Making a Machinist Screw Jack Pt2

Check out last week's video if you missed part 1!
If you would like to download the drawings for this project and make one for yourself, you can find them on my Patreon.
Support My Work and get access to drawings, cad files, and more on my Patreon: / herschtoolroom
For today's project, we will be finishing up the shop made machinist's jack build.
Last week we completed the main body of the jack, as well as the adjustment bushing, used for adjusting the jack-screw up and down.
This week we will be making the main jack-screw and the work support platform.
To the make the main jack-screw we will turn down stock on the lathe and then single point cut a 7/16-10tpi left handed acme thread.
The work support platform will be made from 360 free machining brass.
The brass will be turned down in the lathe, and drilled and counterbored for the screw that will be used to fasten the platform to the main jack-screw.
I will demonstrate how an integrated arbor can be turned directly into a part when there is sufficient stock, and how that arbor can be used to hold onto a small or odd shaped part that might otherwise be difficult to hold and machine.
I will demonstrate the use of a collet block for work holding in the milling machine and show how a surface plate can be used to locate and align features with work a holding fixture.
This all demonstrates how a bit of forethought and some simple "old school" tricks can be used to hold onto, fixture, and machine small or odd shaped parts and features.
If you have any questions, comments, or criticisms, please don't hesitate to put them in the comment section down below!
My Lathe: MSC / Prince 9517350 - 13x40 Manual Metal Lathe
My Milling Machine: Bridgeport Variable Speed Series 1 "J Head"
My other Milling Machine: Brown & Sharpe No. 2 Plain "light type" Universal Milling Machine
CREDITS:
Music and Sound Effects courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
/ @hersch_tool

[@jameshicks6753]

The very best jack, thus far🙂

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks very much! I've been very happy with it :)

[@tomnielsen3661]

I purchased a lathe so that I could relearn what I knew from High School. Now I wish I had a place to get steel and brass to play with. Please keep doing the projects that you do. It makes me want to go downstairs and do something with my lathe. You also explain things so that I understand them even if I really don't know what I am doing. My friends tell me I'm too old to start another hobby. lol

[@hersch_tool]

You're never too old! This hobby has had such a huge and positive change on my life, it's impossible to overstate how much of an impact it's had for me. You made a great decision buying a lathe! And comments like this are the most rewarding thing of all. To be able to inspire and help others to enjoy the thing that I love so much is truly the greatest blessing and reward. It only makes me want to work harder and do more, so I'm just getting warmed up! 😉 And check out eBay and Facebook marketplace for material in small quantities. A lot of folks sell material drops for really great prices which are perfect for hobby projects. Thanks so much for watching, and thank you for your comment. Good luck with your projects and don't be afraid to ask if you have any questions! 👍

[@ellieprice363]

If you have a “Metals Express” or other steel and brass supplier in your area you can purchase materials that way. Otherwise you can order what you need from the Internet online.

[@Luis_-_Benitez]

Awesome content man. Just started watching you and your videos are informative and entertaining. Can’t beat that combo. Keep it up, man!

[@Luis_-_Benitez]

If you’re ever in need of any material to play around with, I work in a machine shop and they always have remnants of good sizes. Aluminum, brass, stainless. If you ever want some material to play with, feel free to reach out. I’d be willing to ship you some stuff for free if you can cover shipping.

[@tomnielsen3661]

Let me check some of the local Machine shop, Maybe I could work out something with them. I know that we have one here were I live. Paying for the shipping would not be a problem, but would not feel right just paying for shipping. Let me check here first, I did not think about a machine shop. Thank you@@Luis_-_Benitez

[@thisolesignguy2733]

I really loved this. There's just one small thing you might add to that, you can drill some holes in a few spots around the knurled area. That way you push in an Allen key or small rod and tweak the height just a little to snug the jack. Just a little feature that I'm thankful my jacks have 😉

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks so much, I'm glad you enjoyed the vid, I'm working really hard at them and it's gratifying to know that it's paying off and people are enjoying them. And it's funny you mention that, I'd actually considered it but just never ended up getting around to adding it. Thanks again and thank you for watching!

