Spotface

Hi all, I'm still around, just working as a truck driver again so out of town an awful lot.

Next question, what does 'spotface' mean on a plan?

Flat bottom for a washer of similar to sit on, usually on castings where the surface isn't flat.

John S.

Couldn't resist it, that's spot on John - Andrew

Good to see you back I wondered what had happened to you.

Windy

Spotfacer - acne-ridden engineering apprentice?

Neil

Edited By Stub Mandrel on 03/12/2012 20:36:44

Spot face, see someone in a crowd you recognise

Hi Wolfie

Here is a pic of a Spotface cutter/ Counterbore. (Also known - by me- as a wallet emptier!) Makes a very neat job of creating a seating for cap headed screws.

Glad to hear that you are still about and involved

Regards

Norman

Edited By NJH on 04/12/2012 10:16:22

I think the diagram above is a little deceptive in implying a recess is made. Much of the time the intention is just toi flatten off the top of a cast-in boss in a circle around the head of a bolt. Putting in a recess can create a problem of spanner access if not useing cap heads.

Rather than modify a drill it is common practice to make a simple spotfacer in silver steel the diameter of the desired spotface as follows. 1) drill end of silver steel bar the size of the hole, 2) make 2 saw cuts as an X across the end, 3) file relief on the end back from the cuts like the end of an endmill 4) harden and temper, 5) insert guide pin in the hole you drilled at the start. 6) use gently.

If you're just flattening the top of a boss why bother with a special tool, just use a normal milling cutter? In the picture the bosses on the small casting were cleaned up with a standard slot drill whereas the holes on the larger casting need a recess to provide a clean mating surface:

Regards,

Andrew