Machining Parts for a Robotic Welding Machine on the Horizontal Boring Mill - Manual Machining

We get in some interesting jobs occasionally. This particular job is for a Robotic Welding Machines structural framework that will support fixtures for the robot welder. It is not a complex job but does require accuracy so the computer doesn't have problems locating the parts to be welded.
For this job, I use my Lucas 441B-48 horizontal boring mill to face and drill these weldments to spec. the face mill is 8 inch diameter and makes quick work of jobs like this.
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[@wald-meister6705]

Abom79 channel sucks because it's only a show. Your channel is much more interesting because it's honest daily machinist work .👍

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Thanks. I feel bad for him. He worked so hard to get to the top, and seems to have lost his way.

[@kennethstaszak9990]

@@TopperMachineLLC I feel the same way about Fireball Tools. He used to build stuff but more and more turned into advertising his business. I have no problem with that per se but it's not what I started watching his channel for.

[@steveshopworxmachine5716]

Absolutely spot on. He is just a shill now for whoever will give him free stuff. His channel is dying fast according to social blade. Here, Cutting Edge, and Keith Fenner are my top channels because it's about the work not advertising.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

@@kennethstaszak9990 I don't watch much of his stuff. The last video I watched was with the 3 shops doing that frame and how he basically said they did crap work and needed his fixture table. I see the advantage to the table, but he was being an arrogant A$$.

[@wald-meister6705]

@@TopperMachineLLC We have a saying here in Germany: If you aim high, you often fall low.

[@xmrgwxw3474]

When I saw that new caliper I could not help but think about Crocodile Dudee and his knife. Congrats on the great find!

[@BruceBoschek]

The Hall of the Mountain King seems to be very appropriate for the Lucas Boring Mill! 🙂 That huge face mill is perfect for the job. My 5 year old German Shepherd Dog, Halgrim, watches your videos, Kurtis' and Karin's videos and a few other machining videos with me. He seemed to like the big mill, just like we all do. Thanks for another excellent video, Josh.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Thanks! I am glad you both liked it. I had fun with the music, and could not be happier with the outcome. It almost seemed like the tempo and everything was spot on for that segment. I was actually laughing pretty hard while editing it. German Shepherds are the best dog. I miss mine terribly, she was such a big baby, but super smart.

[@kd5byb]

Totally agree!!!

[@kd5byb]

And the timing was IMPECCABLE!!!

[@TopperMachineLLC]

@@kd5byb I worked a bit to time that ending. Lol

[@kd5byb]

@@TopperMachineLLCAnd it shows! Great job! :)

[@warrenjones744]

Never enough horizontal boring mill work work on You Tube. Glad to see you doing your part Josh. The HBM is such a wonderful and versatile machine. As are the Verticals. I wish there were more vids with verticals working, but they seem to be sort of rare. Not to mention most of the ones I have seen in the wild are big and in shops where video is frowned upon. The Big Starrett 123's are sweet eh? I would say you got a good deal on that. Well done!

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I have a bunch of jobs coming up on the HBM. I would love a 54" VBM or VTL, but there just isn't the room or work for one in this region.

[@Narwaro]

Many people think when they start out that the biggest cost will be tooling and machines. Machines is probably the cheapest if you buy used. But many people underestimate the cost of measurement instruments. Sometimes you just have to buy it for a job that isnt even worth that in the short run

[@TopperMachineLLC]

The machine is the cheapest thing you will ever buy. Just in tooling and measuring tools, I have probably well over a half million invested to get to this point. It is crazy.

[@kd5byb]

I'm reminded of the Crocodile Dundee movie scene where he exclaims: "that's not a knife. THIS IS A KNIFE." Holding my 6" caliper...Josh holding his 74" caliper says: "That's not a caliper...THIS IS A CALIPER!" hahahaha! nice video love the horizontal boring mill!!!

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I had that same thought. Lol.

