A FANCY Lathe Tool Height Gauge || INHERITANCE MACHINING

Being an engineer I have a knack for finding problems where they don’t exist, and coming up with over-designed solutions. Combine that with being a wanna-be toolmaker and things can get out of hand real fast. But in the case of this project I think I may have stumbled upon something actually useful! On a metal lathe there are a few tricks of the trade for setting the cutting tool heights. Like referencing a tailstock center, or the centerpoint of a faced piece of material. But these aren’t exactly precise methods. A common (and extremely simple) approach to this problem is to machine a reference bar whose length is the exact distance between the spindle centerline and the way surface. Then setting this on the ways near the cutting tool to set the height. While all of these work just fine as far as resulting in a good finish, I still see room for something a little more elegant. So in this video I’ll be putting together a lathe tool that I’m not sure exists. And maybe for good reason!
#inheritancemachining #machineshop #hobbymachinist
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Thank you again to the Micrometer level Patreon members listed at the end of the video!
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 You See, The Problem Is...
2:04 Where the Pencil Meets... the Paper
4:37 Grandfather Was Right
7:44 Boyle's Law
10:19 Lack of Foresight
12:07 Milling Mojo
13:27 If it Ain't Broke
14:49 Highly Eccentric
17:43 Slightly Less Eccentric
19:50 Does it Do the Thing?
FAQ
Drafting Equipment (affiliate links): amzn.to/3P0HvMe
A/V Equipment (affiliate links): amzn.to/3Pi45jB
Editing: Final Cut Pro X
Intro Song: Way Back Way Back When (Instrumental Version) - Gamma Skies
www.epidemicsound.com/track/S...\
• A FANCY Lathe Tool Hei...
© 2023 Inheritance Machining, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

[@matthewdebeer8453]

"What good is a machine shop if I can't make an over complicated version of a tool I don't really need?" I don't even have a machine shop, and I feel this

[@H3rry118]

Time to make a machine shop, somehow

[@matthewdebeer8453]

@@H3rry118 well I don't really need it, so I guess I had better get started on an over complicated one right away

[@mooreevair]

I feel this . but with a conventry die holder. I needed to thread 7 parts yesterday and damn if I didn't want to single point thread, or use the janky die holder, which I ended up using anyway after trying several other more complicated methods. I really want to make the die holder like Swap Lamp made on his channel, but..time..

[@josephlovell6951]

​@mooreevair I like the electronic lead screw project clough42. Now I can cut any threads and it takes out the guess work. And no changing gears

[@mooreevair]

@@josephlovell6951 I've watched some of what he did. I think I'll need to revisit it . cheers

[@dscroop]

Love your videos, but everytime I watch your drawing, as an ex-drafter (sadly only on CAD) , I can't help but thing you should create a 2nd channel dedicated to a complete ASMR style video of just your sketchs.

[@matthasaname]

I second this suggestion. Every shot is macro. Mic preamp turned way up. No narration. Mmmmmmmm.

[@rhombo323]

​@@matthasaname i can hear it now "Shhhhckk,,,, shhhhhckk,,,,shhck"

[@ikbendusan]

@@matthasaname thanks i hate it

[@Bob_Adkins]

I like a few seconds of drawing too, it brings back memories. But a whole channel dedicated to it? Naaaah.

[@420people]

Love me some quality drafting footage!

[@giovannicintolo89]

You're not a wannabe toolmaker, you've got it. I've been a machinist all my life, was a manufacturing engineer for a few years, and a machine shop teacher for a few as well. I'm really blown away with your talent. The pin or rod through a hole on top of the vice trick can be a life saver. Use it with two holes and two pins and you can get very accurately milled angles, although you may have to skim the top of your vise jaws for the 2 pin route. I have seen a couple of shop made tool height setters out in industry. Typically just an L shaped block that is non adjustable. The Tsugami swiss types screw machines I programmed and ran for a few years came with an adjustable magnetic one, but these were used for the tool stick-out length, not setting the center height. None were as beautiful or functional as this.

[@InheritanceMachining]

That really means a lot! Thank you! I hope my ideas end up helping or inspiring others to tackle problems of their own. Also yes that 2 pin method you mention is great! Though I never considered checking/skimming the top face of my jaws. Fortunately they weren't critical parts!

