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Question re Universal Pillar Tool

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Colin Heseltine20/09/2011 14:52:41
744 forum posts
375 photos
I'm sure lots of you out there had made this useful tool. I am just starting to build it, having bought the kit from Hemingway. I have a simple (possibly stupid) question . The Workshop Techniques book states that the keyway in the pillar s 11.5 " long, but I can find no reference as to whether this is from the top of the pillar or a set distance down from the top. Could someone please enlighten me.
 
Thanks in advance.
 
Colin
David Clark 120/09/2011 15:47:09
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3357 forum posts
112 photos
10 articles
Hi There
Not sure where my book is but I don't remember any keyway on the pillar tool.
regards David
 

Edited By David Clark 1 on 20/09/2011 15:47:23

Colin Heseltine20/09/2011 16:20:41
744 forum posts
375 photos
Its a recent modification which will allow the arms to be raised and lowered without losing station radially.
 
Colin
Ian Porthouse20/09/2011 16:43:39
6 forum posts
I am currently making the pillar tool from Hemingway and finished the pillar some time ago.
 
I didn't bother measuring the length of the pillar but remember the bottom end is turned down to fit the base (3/4 inch). There is no need for the keyway there.
 
If you look at the pillar sitting in the base, held in the base by the narrowed bottom section - the keyway can start at the very top ( allowing you to remove the arms with the screws still in place) but, as the screws are halfway up the back of the arms, you don't need to go right to the top of the base but can stop about 1/2 inch before the end.
 
In the Hemingway kit, the bar for the pillar was longer than stated and so I machined the ends per the instructions without worrying about the overall length.
 
To get the most out of the pillar, you need to be able to slide the arm from the top and for it to rest on the top of the base.
 
I hope this is clear.
 
David,
 
The keyway modification is clearly described in GHTs Workshop Techniques as a way of keep the arms/table in line when making adjustments. There is also a section on updating a keywayless pillar tool.
Colin Heseltine20/09/2011 16:52:01
744 forum posts
375 photos
Ian,
 
Thanks for your prompt reply. You have confirmed my thoughts. Out of interest did you machine slot on a milling m/c or lathe. If miller, I guess you had to clamp down, mill a section, then move clamps, then mill next section. Any hints.
 
Thanks,
 
Colin
Ian Porthouse21/09/2011 13:19:43
6 forum posts
Hi Colin,
 
I used the Quck Step mill mounted on the cross slide of my lathe.
 
Rgds,
 
Ian

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