swatkins
Sat 13 February 2010, 23:57
This post copied from another thread and edited to show Z-Slide Layout. http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?p=37672&postcount=59
A variance in the plans for the Z-Plate when converting to inch from metric has caused a few problems for builders. Please note the spacing of the holes and do your layout carefully. If having these items made, make sure the persons doing the work knows these two pieces screw together.
Next up was laying out the holes...
8548
Because I don't have a CNC mill ( YET :D ) I still do things the old way... Layout ink and scribing the parts on a granite surface plate.
8551
One of my most used layout tools is an optical center punch.
8549
It's very simple to use and consists of a metal base with two precision holes. There is a hardened steel center punch and a plastic magnifying target that fits the holes in the base..
You first place one of the holes over your marked line. Insert the plastic target into the hole and look through the end.. You will see a small dot in the exact center. The plastic target rod is polished in such a way as it magnifies the target end and lets you see the fine scribe lines with ease... It also lets light in through the sides of the rod so that it is well lighted at the surface..
Once you have have the small dot over your scribe lines you hold the base firmly and remove the target rod. You then insert the center punch into that hole and give it a bam with a hammer.. Perfect alignment every time!
8550
Here is a shot of the plate after starting to center punch. (Drawing issue caught here) I caught a mistake here... I was a little confused on the drawing measurements and made one line too far over... I looked at the stiffener bar drawings and found the distance between the two rows of holes and corrected the layout before I drilled the plate...
And the finished plate and tube!
8552
My counter sink is not wanting to make the hole deep enough for the screw head to be flush. I think the holes are at the outer limit for this sink and the next size up is just too big... I tried using a drill bit to sink it deeper but there was too much chatter and the finish was not up to standards.. The screw heads are just a little proud so I might end up grinding them a little....
A variance in the plans for the Z-Plate when converting to inch from metric has caused a few problems for builders. Please note the spacing of the holes and do your layout carefully. If having these items made, make sure the persons doing the work knows these two pieces screw together.
Next up was laying out the holes...
8548
Because I don't have a CNC mill ( YET :D ) I still do things the old way... Layout ink and scribing the parts on a granite surface plate.
8551
One of my most used layout tools is an optical center punch.
8549
It's very simple to use and consists of a metal base with two precision holes. There is a hardened steel center punch and a plastic magnifying target that fits the holes in the base..
You first place one of the holes over your marked line. Insert the plastic target into the hole and look through the end.. You will see a small dot in the exact center. The plastic target rod is polished in such a way as it magnifies the target end and lets you see the fine scribe lines with ease... It also lets light in through the sides of the rod so that it is well lighted at the surface..
Once you have have the small dot over your scribe lines you hold the base firmly and remove the target rod. You then insert the center punch into that hole and give it a bam with a hammer.. Perfect alignment every time!
8550
Here is a shot of the plate after starting to center punch. (Drawing issue caught here) I caught a mistake here... I was a little confused on the drawing measurements and made one line too far over... I looked at the stiffener bar drawings and found the distance between the two rows of holes and corrected the layout before I drilled the plate...
And the finished plate and tube!
8552
My counter sink is not wanting to make the hole deep enough for the screw head to be flush. I think the holes are at the outer limit for this sink and the next size up is just too big... I tried using a drill bit to sink it deeper but there was too much chatter and the finish was not up to standards.. The screw heads are just a little proud so I might end up grinding them a little....