[@mikemarler8224]

Big thumbs up. Great editing and super crisp shots. Looks professional.

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks very much!

[@ferrywobma1836]

Beautiful piece of handmade tool and clearly depicted. Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@hersch_tool]

Thank you very much, and thank you for watching!

[@Mr1982jrod]

Really like the design i would include a thrust washer so its easier to jack if something heavy. All in all thumbs 👍

[@hersch_tool]

thanks very much! and yeah that's a great idea to add a thrust washer. thank you for watching!

[@fna-wrightengineering]

Great work! Always satisfying to make a tool that will be useful for years to come, and extra satisfying when it comes out pretty! You mentioned a locking knob in the first video... I think it would be better in the lower hole, to lock the screw directly. If you only lock the adjustment knob, there's still a tiny bit of play in the threads, which could affect the jack's ability to rigidly support a workpiece.

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks very much! And yeah that's a good thought! Thank you for watching btw!

[@hoernst2762]

Tolle Maschinen-Ausstattung

[@hersch_tool]

Vielen Dank

[@FullSendPrecision]

Slick design. It's different and I like it!

[@hersch_tool]

Thank you! And thanks for watching!

[@Batranel62]

Impressive ! Greetings from Romania. 👍👍

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks very much!

[@RustyInventions-wz6ir]

Very nice work. Something I need to make at some stage. Like your design.

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks very much. It's worked really well for me so far, it's a lot easier and faster to use. Thanks for watching btw!

[@paullehmor982]

Nice design and very clearly presented! I just finished the "little sister", a one inch version. Fun project! I saw a comment about where the locking screw should sit. It's the same threads so just switching the set screw and the locking screw will show which is best. But I will evaluate the original design first.

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks very much! I'm so pumped that you decided to make a version for yourself! I just love that, knowing that folks are out there following along, adding their own ideas and giving these projects a whole life of their own. It's the ultimate payoff for all the work of making a vid. I hope it works well for you!

[@pikeyMcBarkin]

What a fantastic ending video to this project! Thank you for sharing.

[@hersch_tool]

Thank you! And thanks for watching 😉

[@Warped65er]

Slick screw jack.

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks very much, and thank you for watching!

[@LazTLaz]

Loved this, and have subscribed.

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks very much!

[@takedeadaim8671]

Nice design, and well made. Jacks were a project when I was in school. I need another one that is taller to support items clamped to my rotary table. I’m going to add the key way from yours, it was not in the design I made 46 years ago. What I am glad I did back then was made the body tapered for the bottom half, it makes sure the jack always spans the T slot on the mill.enjoy your new tool!

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks very much! And yeah, that's why I made mine as wide as I did. My little red jack will often want to fall into the t-slot if I'm not using a 123 block or something under it. Thanks for watching btw

[@bheckel1]

once you sell a tool, you are a professional tool maker.

[@bheckel1]

or some one pays you to make a tool.

[@hersch_tool]

@@bheckel1 fair enough 😉

[@Skebtik]

This video actually has me convinced you're going to be very successful in this field. I found that I can do a lot of things that would be interesting to people, but recording and especially editing is something I have zero interest in. That's why I'm in the fields I'm in. Good for you man hope you make lots of money doing this.

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks man, that’s very kind of you to say and I appreciate hearing it. I’m working very hard at it every day, will just have to see where it goes.

[@jasone7687]

Nice video as always. Can you do a video of your lathe tooling and inserts and where you get them. Just getting started in lathe work and there are so many options….Thank you

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks very much! And yes I can do that. In the meantime I use a lot of cnmg and swiss style tf inserts. Thanks for watching btw!

[@Ferlopag]

Wonderful video. Thanks a lot for your effort

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks very much, and thank you for taking the time to watch and comment!

[@dannywilsher4165]

Awesome Machinist Screw Jack!!!

[@hersch_tool]

Thank you!

[@larrywiggins9946]

Great job

[@hersch_tool]

Thank you!