[@peteengard9966]

That mill is a beast of a machine. Nice calipers. Needs lifting eyes on it. LOL.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

It sure is heavy. Lol

[@StuartsShed]

Bloody depth micrometers still nearly catch me out from time to time with the backwards measurement. I have to pay close attention. Well - that's a good habit to be in anyway.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

After a couple messed up parts, I am super cautious about it. I've even gone as far as double checking with a caliper. Lol

[@georgegreen-b3i]

hey Flex Arm people this machinist is the real deal hook him up with a Flex Arm tapping system.. he will do more with it than the other guy!!!

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I have no need for that contraption. The radial drill does the same job at a fraction of the cost.

[@felderup]

@@TopperMachineLLC and with enough scrap... diy if it ever is needed.

[@wallbawden5511]

have to agree that other Guy doesn't even use it i no not how he funds it but the tooling alone would be enough to break you and this other guy broke a few of them in setting it up the other guy his videos are not worth watching anymore and that's fact

[@ChristopherWilson-h7g]

When you measure with the huge calipers…or any calipers for that matter…make sure they are square on the work piece. When you did that very first measurement, they were askew. Sure hope you measured more carefully before actually cutting. 😳 Very cool tools!!!! Love that you are doing actual down and dirty, real world customer work in your shop…not just spending 70 episodes to hack…I mean build…a certain clamping device that rhymes with “rice”…as a sales bump for another KZbinr. Keep it real!

[@number2664]

I’ve used a 60” calliper before, not keen on its weight but it’s the way it is. The current job has a carbon fibre 60” one, way way lighter. Not sure of the price but I think you want to find a good second hand one or win lotto first. Nice job, first thought was looks like a CNC job to me haha. Boring mill is paying its way though.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Carbon fiber would be awesome. But, I am happy with my heavy beast. This job came from a CNC shop. They couldn't handle it. Not a big enough machine.

[@MrMojolinux]

Edvard Grieg (Peer Gynt Suite) "In the Hall of the Mountain King" background music. Just like the gnomes and trolls used to play when working.😊

[@geckoproductions4128]

Abom is jealous of your caliper. Nice video, thanks

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I am sure he is. Maybe someday he can see them in person.

[@curtisroberts9137]

I think you have the best collection of cool machines on the ol' KZbins. It's great to see all the different kinds of work being done on manual machines.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Thank you. I've built my business based on what I see needs for, and it's brought in some great machines. Stay tuned, more great stuff coming.

[@jayminor9757]

Great video Josh! The boring mill is never boring. Both you and Brian Block put them to great use. Thanks

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Thanks 👍

[@bostedtap8399]

Nice clean fabrications, perfect HBM/Horizontal Facing Mill work. Set up is king as always Josh. Thanks for sharing

[@world_still_spins]

If I had a set of calipers that size, I would make a sign out sheet even if I was the only one using the calipers.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Lol. They are locked away in a secret location, only brought out for certain occasions.

[@col2lin]

I was going to ask you what they are for, then I read your notes. Interesting. I take it that they just can't compleate the whole job. Could you have done everything from start to finish?

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I could have done the entire job, welding and all. But their in-house welder needs stuff to do too.

[@gregeconomeier1476]

"Everyone" on YT is using anchor lube these days. What happened to Tap Magic?

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I still have a bottle of tap magic, but anchorlube works better in a lot of stuff.

[@missamo80]

8:33 Holy crap that's the longest caliper I've ever seen. Wow! How often do you have to pull that out? 9:04 Wait what? There's a longer one? 😲 I looked it up, a new 123Z-72 costs $19,681.00 😳😳😳 Wow.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Since I don't do much small stuff, I use them both a lot.

[@missamo80]

@@TopperMachineLLC Super cool. I had no idea they make them that big, and the wood case is neat too.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

@@missamo80 they make bigger one too, but I had no real need for that. Yet.

[@Rustinox]

Of course, with Peer Gynt in the background, it's even more enjoyable to watch. And I also like your pedal reverse system on the drill press. That's handy.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I bought that drill set up like that. It has been a life saver. So handy.

[@fricknjeep]

hi there you do nice work , way above my brain grade ,

[@schism47]

Well josh..... since you have the 72" starrett 123 you don't need your 48" caliper anymore...... wanna give it to me? Haha

[@TopperMachineLLC]

LOL, Nope! It still gets used quite a bit.

