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mgj19/08/2009 23:22:40
1017 forum posts
14 photos
Just as a matter of interest, I was wondering what people might think was the best/really useful  small tool they have.
 
Yes, mills lathes you have to have, just to be in the hunt, and there's other larger items that you need at some stage.
 
Some relatively cheap or constructible item that one says "I'm really glad I got one of those?"
 
for me there are 2.
 
1 The GHT versatile dividing head, because its not just a divider and indexer. For the Myford  (3 1/2" lathe) owner it is one of the most useful centre finding, cross drilling, slot milling without pain work holders you can get. As well as an excellent dividing head.
 
Paid for itself - oh yes. Try getting a set of 3" traction engine  gears cut professionally! (Bit of a stretch getting a 9" gear on it - but then it is versatile!!!)
 
2.  The optical centre punch form Chronos/Axminster. Oh wow, does that not transform marking out? all of a sudden you can step measurements out with calipers/dividers, centre pop them and be sure two plates will fit accurately, and all the bolts will go through right first time. .2mm clearance - no easing. Super little tool. Wish I'd got one years ago - even before I needed specs..
 
 
 
 

 

Edited By meyrick griffith-jones on 19/08/2009 23:24:17

chris stephens20/08/2009 00:12:47
1049 forum posts
1 photos
Hi Meyrick,
Just two? Oh, well for me it must be a 5C spin indexer and a home made Tangential tool holder, no make that DRO on mill, or is that the GHT radius turning tool, maybe it should be an electric edge finder. As I asked "just two?" 'cos the list goes ever on.
chris stephens 
chris stephens20/08/2009 02:38:16
1049 forum posts
1 photos
Posted by chris stephens on 20/08/2009 00:12:47:
Hi Meyrick,
Just two? Oh, well for me it must be a 5C spin indexer and a home made Tangential tool holder, no make that DRO on mill, or is that the GHT radius turning tool, maybe it should be an electric edge finder. As I asked "just two?" 'cos the list goes ever on.
chris stephens 
PS just remembered something else that I find very useful, saddle and cross slide stops, the latter is most useful for thread cutting.  I am sure to think of more, it is quite impossible to stop at 2!
John Stevenson20/08/2009 08:44:53
avatar
5068 forum posts
3 photos
I think mine has to be the digital calipers.
Internal, external, depth and step measurement in 0 - 1, 0 -2, 0 - 3, 0 -4, 0 - 5, 0 - 6" and the same in metric.
 
And if you buy a cheap pair and grind the jaws up you now have precision odd leg calipers .
 

John S.

Edited By John Stevenson on 20/08/2009 08:45:29

Circlip20/08/2009 11:31:26
1723 forum posts
Toolmakers vise I made as a slav--- Apprentice
 
   Regards  Ian.
mgj20/08/2009 17:56:29
1017 forum posts
14 photos
Or perhaps the little GHT retracting screw cutting toolholder  I was given. Made beautifully by a very good friend, his daughter gave it to me when he died.
 
Not a general use tool, but it really makes screw cutting easy. 
 
That's a nice one to have.
 
The list does go on.
 
Chris - the DRO is lovely. Most most impressed with mine, especially the centre finding capability ( zero one edge, zero far edge, press the 1/2 button and just wind back to 0) but thats not a cheap item. Thats the kind of second hand old thing that needs to have a nought off the end of the price when it comes to declaring it in the kitchen. 
Ian Abbott20/08/2009 19:33:42
avatar
279 forum posts
21 photos
1) Half pound cross pein hammer.
2) Odd legs I made at school when I was 13.
 
Others would be: 
Digital Caliper.
Oxy-acetylene welding torch.
 
Ian 
chris stephens20/08/2009 19:47:33
1049 forum posts
1 photos
Hi Meyrick,
I spent awhile making a GHT retracting threading thingy, and thought it quite useful till I reinstated my cross slide stop. If asked I would say the time spent making the CS stop is much better spent than making the retracting tool holder. Especially as it allows you to use a tangential screw cutting bit. Speaking of which I finished a special holder (mk two) for same today, when I get around to it I will try to put photos on the Diamond/Tangent thread.
chris sephens 
Geoff Theasby20/08/2009 19:49:44
615 forum posts
21 photos
I would suggest a bench grinder and a digital caliper.
 
Those are the devices I use more than anything else.
 
Regards
Geoff

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