[@RobertBrown-lf8yq]

I’ll second the ‘inspirational’ comment. I note that your finished products closely match your ‘old school’ drawings… in quality as well as ‘to dimension’. I’m in my late 70’s…. and you are definitely inspiring me to ‘up my (old) game 🤣🤬 Regards Robert

[@robbiecarter5640]

20yrs of machining and I have never seen a setup like that! I am beyond impressed. Hope you don't mind...but I think I will make one for myself from your design. Love your videos! Keep them coming!

[@DanielMartinez-xy5mk]

Talented!!!! I've Been Fabricating For Most Of My Life And Now That My Body Is Hurting To Much That I Have Decided To Try My Skills In The Machine Room , Been Exciting Times But After Seeing This Display Of Pure Knowledge Is Making Me Eager To Get Back To Work And It's Saturday , lol , I Hope You Don't Mind But I'm Going To Attempt To Make Something Like This Guage , If Not I'll Buy One , lol

[@InheritanceMachining]

@@robbiecarter5640 Be my guest! Thank you

[@Boltboy-kh7yw]

You are the type of machinist that i aspire to be. The ability to not only design but perfectly manufacture anything that you want is inspiring and extremely impressive to me. One day i want to have my own machines and be able to tackle your projects myself

[@Eric-vq9nq]

Depending on your location there may be a Makerspace nearby that could let you get started right away.

[@InheritanceMachining]

You very kind! Thank you. I hope you get there one day, man!

[@Rickd-jh7iw]

As a trained Draftsman that learned on a board, it's really nice to see someone doing a really nice hand drawn drawing. The invention of CAD made life a lot easier, but it lost the romance. Drafting standards suffered too as speed became more important than details. With laser cutting and CNC programming direct from the CAD model, some drawings we issue now just have a couple of views with overall dimensions and a note stating "See CAD model for detail dimensions".

[@PenumbralFigure]

I really like that term, "magnetically transparent." Your cinematography and machine work is gorgeous as always!

[@InheritanceMachining]

I felt pretty clever with that one 😁 Thanks!

[@lilylodon]

The most relaxing 22 minutes of the week, thank you.

[@InheritanceMachining]

Thank you as well!

[@DamienDarkside]

It's also becoming more and more impressive the amount of custom tools you have in your videos. As you make more things, you use them in your projects so they end up on camera in practical use. Seeing your custom knurling tool in use made me remember that video and how many more you've made. Commenting before the inevitable "New Shop Size" or something similar video.

[@InheritanceMachining]

Making a tool that actually ends up being useful is probably as rewarding as making it in the first place. There may come a time where the only thing I use is hand made tools! Thanks, man

[@Hiraeth90]

You sir are an artist! Thank you for keeping manual machining alive!!! Keep it up Brandon!

[@InheritanceMachining]

Can't let the computers have all the fun! 😂 Thanks!

[@sophakpeth4346]

Am I the only one that’s more impressed with the drawing than the matching?

[@dodojesusrex5380]

I´ve watched every single video you uploaded, ever since your first one. I was instantly hooked, since even back then you had this mesmerising, soothing and well thought out way of doing things. I´ve seen you fail, I´ve seen you succeed and I enjoyed every second of it. I´m a apprentice machinist and I love my job so much it´s more like a passion. And, It really makes my whole day every second friday, when I come home from making chips and get to see your next project. You´re a talent at making machining interesting and enjoyable to watch! Keep up this good work, Brandon!

[@InheritanceMachining]

I remember you username from the early days 😁 My hope with this channel was to bring my own take on the hobby I love so much. So it really means a lot, you saying that. Thanks for the support all along the way!

[@RonCovell]

Your machining projects are a joy to watch, with some of the most beautiful cinematography on KZbin!

[@InheritanceMachining]

Thanks so much, Ron!

[@haraldd.4910]

When something went terrible wrong in the workshop, your channel is there to relax and calm down. Thank you for beeing my therapist!

[@ianbrown5314]

Makes my Fridays better!!

[@rocketprops3739]

FIRST! Awesome, meticulous work as always.

[@aren3413]

An entire video without a side project or a visit to the box of shame.

[@ginge6365]

Great vid as usual! Your work both behind and infront of the Camera is top class! You deserve so much recognition.

[@InheritanceMachining]

That is very nice of you to say. Thank you!

[@brandonclifton2027]

Anyone else here to wind down before bed? My six year old daughter and I are!

[@Horus9339]

I'll say it again, beautiful. There is something almost surgically about the tools you make. The finish, the style/design, really impressive work. Thank you for sharing your time with us.