[@schism47]

@TopperMachineLLC haha. I'm just joking around man. The 72" is beautiful man.

[@ShainAndrews]

Starrett should be embarrassed to ask 20k for those calipers. You will never convince me the overhead is so significant to warrant that kind of price delta.

[@ForfeMac]

When it comes to specialty tools like that, they can charge virtually whatever they want, because there's almost nobody to compete with them, and if you need the tool, you need the tool.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

It is just the cost of doing business. I was lucky enough to score a used one, but if you need one you have to pay. This isn't a cheap business to be in.

[@garybrenner6236]

That has to be a tricky job because you are relying on the fabricator to give you enough length to work with. As a machinist myself, I truly enjoy you and Cutting Edge in Australia because you guys are true working machinists, not machine tool collectors like many other sites that have lots of machines, but very little skills on how to use them.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

He fabs them to print, which gives and extra 1/8" on each end. Plenty of meat to clean up.

[@luksan_swe]

What is the tolerance on the holes on the center plate with regards to being in centered between the ends of the post? Do you have to trim both ends equally on those?

[@TopperMachineLLC]

@@luksan_swe Ends machined to spec length, holes on center plate off one finished end.

[@dirtfarmer7472]

I think that I have watched 2-3 of your videos now, I do appreciate what & how you do things. Now I have 2-3 questions 1 how old is this machine & 2 what are these parts going to be used for, now last where is your shop, I’m from Oklahoma so that’s why I talk funny. Thank you Sir

[@TheAyrCaveShop]

I've seen the 48" calipers but had no idea they made 72" Wow

[@arthurjennings5202]

Great matching the theme music with facing the part. Are you sure you didn't work in film?

[@bcbloc02]

All that precision then they probably will set them on concrete. LOL

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Yes they do. They do have leveling bolts in the feet though.

[@retorq]

Gotta love it ... Hand making parts to build a machine so you don't have to hand weld!!

[@donteeple6124]

Josh, This one was a GREAT presentation........videography, execution, instruction, editing.....all very very good, I especially noted the background music at 14:00 to 15:55 and the timing being exactly on with your actions......THAT was a great touch.....skills like you have are few n far between and almost never commended......weather here now is in the 40's and what little snow we had remaining is melting fast, especially with the light rain.....maple syrup boys are screaming bloody murder the seasons been so screwy.....I for one am enjoying NOT having to plow and freeze my bippy off....know you are too.....Keep up these great vids.....I know they are an additional bunch of work to do on top of the project itself...I went back and looked to see if you mentioned what type of steel this was, Im assuming it was just regular 1018 or such and also what RPM you were using on the huge face mill.....gonna so enjoy seeing your shop and set up myself 1st hand this summer when I get to visit...... Don

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Thank you Don. I wish my lighting here was better, but will make that change soon enough. I am definitely loving this weather. Getting a ton of stuff done outside yet. Material was all A36, so nothing special. I have a follow up video for mid week on this one.

[@stevechambers9166]

Nicely done josh good score on that caliper

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Thanks. I'm super happy with it.

[@wakkawakka121]

Is that Tchaikovsky in the background?

[@gofastwclass]

Now THOSE are calipers! I always wondered how machinists would measure their children's growth.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

LOL!!! That would be funny.

[@bostedtap8399]

Great comment 👍

[@ElmerJFudd-oi9kj]

Max Grant watches you too he says, all in the machining family.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Max is a great guy. I would love to have a sit down meeting with him someday. So much knowledge that he could share.

[@Farmersamm]

Excellent caliper. I like that it has a .050 vernier scale, instead of a .025 scale. The smaller scale is too doggone hard to read. Between error introduced when they cut the tubing, and weld distortion...........you had quite a job cut out for you.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

The 0.050 scale is the reason I went with the Starrett 123. I actually replaced my 24" with a 123 so I could read it. This job really wasn't that bad. Actually quite easy, just a lot of heavy lifting.

