How to use edge finder tool

[@anthonyrochon3907]

It's explained very well. No over use of words - this allows to absorb the info and far less confusion. I just discovered, 'Shop & Math." Everyone else uses too many words.

[@shopandmath]

thank you for the nice comment. It is much appreciated. I’m glad that you’re enjoying the channel. Ray

[@googiwaumer]

First video of yours I've watched, about a tool I've used for years; new "restaurant", so try the simplest most familiar thing on the menu -- if the egg rolls aren't good, probably don't want the Peking Duck :-). I learned a new trick in the first 5 minutes. Subscribed! Looking forward to the rest of your nice video library and learning a TON more! Awesome series!!! But yes as someone else pointed out everything makes sense and is perfectly clear except the one using the point on an angled surface. Can't figure out what you are attempting to measure or how you measured it or by what principles you do it. That'll make a great short video itself some day (in your "copious free time") because that one idea is totally new to me and looks like a great additional skill for the edge finder. And maybe just a word of explanation here in the comments will clarify it all for me and others as well, as It's probabl just a case of "experienced teacher assuming we know one little thing we "should know but actually don't".

[@shopandmath]

It would be nice if I could add a photo or print Using the pointed end is rare It and be used to pick up a center punch / prick punch mark(with limiter result) It could be used to pickup laid out line either flat or on angled or even compound angle It is also used to pickup holes smaller than other diameter (if you have a 0.2 Dia other end and you need to find the center of a hole that is 0.125 Dia) I hope that this helps Ray

[@madewithscraps]

If the DRO has the "1/2" function, this simplifies the process by not having to record the number, then divide by 2. Simply press the axis, then "1/2" for the second recording then the center (zero) is automatic when returning to the opposite direction. Also, the DRO Z axis will show the depth, without the need to use the depth stop, for those in a hurry. Many of the imported machines do not include the luxury of a depth stop, some without room for any such addition.

[@raysfix]

DRO functions Vary from machine to machine in most cases most of them have the ability to half a measurement If your machine has a z axis DRO that can be used to set a stop In most cases when machining people end up using the quill

[@James-fs4rn]

👍 good stuff. Thanks

[@dwightcarlson7136]

What is a good rotational speed for the spindle? Also could the pointed edge finder be used for a hole which is too small for the cylindrical unit?

[@shopandmath]

A general acceptance speed is between 700 and thousand The lower end is best used for edge finders that are of low quality The higher range is used for higher quality edge finders and other words brand names like starritt You can use the pointed end pick up around holes that’s not a problem be careful when the hole is very small you wont get the kick out that you were used to seeing and I could ricochet around the whole If you find that try using the cone closer to the tip On a very small holes you have to have a sharp edge not a chamfered hole

[@martinjukl4376]

is it possible to use it in horizontal position with extension on horizontal boring machine? is there still good accuracy ? thank you

[@shopandmath]

Hi Martin It is possible do use an edge finder and horizontal boring machine if you have the proper set up Edge finder’s are not accurate Because they are not a direct measuring instrument For accurate measurement you need to use a direct measuring instrument such as a dial test indicator I hope that this helps Ray

[@mth469]

Can we just use a small diameter drill and position it over the point and a piece of paper to ensure it touches the spot. Or do we need an edge finder? Also what if we don't have a fancy CNC mill with a depth (height) guage. Also, how do we set the tool height if we swap tools (end mills) of different lengths.

[@shopandmath]

It would be better to use a dowl pin and magic marker then a small drill

[@txkflier]

I like that you don't use half the diameter of the tool when locating the center of an object or hole. The way you do it, it doesn't matter what the actual diameter of the tool is. I've seen others offset their mill by half the diameter, zero it, touch the other side, and subtract half the diameter of the tool. While they do calculate the width of the object, all those calculations are waste of time if you just want to know where the center is.

[@shopandmath]

Thank you for your observations and thank you for taking the time to comment it’s much appreciated

[@MGoat76]

Good, simple video. Thank you

[@shopandmath]

thank you for your reply

[@joshmatthew4125]

Does rotation of the edge finder matter?

[@raysfix]

Rotation doesn’t matter you can spend it forwards or reverse it’ll just kick the opposite direction The thing that people don’t understand or forget is just by spinning this you can magnetize your edge finder it is important to demagnetize it because things will stick to it when it’s magnetized and could give you an error reading Ray

[@joshmatthew4125]

@@raysfix thanks

[@albertvillalobos1377]

did I detect bad spindle bearings on that Bridgeport?

[@shopandmath]

Anything is possible

[@ricktherecorder4416]

Everyone will appreciate the time and effort you have put into making a video, but it is, alas, not really very helpful. For a start it should really be called "How to use a DRO". If your machine doesn't have one, the video is of no use. Second, if you need instruction on the basics of edge-finding, as much of this video is, then you will have no idea what "touch off' means. You need to give an explanation of the mechanics and physics of the edge-finder, the radius of the contact, backlash, and so on. And your explanation of the use of the point contact was incomprehensible.

[@shopandmath]

thank you for taking the time to comment there are things missed and things that could be changed you make some good points if i remake this video down the road i will and the changes thank you Ray

[@YukYuk12]

Thanks

[@shopandmath]

I’m glad you enjoyed the video Thank you for taking the time to comment it’s much appreciated Ray

[@MegaRiffraff]

👍🏻

[@steverollins1467]

These nifty devices devices don't seem to work at 18000 rpm. 🤦‍♂️

[@shopandmath]

did it brake apart of did it stretch the spring ?

[@steverollins1467]

Let's just say the lower part flung off into space so fast I think it may have crossed the time/ space boundary never to be seen again... 🙂

[@steverollins1467]

Kind of an important point for anyone like me who uses their CNC router as if it were a milling machine. At some point I need to get a real mill, but the router is a nice/ expensive one so I am making due with my limited space and budget

[@shopandmath]

@@steverollins1467 the only i would try is blacking a pin and moving close to the part until the ink comes off

[@steverollins1467]

I will give that a try at my next opportunity and let you know how it goes. Thanks for the suggestion and great video.

[@roninscholar4515]

An edge finder...

[@raysfix]

Thank you for taking the time to comment. Much appreciated.

[@every1665]

Being stupid, I bought a cheap Chinese one and it is entertainingly unreliable. That'll teach me!

[@shopandmath]

it might not be that bad watch edge finder maintenance video oil and de-mag also check for burr Ray

[@every1665]

@@shopandmath Thanks - I still have it so I will try again as I have a demagnetizer. It didn't seem to work right from new though.

[@tomekapompey563]

Hmmm... I finally followed Ann's advice and took Woodglut. It's great for beginners and has some advanced stuff too.