[@InheritanceMachining]

Absolutely my pleasure. And thank you for the nice comments as always!

[@mcleodautomation]

KZbin is stunned. I can't believe it has never, until today, recommended this channel.

[@30bones]

Civil designer of 30 years and your drafting brings back a lot of memories. Super cool channel

[@michaelfmarcos]

Where in the world have you been my man, I’ve been checking daily for videos in case KZbin algo hasnt surfaced it. Hope all is well, looking forward to the next installment.

[@InheritanceMachining]

All is well! Just had to skip a video after getting tied up with some home projects that took longer than expected. New video tomorrow 😁

[@briansavage932]

Blessed are the Gods! Our boy has uploaded a new build!

[@steelshepherd6843]

Good stuff. Perfect blend of planning, drawing, machining, and finishing meshed together with flawless production and a little bit of story telling. I have been watching YT for a longtime since I moved away from traditional TV over a decade ago and this channel is a great example of why.

[@InheritanceMachining]

That really means a lot! Thank you!

[@EngineeringCommonsLLC]

Very nice, you should consider a custom flat dial indicator tip or attachment to help read the height at the tip of the insert. I've always found it difficult to line up the rounded tips like that. Beautiful build!

[@InheritanceMachining]

That's a great idea! Thank you 😁

[@marley589]

Thanks, you have saved thousands of other comments stating the obvious. It's the part that actually touches the tool tip, which is readily available & was not used?

[@robertcrossley9803]

magical to watch from conception to end. Finally your thoughts on paper are found to work, that must be very satisfying. Nothing in the junk box even better. Thanks for the video

[@InheritanceMachining]

It's always the best when it actually works! Thanks, Robert!

[@Lwimmermastermetalart]

Another amazingly well done project. I would imagine by the time you’re my age you will have a true machine shop museum . Great video as always young man 🤙🏻

[@lespacecowboy]

That eccentric flag machined really well. Great to see your manual skills improving in each and every video

[@InheritanceMachining]

Thanks, Colin! I wasn't sure how much trouble that was going to give me but I think my insert selection made a huge difference

[@CraigsWorkshop]

And... another fortnightly parcel of machining joy has been delivered to my screen 😁 Thank you Brandon. Really loving these videos.

[@InheritanceMachining]

You bet, man! Thanks for the support as always!

[@Barty.Crowell]

Found the channel in the last couple days and have watched almost every video since. The level of quality of the videos, prints, and parts are beyond impressive. I'm missing machining more and more with every video.

[@seethedeo]

Truly my favorite channel on KZbin. Found your videos because I tinker, but more just the basics of metalworking, ginding/sharpening, acid etching, stonewashing what have you. But, I always come back to this channel because it really showcases the journey of creating something, lucky breaks, box of shame, mistakes, calculated success, elbow grease. I come into every video like, "I've never seen this tool in my life, why is this necessary?", and leave every video like, "well, of course it's necessary, that's what it is, what else could do that?". Thanks for the relaxing and enlightening content IM, appreciate you!

[@cooperised]

14:26 Ah, the old "chemical press fit". Who among us hasn't been there. 😅

[@robertschauer376]

Because it was a "Nice to Have" vs "Have to Have" it makes it all the better!

[@InheritanceMachining]

You know... I think you are right!

[@jtarver8256]

I'm a machinist and look forward to watching his videos every sat morning with my coffee. This guy is great!

[@InheritanceMachining]

😎 Thanks!

[@rbdesignsnh]

this channel is probably one of the best things about Friday.

[@InheritanceMachining]

Daww, shucks 😊

[@Username_5536]

honestly, your channel gave me all the motivation to give all my efforts in my machining classes to make the best pieces, I wasn't all that motivated for personal reasons, but watching your videos made reignite that passion for making the best job for the satisfaction of knowing you made something really good, it's only a shame I discovered your channel at the end of the classes, but still, it quickly became one of my favorites and made me discover a new favorite hobby

[@junior1138]

Your work seems to have something of an art deco flavour

[@ibaimandaluniz2668]

Perfect! Is hypnotic and Zen.

[@ChrisS-pr6hj]

The fact that you reply to nearly every single comment, even a few days after publication, is astonishing to me and certainly is a wonderful show to your character. Mad respect. And as always, great machine work!

[@InheritanceMachining]

I certainly try my best when I can. Thanks for the support, man!