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

Those are certainly some serious calipers. Thanks for the video keep on keeping on.

[@hersch_tool]

Ok, I'm sorry I had to back up the video just to confirm that I heard that right. $20K, for a caliper... B-A-N-A-N-A-S

[@TopperMachineLLC]

You heard that correct. Glad I found a used one.

[@ElmerJFudd-oi9kj]

"Exacurate", is that even a word? it sounds good to me so it must be.

[@steveshopworxmachine5716]

It might be worth mentioning to your viewers that anchor lube can be thinned with water to use as a more traditional coolant.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

yes. I have also thinned and used as a mist. More experimenting is needed there, but it worked great for the application and less toxic than the Koolmist.

[@jackheath6623]

HBM is my favorite machine tool.

[@StuartsShed]

MONSTER FACE MILL! I love it. I was in awe of that.........until the big Starrett came out. Now THAT thing is a monster.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

What can I say, I have big tools. Lol

[@StuartsShed]

😂😂

[@kennethstaszak9990]

A question if you please. Why not use a spiral flute tap to prevent the shavings from getting inside the tubes when you tap the center holes of the side plates?

[@TopperMachineLLC]

because I am not clamping the tube down. If I were to take the time to bolt it to the radial drill, then I could use a spiral flute tap.

[@vendter]

I hope you didn't have to buy a new 123Z-72. $20,000 is eye watering.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

It was used. I paid nowhere near that, but it was still a lot.

[@brentwoods5108]

Good old left hand Lucas..ran one many years ago at Kearney Trecker in West Allis, Wisconsin. Started there in the late 60's. At the time K & T had several Giddings & Lewis 5" & 6" & my favorite was the Bullard 5" horizontal mill. Great old machines, they outlast most NC machines. Should have mlled one edge on each end plate to use as alignment , ha4d to get parallel using extruded tube.?

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Tubes were a lot closer than anyone thinks. Close enough to stay well within tolerance.

[@thesavage126]

Those veneers would make Abom blush lol

[@KALGSO]

It’s so cool how sucj]h a giant piece of measuring equipment could actually be effected simply by holding onto it too long!! That thing is AWESOME!! A word actually worthy for once!!

[@usaerospace6707]

Which machine do you use the most in your shop.

[@donshaffer9733]

Like the content Josh I'm an old journeyman machinist myself....thanks my friend brings back memories for me...

[@nschelling6420]

Thumbs up on the music LOL! Can’t help but compare the operation of your HBM to mine. I’m just a clumsy rookie so I’m not near as handy with mine as you are with yours. I see your Lucas must have the spindle drive and feeds off the same motor if the feed chart shows feed rate per spindle revolution? Mine has 2 separate motors so feeds are all in inches per minute. To me it seems the feed rate per revolution is little more practical. Another note. My mill has a F/R clutch for the spindle. Also there is a high/low spindle speed selector right on the head. So it works so nice to drill the hole in high, then swap the drill for a tap, switch to low, and tap the hole. The spindle drive clutch seems to have been made with tapping in mind, it is so user friendly.

[@kristyskirt9015]

Wow Mr. Topper; Besides super machining, you have good humor too. Loved the classical music. Take care.

[@samrodian919]

Josh is that Starrett calliper twenty grand new or second hand? If second hand then two grand was certainly a "Smoking deal" lol

[@TopperMachineLLC]

that was new price direct from Starrett.

[@georgegreen-b3i]

have a give away.. guess the weight of the caliper... hope the cost of the beast was factored into the job 😵‍💫

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Cost of doing business. It was an investment to ensure future work.

[@jrmintz1]

Noob question: I notice you don't wait for the face mill to go completely across the surface, only the leading edge. That makes sense, I was wondering if there are situations where it would be important to wait for the trailing edge to go across? Thanks, and I love your videos.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

It all depends on your application and setup. On this machine, it really doesn't matter. On a knee mill that the head swivels, sometimes you are not trammed right and need to follow through.

[@jrmintz1]

@@TopperMachineLLC Thank you.

