Indicate the vise on a milling machine in just one pass

[@TomsTechniques]

These are the kind of time saving tips that you learn from experience, because in industry, time is money. Unfortunately most instructors never get enough practical experience to learn them so students get the traditional book version instead. Glad you enjoyed the tip, I'll see if I can come up with a few more. Tom

[@jdaz5462]

Toms Techniques I watched about 4 other videos on squaring a vise, and this was by far the best - and most definitely the fastest method. Thanks!

[@thefuture2025]

Sweet! Thanks for taking the time to share this. At work we don't have a power feed, we're not a machine shop, but at home I will certainly be employing this time saving method from now on.

[@Stefan_Boerjesson]

One minute ago I saw a smart set up, in 2 passes, but You beat that! Beautiful!

[@markparchert7558]

That is the first time I ever saw that method, and I WONT forget it. I love learnihg the little tricks of the trade but make a huge difference. Great job Mark

[@harleyghost]

Wow, that must be magic. I got to try that next time I need to indicate my vice. What a great helpful tip, thank you!

[@kirkm5]

That was incredible. That's the fastest indicating I've ever seen. Thanks for sharing.

[@ap5194]

I've been a machinist most of my adult life and have never seen this method. That's awesome

[@jeffwoolly4631]

Hi Tom , I have just purchased my first mill and can't wait to have a go..I find your videos very informative and with enough detail to teach us mugs out here some really good techniques .. A lot of others with tuition videos will go over something too many times making it very repetitive and boring . I like your straight to the point teaching method .thankyou very much for taking the time to produce a quality and informative video . I will be a very regular student .. Regards jeff

[@TomsTechniques]

Thanks Jeff and welcome aboard. Tom

[@SouthJerseySkids]

Wow. Tried today tramming in two vises and Ive gotta say I never thought I'd be able to indicate one that quickly.

[@DaFlyinSkwirl]

This is a great tip. I always spend more time than I need squaring the vice to the table. Thanks Tom!

[@TomsTechniques]

You are very welcome

[@christopherlee8615]

Mind blown as well... I wish they would teach stuff like this in school. Just teach us how to do things the most efficient way. Thanks for this video.

[@AtelierDBurgoyne]

From now on, this will be the way I do it too. Thanks a million! Daniel

[@TomsTechniques]

You are very welcome.

[@triggerguard1]

Just in case no one caught what the real trick here was; you preloaded the vise 1 degree to ensure that as soon as your indicator touched the right side of the vise jaw, it was going to do nothing but climb further up the dial, also letting you know exactly what side to hit the vise on to get the needle to stop moving. Damn good idea. I'm pretty quick on this, but me thinks I'll be faster after this video. A keyed vise, with a swivel base and this technique could certainly prove to be lightning fast on a quick dial in.

[@TomsTechniques]

That's the trick. Glad you enjoyed the video. tom

[@punkeewalla6195]

Just saw this. Not a new idea, but a good one to share with anyone but the boss.

[@RedlineRennsport]

Dang. Of course, I knew I was not the only one who hated moving my vice. Now, we are all saved! I even went so far as mounting it on the right side of my table so I could do other work on the left without disturbing the vice. The benefits of using the less used areas of the ways notwithstanding, I don't have to dread moving the vice anymore. As a noob grasping for the keys to wisdom, the word I keep coming up with when watching your vids is PRICELESS! Perhaps the only problem will be that I will get through them all faster than you can make them!!!! ;-)

[@TomsTechniques]

You can always build the project tutorials, that will slow you down a bit. :) tomstechniques.com/tutorials/ Thanks for watching. Tom

[@RedlineRennsport]

Tom's Techniques Ha! If it were another realm, perhaps. Here, I am best left to study & learn from YOU!

[@esenior7115]

Very clever - I will try it next time. Perhaps it will cure me from avoiding moving my vise unless absolutely necessary. Your videos are great, I really enjoy them. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

[@TomsTechniques]

You should never be afraid to angle your vise. That's one of the best way to make angled surfaces on parts. Glad you are enjoying the videos. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you as well. Tom

[@730M]

Just made my life easy . used to go back and forth trying to do this no more Thanks

[@TomsTechniques]

It's a simple concept, but it saves a lot of time. Thanks for watching.

[@JB-ol4vz]

Old Guys Rule! Thanks Mr, looking forward to new films. Cheers from Sweden.

[@TomsTechniques]

The older we get, the lazier we get. Which is why we come up with all these tricks.

[@YouTuber-mc2el]

I would have gone from one end to the other as I'm sure others would have. This is very useful. Thank you for sharing.