[@Nadeli0]

I love these videos, I know fuck all about machining, but it is super interesting to watch your videos! Hearing your voice is also really relaxing and the machining noises only add to it! Defintely one of my favorite channels ❤

[@MrMorbitron]

no entries into the box of shame. our boy is getting better 👏

[@rodblundell3338]

Like you said, I didn't know I needed it until I needed it ! Just started to make my own. 😁👍👍

[@joelawton123]

I love to see previous builds in use :)

[@InheritanceMachining]

I make them for a reason 😁

[@ShinnahWilde]

This channel is my therapy.

[@denachtegaal2007]

And again a delightful video. Thank you so much. I have a one year old here and with all the stresses of life, your videos always manage to calm me down completely. Keep going!

[@InheritanceMachining]

Glad I could bring a little bit of respite your way. Thanks, man!

[@BruceBoschek]

Shop-built tools are the sign of a true craftsman. Beautiful work, as always. Thanks for sharing this.

[@InheritanceMachining]

Thanks, Bruce!

[@greggminkoff6733]

All I can say is: Another PERFECT project completed ! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@InheritanceMachining]

Thanks! 😁

[@harmlesscreationsofthegree1248]

Gorgeous chips from that eccentric part 😍 and a beautifully finished and functional tool, fantastic!

[@InheritanceMachining]

😁Thanks!

[@davemciver6577]

As always your work is top class Brandon. Really look forward to new content and loved your journey so far.

[@InheritanceMachining]

Thanks, Dave!

[@mr.picklesworth]

This is a great idea. I'm going to have to add this to my list of things to make one day.

[@ebayollis]

"Let's get rocked" is a great one too

[@bradleyhowes848]

After stumbling across your channel, I decided to (deliberately) throw myself down the rabbit hole. My approach to learning is to do projects. I’m rewatching this video now and I’m struck by your line about this not being something that’s strictly needed. I’ve seen though many times how such tools are often some of the best made!

[@jordanlake9151]

You content scratches my brain in the best way possible.

[@dibbuk5730]

It is awesome how you are able to carry an idea from an initial concept to a finished tool. You make it look easy.

[@InheritanceMachining]

A 20 minute video certainly doesn't do it justice. But hours of my scratching my head also isn't very entertaining! 😂 But in all seriousness, thank you

[@wrongtown]

That's a great piece, and nothing added to the box of shame! 🎉

[@ot0m0t0]

Man Im so tired and this video will heal me right now. Thank you.

[@HexenzirkelZuluhed]

These are the very best of projects. Looking really good!

[@InheritanceMachining]

Thank you!

[@manasnain6695]

They just keep getting better.

[@stevesteve6506]

I initially thought, silly machinist, they already make inexpensive height gauges that work well. But then watched what you made, WAY BETTER and cooler!! Can’t wait to try to make one and curse my way through the process. 😅

[@InheritanceMachining]

😂 I call dibs on the swear jar! Thanks

[@garyparkerson9527]

Having now watched all of your videos, first randomly, then again in chronological order, I have an observation: You could anticipate every conceivable eventuality, no matter how seemingly trivial, execute the part, step by tediously planned step, then report that, as always, there were no surprises. Or, you can do what you do, which makes for a far more engaging human tale. Throw in your compelling intergenerational backstory, and … well, thank you for every blissful minute.

[@InheritanceMachining]

I could even manage to think through everything in that level of detail I would probably only be able to make a video once every 6 months haha! I guess that means messing up is sometimes faster than planning all the way through 😉 Thanks

[@savage_x89]

No side projects or box of shame this time. Well done! Great project and great video 👍

[@InheritanceMachining]

I get by every once in a while 😁 Thanks!

[@omfgbbqsauce1177]

Mesmerizing!

[@nathanielkhoom6043]

I could watch your work for hours. Beautiful machining.

[@InheritanceMachining]

Thank you

[@SharkyMoto]

your channel has grown to be one of my favourites, thanks for sharing your journey

[@InheritanceMachining]

My pleasure! Thanks for following along 😊

[@jodyvanliew2514]

Great job . I really like all the thought that went into this and the solid functionality . Keeping tools on center in a lathe is critical .

[@aniciorossitorella7794]

really awesome. Thank you for your gifts to us.

[@janmuller4343]

always nice to see a new video from you

[@InheritanceMachining]

😊

[@willpeterson1177]

Amazing quality and attention to detail!!!