[@dutchgray86]

My biggest Vernier Caliper is in the 50" range, an old British made one, not as nice as that Starrett but it only cost me a couple hundred pounds. It covers anything I could get onto the Bridgport mill so I won't need bigger.

[@ypaulbrown]

Good Morning Josh, always great to see the Horizontal in Action.......cheers from an old guy in Orlando, Paul

[@jimsvideos7201]

Here I was thinking, what is he going to do, pull out a six foot vernier caliper? 😅

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Yup, lol.

[@swanvalleymachineshop]

Good one Josh . I am after a similar size face mill , hard to find at the right price ! Lol , those vernier calipers just about need an eye bolt to lift them ! Cheers 👍

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I got this one from CME Tools. Not sure if they ship to Australia, but it's a lot closer to China than we are. Lol. This caliper is a beast.

[@MrC867]

Very nice Staying glued

[@iandibley8032]

That Lucas borer is a very versatile piece of equipment ,I would happy to have a Lucas in my shop.

[@stevevogelman3360]

What are these columns for?

[@alex4alexn]

great vids, cheers buddy

[@randydobson1863]

hello Josh & it's is Randy and i like yours video is cool & Thanks Josh & Friends Randy

[@wallbawden5511]

Now that's a set of calipers for sure i am glad i did not have to pay for those ones that's for sure nice work there pleasure to watch Cheers

[@BrucePierson]

The horizontal boring mill sure is versatile. Being able to mill and drill accurately.

[@ronsreadyornotshop]

what the heck is with the music?

[@scrotiemcboogerballs1981]

That caliper is huge 😂 you could get a nice workout using that everyday lol great video thanks for sharing

[@TopperMachineLLC]

It sure is heavy.

[@dcraft1234]

Do you consider making jigs for your repeat work, or is it not worth it?

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I do, if the job warrants. This job didn't, but I did make one tool that will be on Tuesdays video. It is multi purpose for any future jobs also. Plan ahead on some stuff.

[@dmscheidtify]

Why not set the job up closer to the edg of the table, so you don't have use the crane?

[@TopperMachineLLC]

The saddle still sticks out further than the table. I'd still have to reach.

[@edsmachine93]

Nice work Josh. I really like seeing the HBM action. Was a nice job for sure. Have a great weekend.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Thanks, you too!

[@erik_dk842]

When 500% of the profit on the job goes to purchasing 74" vernier calipers. Could have been me, I even have expensive tools that I have purchased and never used.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Cost of doing business. I would have lost out on this job and possibly lost a great repeat customer if I couldn't perform on these parts.

[@erik_dk842]

@@TopperMachineLLC Yeah, swings and roundabouts. You have to average out the jobs each customer brings. But what do you do when they take the good jobs to someone else, and only leave you with the bad ones? Do you tell them each time you actually did them a favor, and the real standalone price should/would be much higher?

[@TopperMachineLLC]

@@erik_dk842 I've been fortunate in the fact I live in an extremely depressed region and there is really nobody else to go to. That and my reputation is such that they don't want to lose me. I had one local shop try destroying me, it backfires on them. Their goal was to put me out of business so they could take my customers. Again, depressed region, not a lot of work. They lost a few of their customers to me because of it. So, I don't have much to worry about.

[@rupert5390]

Fantastic content as always, engaging, entertaining and most importantly "educational" - a question re an issue I have with a Swedish mill drill that cants mill - how do you get an 8 inch face mill to stay in om a morse taper spindle ????

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Boring Mill draw key. Watch the video closely, I put it in and took it out.

[@haroldchoate7497]

I gather the thickness of the flanges is not critical from the way you machined the parts. I really enjoy your explanations of the setups. Maintaining accuracy over such long distances is a challenge. Thank you for the entertaining, educational videos.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

@@haroldchoate7497 Thickness wasn't critical, just length. But I shot for a similar thickness of the plate. Planning each starting cut. As the plates were not perfectly square to the tube, I had to touch off on each one and compensate for any deviation.