[@JRo250]

Fantastic! Got a milling grin out of that one. Simple and very effective. Thanks for sharing

[@TomsTechniques]

Yes, it is possible to be fooled by an indicator not in contact with the work (voice of experience). In this case though it moves quite a bit at the start and less as you tap on the vise, so you get verification that the indicator isn't fooling you. I'm glad you enjoyed the tip.

[@TomsTechniques]

It does making indicating the vise less of a chore. Glad you liked it.

[@desyquintero8451]

If we were in the 1600's you my friend would be exceuted for witchcraft and sorcery. But since this is 2019 you are the best of KZbin , congrats on your impeccable timing sir.

[@DCLARKOPOULOS]

i cant believe i never thought of that!, not that i do it everyday but when i do need to do it, this is now the way i will. Thanks!

[@TomsTechniques]

I came up with the idea 20 years ago or so and it's the method I've used ever since. Just make sure the travel of the indicator is centered so it doesn't bottom out or lift off the jaw as it traverses. Tom

[@tomk8312]

all the small things like this are why an apprenticeship is so valuable... unfortunately i never found a program and i'm not even sure if they exist for this anymore, because this is the most fascinating trade of them all

[@TomsTechniques]

Thanks Fred. I'm always looking for ways to save time. Even if it's only a minute here and there, they all add up. Tom

[@Δημήτρης-η4ρ]

Are you some kind of a magician?

[@TomsTechniques]

It's all smoke and mirrors. :)

[@treytavares8590]

⬆️ Smoke and mirrors = extreme competence and confidence in the tools and machines he’s working with!

[@TomsTechniques]

Thanks James, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. The bar on the back of the vise is a work stop, You can get them from MSC for about $60. Tom

[@JimFleming1953]

nicely done, Tom, thanks, I've never seen it done quite this way, and I'll not forget it!

[@TomsTechniques]

Thanks Jim, it does save some time. Tom

[@maceward6927]

You said it Jim!

[@TravisFabel]

Dude, its been 12 years since you did this but you still just sped up how fast I indicated my mill vice back.

[@TomsTechniques]

Lol. That is still one of my favorite time savers.

[@TomsTechniques]

Thanks, that's one of my favorite shortcuts.

[@RumpLeINtiLINsKinnIN]

Wow! Can't believe I didnt think of that. Thanks for the tip, Tom.

[@TomsTechniques]

+RumpLeINtiLINsKinnIN It definitely makes aligning the vise more fun. Thanks for watching. Tom

[@TomsTechniques]

I'm a mechanical designer and do all my own prototyping at home. I'm also an avid gunsmith and am currently building a single shot Steven's rifle from scratch. You can see the build thread in the gunsmithing section of Metalworking Fun.

[@RedlineRennsport]

OK... I had occasion to try this trick for the first time this morning. Well... the Last Word aint gonna be working up such a sweat anymore. Sakes alive that was dope slap simple. Took me longer to set up the indicator than to tram the vice. One of those things that you just don't understand why you didn't think of yourself. Then you remember you don't really know what you are doing... yet. Take the vice off the mill? No worries! Thanks for a slick tip, Tom!!

[@TomsTechniques]

Sounds like a success story! Glad you liked the tip. Tom

[@TomsTechniques]

I'm actually up to my elbows in a project now that is being posted over at Metalworking Fun. It's a single shot rifle that I'm building form scratch and documenting the entire process. There aren't any videos yet, but I am planning on making one on drilling and rifling the barrel. There is a lot of machining processes in that thread. If you are interested, go to the Metalworking Fun site and look in the Gunsmithing section for "Building the Steven's Favorite".

[@EEJester1586]

Wow just goes to show you everything can be made right with a hammer. Great video.

[@TomsTechniques]

A hammer, or a bigger hammer. :) Thanks

[@joehotpaint1]

Brilliant. So simple and yet so important.

[@TomsTechniques]

Thanks

[@TomsTechniques]

Thanks. That's one of my favorite tips; simple, but it saves a lot of time. Tom

[@gregorynorth80]

Unbelievable talented gentleman you are.

[@BraveLoch32]

Okay, I have to add my thought: That is just too freakin' COOL!

[@TomsTechniques]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video. I'll be sure to check out your adapter. Tom

[@alastairseggie]

Tom I've been watching your videos since I stumbled on them while searching for hardinge HLV-H -videos. Two suggestions to assist us noobies. Mention the gear you use and why for example what type of vice you use drilling chuck, micrometer etc. A good example where you did this was with the taps on the power tapping vid. Getting the benefit of your experience when it comes to tool selection is invaluable. The otherthing is to mention special tools you have used in the comments eg the indicol Thanks again for great videos I am learning fast!