[@steveforbes7718]

That was beyond impressive! Now I want to make one!

[@MisFakapek]

Good video - need more of them and more often!

[@davidchanget2563]

As always, you never cease to impress. Look forward to your content weekly. Your love of machining is very evident in the craftsmanship you achieve.

[@InheritanceMachining]

Thanks, David!

[@Neecola88]

AMAZING! Pure bliss!

[@user-jc6uy6hs8j]

As Usual, Your videos are a joy to watch

[@jsteifel]

That's a great idea for a height gauge. And not overly complicated. Well done.

[@InheritanceMachining]

Thanks!

[@winstonchurchill9985]

Yessss, the best way to start my weekend - a lot of love for another beautiful video, you've taken the fast-track to being my favourite channel!

[@InheritanceMachining]

Glad to hear it! Thanks, man

[@sachie123]

Mesmerising...don't know what I like the machining,design,drawing,video or the narration......🤩🤩🤩

[@InheritanceMachining]

Thanks!

[@paulcooper2897]

Perfection as usual! Thanks for sharing 🇨🇦

[@InheritanceMachining]

Thanks!

[@BigPoppaCreech]

Absolutely fantastic. Good show

[@RedDogForge]

yay! a new I.M. episode!!!

[@Andreg13]

The hand grinding the round edges is so SO nice. Love the content, please keep it up! You're amazing

[@InheritanceMachining]

Much appreciated! Thank you!

[@azaelmoyano1298]

Its awesome to see you using your own custom made tool to make more custom made tools I mean it works !

[@InheritanceMachining]

Machine shop things... ❤ 😂😂

[@ZacKoch]

The solutions you come up with to solve problems are amazing. Nice work

[@InheritanceMachining]

Thanks!

[@itsafineone8872]

Dude, You killed it. My favorite kind of project-because I want to or because I can. Been watching since vid one. Thanks for bringing me along.

[@InheritanceMachining]

If I'm being honest, that almost always part of my motivation 😂 Thanks, man!

[@lecnac855]

Excellent as usual. Now i have to make one.

[@midnightsuns1000rr]

Your channel has quickly become one of my favorites. The combo of your skill and sense of humor is perfect. I hope you make many many more videos.

[@InheritanceMachining]

No plan to stop anytime soon 😊 Thanks!

[@TheRecreationalMachinist]

Another great film. Thanks!

[@InheritanceMachining]

Much appreciated!

[@mikepelelo5657]

It looks good. Nice to have sharp looking handmade tools. Thanks for the video!

[@InheritanceMachining]

Thanks, Mike!

[@Rubbernecker]

Well done! That tool is beautiful!!

[@InheritanceMachining]

Thanks!

[@user-dn9ve6es8c]

I have been watching your informative videos, long enough to appreciate your brand of humor. I particularly liked this offering; as like so many others setting the tool height is a bit of a pain; not so much now that I moved from the that damnable 'lantern' to a proper QCTP.

[@bryanwanek46]

Love your builds! Thanks for sharing. Going to attempt this one at some point. Having your tools at precisely the right height makes such a difference in performance.

[@Attaxalotl]

Truly awesome!

[@konradkucharski7508]

Another great video. Keep it up and thank you, Brandon!

[@InheritanceMachining]

Thanks, Konrad!

[@stringmanipulator]

another great projekt. I love your videos, and the fact that you share your misstakes and the solution for them. and also the way you narrate your videos 👌

[@InheritanceMachining]

Much appreciated! Thanks!

[@mslucass]

And now I also have to make one. Thanks

[@mauserkk98]

Beautifully simple but elegant work.

[@InheritanceMachining]

Thanks!

[@tomsdreamshopworx]

Another great video! You are such a pleasure to watch and listen to. Your video editing is spot on.

[@InheritanceMachining]

Thank you so much!

[@patrik978]

So good. My favourite crafting channel

[@martinbeaumier7172]

I’m a machinist and this is my favorite machining channel, love the vibe and the quality of your work! Keep it up!

[@InheritanceMachining]

Much appreciated!

[@alekskanev3576]

Very nice project ! Keep up the great work !

[@InheritanceMachining]

Thanks!

[@samec88]

This is awesome. As someone who uses the tailstock for setting heights Im definitely going to look at making one of these asap

[@InheritanceMachining]

I don't think you will regret it! Thanks