[@eyuptony]

Great to watch some alternative machining.👍

[@funone8716]

Hope your wife appreciates your large tools as much as us machinists do. Seems like the starrett has short jaws for it's size. Years ago I got a 51 inch "Cal-extender" at auction for $100, came with a B&S 6" caliper, works pretty well. Not in the same category as your starrett tho.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Nothing she would measure is that big. LOL. I've been happy with this purchase, but I do wonder now if a Cal-extender would have worked.

[@minigpracing3068]

Abom envies your caliper! That must have been an expensive contract to allow you to buy that, I bet it wasn't cheap!

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I got a great deal on it, as it was used. No way I could justify buying new.

[@BrucePierson]

That would be the biggest Vernier I've ever seen. Looks like it weighs a bit too. No doubt they come larger than that as well. Makes my small Vernier look microscopic.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

They do make bigger!!! I wasn't quite expecting this when it arrived, I thought it would be a lighter rail like the 48"

[@walteraddie7925]

Very nice work. I would like to suggest you get a leather weight lifters belt to help with your back. I wear one all day and have for the past 10 years. It has solved 90 percent of my back pains and cut the cost of gallons of ibuprofen. I am not a doctor but it works. You would not be out a big cost if it doesn't work well for you but I suffered with back pains for 30 years. My relief was noticed within hours.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I don't lift a lot. These weren't that heavy to get to the table, but the crane saves the back for getting them to the setup. I have considered the belt idea, and may get one to try anyway.

[@MWL4466]

Nice ! We make an exact same part where i work. Gotta love the Lucas HBM but man i hate those big heavy calipers huh ?!? Oh well...deal with it. Cheers from Canada.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I don't mind the caliper, it's just another great tool in the arsenal 😁

[@alwayssearching1882]

Well done Mr. T.

[@johnanderson-lb9zi]

Josh as always I love your channel. I dont know what it is about you but in your personality you have something unique. Maybe its just that you are who you are. Nothing fancy but you get the Job done through hard work. It is my hope that you stay busy and have great success!!! I just may call you and stop by some day!!!!

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Thank you. Even if I am not busy, I will not give up. I enjoy what I do, and get such a variety. Feel free to call, visit by appointment. I am out frequently on oddball jobs.

[@richardabner9420]

Caliper Envy !

[@TopperMachineLLC]

It is a beauty!

[@richardabner9420]

I see a used one on ebay currently!

[@jimsvideos7201]

Any room in the arbor for the mill for an ER32 taper? That'd hold all the hole-making tools for this job at least.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Drill chuck is faster to swap out. I have several ER40 to MT holders and they are used for other things.

[@jimsvideos7201]

@@TopperMachineLLC I mean, could you put an ER32 nose on the end of the stub in the center of your mill arbor?

[@TopperMachineLLC]

@@jimsvideos7201 no, it would never fit. There isn't enough depth for it. It isnt that bad to do what I've been doing. Good exercise, lol

[@jimsvideos7201]

@@TopperMachineLLC Ok, thank you for the reply.

[@alanm3438]

The crane sure has come in handy. I have never seen a caliper that big. What a great video. It reminds me of when I had a job. You are always interesting and informative.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

They have both paid for themselves over and over.

[@steamtrainmaker]

Hi Reaching over the table so far , why not set up bit close to home. Like the caliper good price as well. Steve

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I just prefer to use the center of the table. The saddle of the machine sticks out as far as the table in that position and wouldn't change anything as far as the reach.

[@BrucePierson]

It would be interesting to see these parts installed on the robotic welding machine to see what it looks like. But I guess you won't get to see that or get photos or video back when it's all set up.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Unfortunately, this is all the info I get on these. That's just how this business goes. Sometimes I have no clue what it is even for.

[@GardenTractorBoy]

This was an interesting project and it was great to follow along, thanks

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Rigoknow]

👍

[@richardabner9420]

Why are only specific holes drilled and reamed and others only drilled?

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Reamed holes are for locating dowels. Drilled holes are for bolts.

[@richardabner9420]

is there an advantage to using a reamer over a drill, or visa versa?

[@TopperMachineLLC]

@@richardabner9420 reamers finish perfect size for dowel pins.