[@garysgarage101]

I really like your design. I’ve thought about making a simpler one but far prefer yours. I’ll have to give it a try. Thanks for sharing.

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks very much! I hope it works out for you. I'm pretty happy with it so far. And thank you for taking the time to watch and comment btw!

[@rickswanberg4995]

Beautiful work! One thought, If you started the anti-rotation slot one thread up from the bottom of the screw It would prevent you from overextending the jack.

[@hersch_tool]

Thaaaaaats actually a really great thought... Why didn't I think of that lol. 🤦‍♂ Will have to remember for MK 2.0 It's always the little details... That's part of what I enjoy so much about this hobby though. Always something new to learn, always room to improve. Thanks very much by the way, and thank you for watching as well!

[@rickswanberg4995]

@@hersch_tool Happy to contribute.

[@4pawsforge273]

Forgot to comment in part one... Liked how you needed to use a screw Jack, to make a tool Jack 😂

[@hersch_tool]

Haha, yeah the irony wasn't lost on me either 😂

[@fanert1]

you could counterbore 2-3 holes in the bottom and put some neo magnets inthere to help keep it in place when setting it up. could be a hassle with chips though

[@hersch_tool]

Yeah that's definitely a double edged sword. And in this case it's always right in the chip zone so magnets would probably be more trouble than help lol. Thanks though, and thank you for watching!

[@syldysnya]

Nice!

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks!

[@jimsvideos7201]

From what I've seen there are two reasons to avoid putting milling cutters in drill chucks. One is that the bearings and tapersv aren't designed for lateral loads and the other is that the chuck jaws are too hard to grip tightly. Going straight into brass appears to manage both of these concerns.

[@hersch_tool]

Yep it can be a great way to get flat bottom holes, as long as you work safely within the limitations. Thanks very much for watching!

[@ellieprice363]

You can use milling cutters any way you choose if it’s in reason and within the limits of your machine. Never say never in this trade.

[@hersch_tool]

@@ellieprice363 agreed 😉

[@camillosteuss]

I love those o.d. turning inserts that you use... I have a holder for those and a set of them - i think - for my Schaerer lathe, but given that i need to fix `er up before considering anything on her, i don`t keep track of the tooling i have for her... But those inserts appear to be an excellent choice even for a smaller lathe... Not as economical as some inserts with twice or even more cutting edges than those have, but i think that those could produce a very nice cut - even if shallow - on a smaller lathe... Maybe not a minila, but a medium sized benchtop lathe could put those to some good use...

[@hersch_tool]

Yeah they're great for medium size hobby lathes. Def a little more pricey than some of the more common inserts though, and harder to find on the secondary market as well. But they're pretty versatile, sharp, and have a great chip breaker.

[@camillosteuss]

@@hersch_tool yh, i just checked my tooling, well, some of it, and i do have the holder and a few sets of those for the big girl... Tho, mine are slightly different - much wider on the non-cutting side, almost like a trapezoid, and they are much duller than yours, not by use, but by geometry - the cutting groove, or the chip roller geometry really is much thicker, but they are generally the same idea, i suppose optimized for a beast of a lathe... I will have to order some of these that you have, and hopefully snag a used sandvik or similar holder in a good shape, as i realized quite quickly into my machining foray that cheap insert holders are actually junk... I dislike shitting on products without a good base for that opinion, but import holders are almost as disappointing as i was as a child... And that is a hard thing to achieve, almost impossible, but here we are, being proven wrong once more by the chinese... Oh how the Red Sun rises! :P

[@hersch_tool]

@@camillosteuss lol yeah i had to learn that one the hard way myself. Cheap tooling is cheap for a reason. The ones I have are made by NTK and they are through coolant as well. Got two of them brand new in a box of random swiss tooling I bought for pennies. The other one is still fresh in the little plastic tube. One day soon I wanna hook up a "T" to my coolant valve on the lathe so I can use through coolant on some of my tooling.

