The Joy of Precision

"... And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you" -Exodus 31:6

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Join me as I make a pair of collet drawtubes, and lose my mind. :)

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FINALLY a new video! A more detailed overview of building the tailstock turret for the watchmakers lathe.

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Remember that tiny quick change toolpost I made for the Sincere watchmakers lathe about 5 years ago?  I’ve had several requests, over the years, for plans/drawings, and after the most recent request I decided to do it.  I’m going to start making project plans and drawings available through my Patreon page from time to time, and the drawings for the miniature QCTP are now available there: https://www.patreon.com/posts/drawings-for-now-21190714

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This is my prototype watch movement holder that I designed a few months ago then finally got around to making.  It feels solid, grips extremely well, looks great, and can accommodate very large movements when necessary (for example, I have some automotive dash clock and desk clock movements that are too large to fit commercially available holders).

Here you can see the components - the guide pins are O1 drill rod (used simply because it comes ground to a close tolerance from the supplier), the side plates are 6061 aluminum (though something like Delrin might be a better choice), the lead screw is 416 Stainless (single pointed 1/4″-28), and the jaws are also 6061 aluminum.

These last two photos show a later modification I made, to use a circlip and belleville washer instead of the compression spring.  So far I’m really liking it!  If you’re interested in the drawings for this tool, check out my Patreon page, at https://www.patreon.com/joyofprecision

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I was of two minds, on whether to do this video but in the end I’m glad I did.  I’ve already had a lot of unexpected positive feedback about it.  If you’re interested in how to single point metric threads for general (non-precision) use without needing a transposing/translating (127 tooth) change gear, then this might be useful for you.

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Made a quick little rack for the ER-11 collets that I’ll be using with the Hager mill.  I really prefer this slotted design.

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Part 4 of the Trent Pinion Mill build, in this episode I talk about how to approach machining rough castings (particularly when they’re a bit “lean”), then mill the casting for the knee of the Trent, including both dovetails.

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My official submission for Emma’s toolmaking competition.  Rules dictated that it be less than 20 minutes, so this only shows an overview of the build.  With 15 hours of raw footage, I think this will turn into a 3 or 4 part series showing the detailed build, at a later date.

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I wouldn’t say it followed me home, but it did literally show up on my doorstep.

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I get a lot of questions about this dividing head that I use. Here is some yakking about it and the modifications I made to it.

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In the third video of the series, I machine the column casting (including the dovetails), make a couple sets of screws to attach the column and knee support to the base plate, and spend some time yakking about mill tram versus fly cutting.

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In the second video of the series, I make the knee support and knee support (jacking) nut.  Also, General Sam laughs at me.

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The first video in my new series showing the build of the Trent Pinion Mill from the castings sold by Hemingway.

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Part 2 of the miniature boring head build is finally up!

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Part 1 of 2, of my miniature boring head build.  I made this little guy for my buddy, Justin, to use in his mini mill.  Part 2 coming soon!

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Can't believe I forgot to post this one here after I uploaded it! I made this gyroscope for my father-in-law as a Christmas present. This video already has more views than all my others put together. It also has plenty of hate over music choice and camera angles, neither of which I regret. :)

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My first mail time video! Merry Christmas and happy holidays everyone!