[@usaerospace6707]

How do you hold parallelism between both ends. Or do you need too.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

It's all in the setup. Note the angle plates and 2-4-6 blocks.

[@usaerospace6707]

@@TopperMachineLLC What kind of tolerances do you have to hold on a weldment like that. +- .005, .010 or more than that after its machined.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

@@usaerospace6707 49.880 +/-0.005, but I was holding finished size of 49.880-49.882.

[@blitzkrueg07]

I did a set very similar to this almost same size and 3 foot. length print said +/- .003 on length. So I tack welded them all together we had a specialty grinding shop my friend worked at and they Blanchard ground to length. When I delivered, they said I was the only one to make to print as they always needed shims.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Man, that had to get expensive. I send some smaller stuff out for blanchard grinding and they rape me. These are +/- 0.005 and I have been holding right at finished length +/- 0.002. My customer has been thrilled.

[@blitzkrueg07]

@TopperMachineLLC my friend, owned the place charged me 150. 50 an hour. Their tall machine never saw much work and he did it on Sunday and 35 years ago

[@rivallhorton7195]

👍

[@FireGodSpeed]

As someone who runs small batches* of various parts, i have to critique your "technique" here. It just does not make sense in my opinion, why don't put 1 in touch off feed in 100thou face it, place a new one in face it with the same depth from the previous part and do that to all of them and when you finished all on 1 side, flip them around cut measure, feed in to final length face off and just put in the next one and face with the same depth? Would love to know the reasoning for the chosen technique here.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

Weight! I am guessing your parts weigh a lot less than mine. Since I have all my zeros set, this is just fine and takes out all of the heavy lifting you're suggesting. I am only lifting the part up to the table one time for both ends, vs your suggestion of twice. Then throw in the concept of speed. I only have to make the first cut, swing the part around, advance to zero and finish. Your method would take a lot longer as I would have to load the part, clamp, face, unclamp, unload, repeat for the rest of them, then load again, clamp, advance the table to zero, face, unclamp and unload, and then repeat for the rest. Which process makes more sense? I get what you are saying for small parts, and I do it all the time, but big stuff is different.

[@FireGodSpeed]

@@TopperMachineLLC I saw the DRO and stuff but was confused why you touched off like every part we saw, so i assumed that it was either broken or not reliable. That's why i suggested the method i commented because its reliable and makes you stop having to measure like 2-3 times per part xD. And yes the parts i run are light as can be but the weight itself isn't the big issue here its more the accessibility of your machine setup, which makes it hard to load stuff. Your own words "they aren't heavy" XD .

[@TopperMachineLLC]

@@FireGodSpeed Gotcha. I was touching off because none of the plates were welded perfectly square. If I just ran by the stops and DRO, I could have easily taken way more than I could chew on the first pass. The DRO is getting an upgrade soon here. I am adding the third axis instead of using the dial indicator.

[@bheckel1]

sucks to be old. Youth is wasted on the young.

[@bheckel1]

If I knew then what I know now......I teach the new boys that the golden rule is " Don't fuck over future self" an extension of that is " Leave future self a clue" (Whiteness marks)

[@bheckel1]

you got some pretty sexy machines.

[@EnricoMarangonJunior]

Great Video ! Thanks

[@pastortomolson]

What a great old machine.

[@jimmysurfed]

Those calipers are awesome!

[@richardabner9420]

another great video.

[@terrycannon570]

Yes I love the content.

[@frankerceg4349]

Thank you Josh!

[@PREracing25]

Anchor Lube really is an amazing product. Learn of it from Adam Booth and I love using it.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

I have been extremely pleased with it.

[@topduk]

Sponsored... From what I've read there's a much cheaper generic.

[@PREracing25]

​@@topduk It works for me and I'm definitely not sponsored. It's also not super expensive but I guess that is up for debate depending what someone thinks is expensive.

[@TopperMachineLLC]

@@PREracing25 by the gallon, it's very inexpensive. The benefits of it, outweigh the cost in my book. Cost of doing business. A good product is worth the expense