[@camillosteuss]

​@@hersch_tool Oh, the coolant bore is a spectacular addition to insert tooling on a lathe... I do prefer using straight oil instead of coolant on all machines, but the tooling with ports for such liquids is just brilliant... As is high grade tooling gotten for pennies :P to be honest, that is my favorite type of tooling... I`m an absolute slut for boxes of high grade stuff that are being almost given away due to ignorance or sloth... Regarding cheap tooling, i guess we all have to learn that lesson first hand, it seems to be a species imperative...

[@ellieprice363]

For most machining on small to medium size lathes HSS tooling works very well, is easy to grind, and much cheaper than inserts. I reserve my carbide for harder heat treated steels and high speed machining. Mr. Pete has some good videos on how to grind HSS cutters.

[@freestyla101]

Awesome finished product, I am definitely going to make one similar. I like that you can lock it without turning the screw because there is no locking nut. Imitation is flattering, right? 😅

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks very much :) I'm pretty happy with it so far, and yeah I always had issues fiddling with the jam nut style lock on the other one, tryin to get the jack screw to stay put while tightening the nut... I like this better. And yep, the sincerest form is what I hear 😂 Have fun with the project!

[@brucematthews6417]

I've been casting around and thinking about designs for a small and large screw jack. I hope you don't mind but I'm going to use your design for my bigger size. I'll be using 5/8-11 left hand normal thread since I've already got the tap. But otherwise pretty much a carbon copy of your design. I really like the shape and how it works including the brass anvil. First rate all around. The only thing missing now is a slightly relieved band around the base and stamping your mark and date. It's a work of metal art and needs to be signed as such.

[@hersch_tool]

Of course not, I don't mind at all! That's a huge compliment and I appreciate it very much, so thank you! I hope it works out well for you, I'm pretty happy with it so far. Thanks for watching btw!

[@Intensive_Porpoises]

Now you need to make a knurled locking screw for it

[@hersch_tool]

Yeah I think I probably will do that. Something nice made from brass so as to not mar up the adjustment ring when locking against it. It was in the back of my mind the whole time to include in the vid if I had time to do it, I think I even mentioned it at some point in the first vid. But just ran out of time for now. Thanks very much for watching btw!

[@joell439]

👍👍😎👍👍 - Nice Jack!

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks!

[@user-Carl-2964]

Interesting side note. The cutting bits you use are interesting because of the cut and finish. What at Re they, as they don’t look standard.

[@hersch_tool]

Which do you mean? My lathe inserts? You're probably referring to the TFX inserts, I get a lot of comments about those lol.

[@designandbuild3953]

Hey, love the channel, enjoy your journey. Where can I see the turning tools you use? I really lke the vertically mounted inserts you started using and could probably search them out, but if yu have this listed it would be easier than easter egg hunting. Keep up the good work!

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks very much! And they are swiss front turning inserts. "TF" style. I will try to start listing tools in the description. Thanks for the idea and thank you for watching!

[@bhein67]

Great project and nicely executed! I am very curious about a couple of the insert tools you use and where they could be purchased. Specifically the acme threading tool and the thin inserted facing tool Cheers from Canada

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks very much! The acme tool is TNMC and the turning tool is swiss style front turning tool. Thanks for watching btw!

[@RustyInventions-wz6ir]

If I may ask. What brand lathe cutter are you using? It seems to work brilliant. Thanks Rusty

[@hersch_tool]

It's a swiss style front turning tool made by NTK

[@skyfreakwi]

If still like to have the lock screw permanently attached keeping it together. Another hole can lock it and get a big thumbwheel to hide the locked set screw. Just my opinion... I've been known to be wrong...ONCE.

[@hersch_tool]

Once? Well, just don't let it happen again... 😂 Thanks for the input btw, solid idea :)

[@pukinpaja1974]

Thanks to the video! Maybe the cold bluing it Will be good for steel parts? Greetings from Finland! 👍🏻🎅🏻🔩🔧🇫🇮☃️❄️❄️❄️-20°C

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks very much! And yeah cold bluing helps with corrosion. I would also like to try heat bluing as well. Thank you for watching btw!

[@pawekowalski7469]

👌👍

[@hersch_tool]

Thank you!