[@TomsTechniques]

That's a good suggestion. I tend to take the tools I use regularly for granted and forget the bad decisions I've made on tool purchases over the years. I think the biggest waste of money I've ever made on a tool was for a co-axial indicator. I paid $350 for it (name brand) and rarely use it. It takes way too much vertical space and just isn't worth the time it takes to crank the knee up and down to make room for it, especially when a simple edge finder does just as good a job. Glad you are enjoying the videos and thanks for watching. Tom

[@BasementShopGuy]

Good lord, what a cool tip. Thanks Tom!

[@TomsTechniques]

Glad you liked it. Tom

[@lesliemueller1916]

Thanks for a really straight forward method.

[@TomsTechniques]

+Leslie Mueller Thanks for watching!

[@FredMiller]

What a great timesaver! Thanks Tom..

[@TomsTechniques]

Thanks Ray, glad you are enjoying them. Tom

[@ahcgt]

Excellent video for a rookie like myself. Keep them coming!

[@TomsTechniques]

Thanks Drew. They have been many more since this one and there will be many more to come. Thanks for watching! Tom

[@geoffhalstead1811]

What can I say except - BRILLIANT!

[@747maran]

What the? Tom, you're incredible, I do this everyday, even with a rotary table, but I take up 4-5 or more passes...I guess with a rotary, just rotating the table in the right direction until the needle stops moving?

[@747maran]

How did you figure this out, that is such a time saver, I can see the centering of the rotary table, thats great too. Thanks for all your time, you showed me how to make a power draw bar too, you had the most simple of the ones out there on youtube..

[@TomsTechniques]

Mario R Mario, Somewhere along the way a light went on and I started doing it this way. You are right, it works on a rotary table as well. It would be interesting to know how much time was saved over the years by doing it like this. Thanks for watching. Tom

[@747maran]

Toms Techniques I have my own machine shop in Los Angeles, but I learned from this guy and his son in Rosarito Mexico, let me in their shop and use it for 3 years, real good guys. I'm sending this video link down there, I never saw them doing it this way, it was the old way, pounding on the vise back and forth…I did it with my rotary, and up to now, I still can't believe it..Thanks for your time putting these videos up, this on is the most time saving so far i've seen..

[@TomsTechniques]

Mario R Glad it was a useful tip for you.

[@mrayco]

This video must every machinist see it❤❤

[@TomsTechniques]

Yup, works just like magic. Thanks, Tom

[@rrangana11]

Wow that's a way good Technique... I am New to milling and this this is really very fast to indicate. Thanks for sharing.

[@TomsTechniques]

Thanks for watching.

[@TomsTechniques]

It's called an Indicol holder and Penn Tool sells it. You'll need to select the model appropriate for your machine.

[@cyberslick18]

Works far better on a swivel vise as shown rather than a traditional vise bolted right into the ways, where the interference between the studs and the way channels is often the real culprit, but it's a nice trick regardless.

[@markrichardson239]

Good job Tom!

[@TomsTechniques]

Thanks, it's always fun saving time.

[@jamesselby2697]

brilliant ! I am a 73 year old novice and just hungry for tips and tricks just like this. I noticed a bar bolted to the back of your table vice that appeared to be capable of having reference stops or adapters fitted to it, would you care to enlighten me on what looks like to be a clever add on? Thank you for the video and hope there will be many more.

[@michaelsteinbach]

Will be using this method from now on at work. Could you please provide a link to the arm holding the indicator?

[@TomsTechniques]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

[@bgehret3141]

I think your technique works well with the vise mounted on the swivel base. Have you ever tried it with the vise mounted directly on the table?

[@TomsTechniques]

I have not, but the concept would be the same. Just pivot the vise around one of the hold down bolts.

[@floridasaltlife]

Great video and time saver.

[@Panzlaff]

Thanks for listening to an old man. Heiko The German Master Mechanic Master Electrician Engineer for Car Design

[@rcwarship]

Woooohoooooooo!!!!!! Thank you very much for the awesome tip, you are the man. Thanks & Best Regards, Jon

[@johnnym1320]

All I can say is WOW awesome!!

[@TomsTechniques]

Thanks. You Tube doesn't allow links in the comments section, but the address is in the video description above. If you Google Metalworking Fun, you'll find it as well.

[@Wongsterwish]

Amazing!!! Took me several iteration to get within 0.01mm.

[@whitecaps775]

Yeah Thanks, I got to see some of the same today. Won't take much to duplicate. Thanks for the reply.

[@AvocaSingleTrack]

Tom , Thank you for taking the time to make these video's. Although I've been pretty handy all my life, i'm new to milling and I appreciate your simple yet thorough explanations in all your videos. I was looking in your playlists, you should compile a playlist called "Milling 101 for noobs" . It would help a lot of people new to milling. I've had my first mill only a few weeks, a PM940PDF . I've trammed it once and also used a coaxial center indicator. I've been looking for something like that centering tool you made , or anything that I could put in a collet to just get me "close" and then use my coaxial indicator. I find bullnose live centers that would work , but they all have morse taper ...no straight shank . Wish I could find some kind of conical part with a straight shank to go in a collet . Anyway , thanks much for all the vids. Great channel , Subbed !

