wheel either side of the long line IYKWIM.

Do you strike it in the chuck?

Michael W

I used my rotary table mounted on a stand and connected to the lathe spindle to cut new divisions and stamp new numbers onto the flanges of my Warco VMC mill. This was to replace the standard factory glued on scales.

I made an expanding mandrel to grip and drive the lathe spindle, and first I cut the divisions with a cheap carbide tipped lathe tool mounted on its side.

The fourth photo shows the numbers being stamped. The number stamp can just be seen mounted in the toolpost behind the block of steel used to guide it. The turret castings base flange and front verticle flange for the swivelling head were both done this way.

11/10 for improvisation!

Excellent set up, well thought out!

Tony

While we are on the topic, what is the best angle to grind the tool for making the lines, and how deep do you set it to cut? I've followed GHT's recommendations of 40 degrees and five thou but found the lines a bit light on after file clean up.

When i engrave scales on the CNC I use a 60 degree cutter and aim for 10 thou.

Any deeper and you start to loose the middle of the numbers such as 4,8 and 9 but it depends on the letter size.

However most dials are quite small and you have to cram a lot in.

That's exactly the sort of story and photos many readers would like to see in MEW.

Please consider writing it up!

Neil

Lathejack,

That's exactly the sort of story and photos many readers would like to see in MEW.

Please consider writing it up!

Neil

Just as effective and saves a screenfull of wasted space?

Regards Ian.

I use the shaper and a table extension for the lines, and a homemade UPT (Harley flywheel half for the base - it ain't gonna fall over!) for the numbers, but that is ingenious !!! Talk about thinking outside the box ! Superb.

I'm not intending to make an imposition here but it would be a lot nicer to read if we only had 1 set of photos to view, as nice as the work is. I dont' need to see it repeatedly.

Would a mod please tidy up the comments, if the time is available?

You can delete this notice too afterwards if you want because, I guess it would be irrelevant after the fact.

Again, no offense intended for showing the photos, it's just the same ones over and over again are cluttering and distorting the flow a bit.

Thanking you...

Michael W

Edited By Michael-w on 04/02/2017 14:47:57

Is stamping numbers while held in the lathe harmful to the headstock bearings? I can't help but think that sort of sideways (or vertical) force is bad for rollers or balls!

John

...but think that sort of sideways (or vertical) force is bad for rollers or balls!...

... especially the balls ... ​ ....

G.