[@freestyla101]

I notice you’ve used that turning insert a lot. I’ve never seen one like it? On second thought maybe you’ve just turned a turning tool holder on its side?

[@hersch_tool]

It's a Swiss style front turning insert :)

[@freestyla101]

@@hersch_tool I’ll check it out thanks!

[@MrRctintin]

Hi, what insert is that that you used at the beginning of the video? The one with a long front face. Love how that is cutting the steel.

[@hersch_tool]

It's a Swiss front turning insert, TF. Thanks for watching!

[@MrRctintin]

@@hersch_tool many thanks, I’ll try and find one. I’ve seen Joe Pie using one as well.

[@MrRctintin]

@@hersch_tool hi, I’ve spent a good bit of time searching and still cannot find an insert that looks like yours. Could you let me know the brand/product number of possible please, I’d love one like that.

[@hersch_tool]

@@MrRctintin TF33 made by NTK cutting tools

[@MrRctintin]

@@hersch_tool thanks mate

[@warrenjones744]

I'll be damned! Just an observation and really nothing to do with anything important mind you. I have had that same lathe in my shop for nearly 25 years or more perhaps and have never used the tailstock graduated dial. Never thought about it really or had any reason to. Nevertheless you have made a nice looking tool. well done.

[@hersch_tool]

Haha that's funny, I use mine all the time. I would like to hook up one of those digital scales to it at some point though maybe, would be nice to be able to reset zero and whatnot. And thank you very much, and thanks for watching as well!

[@petemclinc]

I also have that same lathe, bought used, I think it was built in the 80's. I had the same situation as Hersch, owned a LeBlond Regal Servo-Shift 15 x 54 but it had a 7.5 HP motor that was too big for a VFD, ended up selling it, sad to see it go.

[@hersch_tool]

@@petemclinc Yeah, don't get me wrong I am very grateful for the lathe I have, it's a good machine and I am very lucky to have an awesome shop filled with awesome machines to work on. But I miss that leblond, I think about it ALL the time lol.

[@mikebroom1866]

Still wondering what your normal carbide holder/ insert is.

[@hersch_tool]

It's a swiss front turning insert. "TF" style. Thank you for watching btw!

[@SergeiPetrov]

How rigid is the support on this device when tilting the bronze part? Compared to a standard jack?

[@hersch_tool]

It's pretty similar, there are often pressed onto a rounded ball on the end to create a similar effect. You just adjust the tension until it takes the play out against the part you're supporting

[@SergeiPetrov]

@@hersch_tool In the case when a ball is used there is no lever in the support? And also the contact rigidity is high due to the area of the ball joint?

[@hersch_tool]

@@SergeiPetrov Yeah that's 100% accurate. Great observation. But we'll have to see if it presents any issue in actual use though. I'll have to use it for a while and see if it ends up being a problem. If it does, then we'll make a version 2.0 ;) There are a couple of other details that I would like to improve on as well in the next attempt. Good observation though, a quick fix could be to just add a radius on the end of the screw and a matching radius on the bottom of platform.

[@JohnDoe-qg6hm]

Never explained what the purpose of the second threaded hole is for under the locking screw in the main body of the jack ! Sorta looks like it could have been a boo boo ! ? :D

[@hersch_tool]

Hi, I did explain it multiple times, and showed it at the end during the assembly. It's for the set screw that acts as the key for the main jack screw. Give it another watch, I even show the set screw during the assembly. Thanks very much for watching btw!

[@JohnDoe-qg6hm]

I see it now ! It locates in the keyway of the acme threaded shaft to prevent it from turning. Doh. Should have paid more attention.@@hersch_tool

[@hersch_tool]

@@JohnDoe-qg6hm Yep exactly, without it the jack would just spin and wouldn't go up and down, or in and out I guess? It wouldn't move, lol :) And it's ok, we all do the same thing, all the time. Sometimes you miss stuff, and bonus I get a second watch out of it! ;)

[@grippgoat]

Aww, man, you can't make a tool and not show it in use at the end! 😢

[@hersch_tool]

Haha, you'll just have to keep watching! 😉