[@TomsTechniques]

Thanks for watching

[@priority2]

Holy cow...what a great tip. Thanks so much...subscribed!

[@TomsTechniques]

Thanks William. . It might take a try or two to get the hang of the technique, but once you do it will save a lot of time. Tom

[@laurentcnc6662]

Very great tip Tom. Thanks for sharing :-)

[@rjbinning7535]

Great video 👍🏼

[@Calling321]

That was quick. Cool!

[@TomsTechniques]

Collin Bru Thanks. With a little practice, you can get it aligned before the indicator gets half way across the jaw.

[@zepp_0396]

Awesome. Thanks for sharing the knowledge!

[@zepp_0396]

+ZEPP_0 About to binge watch your channel haha

[@coquimonster31]

that was pretty smooth! thanks for the tip...

[@TomsTechniques]

+Milton Rosario Thanks. That's one of my favorites. Tom

[@whitecaps775]

Hi Tom, New Guy here-got the bug though-trying to learn. Know this is a old video but I watch all your vids, sometimes many times. Thank you for the teachings. Have a question about the vice stop on your vice, how is the other side (rear of vice) finished. Plan on building one and looking for ideas. Gordon

[@TomsTechniques]

Gordon, This type of info never gets old because there is always someone new to benefit from it. The rear of the vise is designed to accept the jaws, just like the front. It has the same two 1/2-13 tapped holes, and the bar of the stop attaches to them. Tom

[@thomasutley]

Brilliant. Thanks Tom!

[@TomsTechniques]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@jackk7030]

G day Tom 👍 well done, Awesome 👍 🍺

[@stevewhitehart5795]

Simple and effective - like all the best tips. Thanks.

[@TomsTechniques]

Glad you liked it.

[@denisl2406]

i agree very cool,tom what is the site you meant,metalworking fun i cant seem to find it.

[@ipscjoe]

Damn……I need to be friends with you. I could learn a lot. Saving this video 👍

[@rollerco]

Nice trick, and quick. Thanks.

[@TomsTechniques]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@TomsTechniques]

Glad you liked it.

[@TomsTechniques]

Thanks, glad you enjoy them. I have been thinking about some new videos and am open to suggestions. What would you like to see?

[@iancraig1951]

That was slick--master machinest..

[@TomsTechniques]

Thanks, it works pretty well.

[@TomsTechniques]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.

[@TomsTechniques]

Thanks, glad you liked the tip.

[@ClownWhisper]

Thank you I'm new to all this it's more of a hobby because I'm severely disabled and I've been adjusting it via the table lockdown which is a pain in the ass. So am I to understand that my voice may not be at zero when it's indicated correctly?

[@TomsTechniques]

+Clown Whisper Zero is a relative thing. It might be at zero according to the scale on the vise, but way off according to a dial test indicator.

[@ClownWhisper]

+Toms Techniques if I use the technique as you show which is the superior technique No Doubt then device ends up being a out a degree off of the zero on the vice scale which is fine I can come pick say is I calculate things but it just rubs me the wrong way of locking down something that isn't on 0 when it indicates + 0. it makes me wish that I could adjust the scale on the vice to be at zero when it truly is at zero according to my table

[@TomsTechniques]

+Clown Whisper Sounds like whoever marked your vise was having a bad day. Just file off the incorrect mark and put a new one on, once the vise is indicated. Tom

[@ClownWhisper]

. Already done LOL

[@rayjones777]

really good videos, they bring a smile every time,, great... ray

[@christopherruben]

Awesome technique i will reply after i try it

[@sergio05]

Great video!

[@TomsTechniques]

Brownie points are good!

[@rcChopperDave]

Last time I did that it took me 15 minutes. Next time it will take one. Thanks for the tip!

[@TomsTechniques]

Thanks for watching.

[@TomsTechniques]

Thanks Brett.

[@3Orthoman]

Love it! You are the new YT Shop Video Czar, joining the illustrious ranks of Mr Pete, Keith Fenner and The Tool and Die Guy! Thanks and keep sharing. Search YT for Globe Milling Adapter to see my cool shop tool from the past.

[@farhad64it]

Could you please, put a video on how to dial a whole on the Mill, please?

[@tropifiori]

Cool. I was just trying to think a way through that very same thing

[@dolata000]

Well ain't that just slicker than snot... Thanks.

[@paulpollaccia1852]

Awesome tip!

[@1975thebutcher]

Super cool tip , thanks

[@TomsTechniques]

Thanks for watching.

[@mtmx7]

nice makes sense !!!!! i use interapid also but i always do the half and half