Making an Edge Finder ---- On a Manual mill ???

[@bruceanderson9461]

I am always amazed at the shallowness of some minds when they comment that they can buy one for $20. The value of your video to me is how edge finders are made and function, how you can use a mill to do lathe operations and if you choose you can relax and do a project that in the end is useful. Thank you for your videos-I look forward to every one!

[@joepie221]

Thank you very much. I honestly try to structure my videos to show you more than just the demonstration. if you leave thinking "Hey, I could use that technique to do this", then I have achieved my goal.

[@jchidley]

@@joepie221 I think that what you describe is the best kind of teaching. I was going to buy an edge finder but now I will make one on my lathe instead.

[@rallymax2]

It’s sad isn’t it that there are so many crabby people who just don’t get any pleasure out of interesting and informative videos like this?

[@C0mich8]

I’m in school to be a machinist right now, and the school doesn’t provide any tools other than a micrometer, calipers, center drills, and HSS blanks. We make our own tools, like v blocks, machinist hammers, punches, toolholders, etc. this will be my next project on the mill.

[@joepie221]

Its easier on the lathe, but have fun, and heat treat the parts.

[@a89proof]

Thanks for setting up and running through this using the mill - I think it helps us novice viewers to see different paths to reach the same end result.

[@APage-hn6cz]

I made one in my beginner machining class about a year ago and can't even compare it to my auction find Hermann Schmidt (Unicorn af). In a pinch I will use whatever endmill and a mic'd piece of paper for large tolerance parts. Who says manual machining is dead? I'm 22 and learning all the forgotten tricks from a master.

[@mackk123]

manual machine is more alive than ever. they gotta make the housing standards for garage heights to accommodate a vertical mill right thru

[@chuckinwyoming8526]

Joe, Great project! When drilling the center you may want to chuck the part in the spindle collet and the drills in the vice. Use the mill like a lathe as you did for cutoff and facing. When the part is spinning the drill will follow the center line of the part. This will also eliminate the possibility of crushing the hollow cylinder in the vice. The complication would be in locating the drills on center under the spindle. A small bit of math and the DRO solves this for different diameters.

[@erolsansolo8310]

You are a very talented teacher, and have posted some of THE best machining techniques related videos on this platform. I have nothing to add to your awesomeness for sharing your knowledge apart from highly recommending getting a small remote mic for your video productions for voice clarity.

[@williamburton2995]

As a "semi-advanced beginner" some of your videos go over my head (for example, I need a much more basic rotary table video)--but I enjoy all of them. This one is one of my favorites so far. Not only do I now know how to make an edgefinder, but I also have gained some new ideas about how to fix several sticky ones that I've picked up used. The best part, though, is the way in this video you explain and encourage using and adapting the equipment one has, along with some hardware store parts, to get the job done. Very inspiring!

[@willydoitbettydont9100]

NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW. THE PARTING TOOL IDEA GAVE ME AN AHAA MOMENT FOR SOME STUFF I BEEN STRUGGLING ON THE LATHE WITH. THANKS

[@brianevans1946]

Hi Joe, great little project. I made an edge finder with a difference. Mine has a magnet in place of the spring which lets me change tips easily. This allows you to have multiple tips for various applications..

[@MrArray1967]

@Brian Evans I guess the magnetic edge finder could get "magnetized" and "snap" on to the edge (if steel) and indicate false? Or is this just speculation?

[@BuildSomthingCool]

Great build. I always thought there was more to building an edge finder.

[@joepie221]

There are a few different internal features, but they are pretty simple.

[@faymckinney7331]

@@joepie221 43666

[@williamdavis9650]

Joe, most of the videos I have seen get the edge finder to run true (with a spanner for safety!), watching you flick it into the error state allows you to creep up on the edge. Brilliant!

[@minigpracing3068]

I spent a bunch of time getting it to spin true when I first started with my mill. It was the wrong way for me. Having them wobble at the start works much better for me. I do usually center it after I'm done to check the offset over the edge or corner or centerline, the scales on my DRO can sometimes jump to I like to be certain I'm starting at the right spot.

[@Cenedd]

@Chris Perhaps he's using a wiggler instead of an edge finder - that would be set true to start.

[@mikefernandes5370]

Great video. Taught me a few tricks. I went from welding and fab at my job to stepping up to a self-taught machinist, when ours moved away. I now do all 3. It's been almost 3 years, and fortunately i have yet to screw any jobs up. It just sometimes takes me a bit longer to do the job. Learning simple tricks to speed up jobs is priceless.

[@bostedtap8399]

Nice example of lateral thinking, like the gauge pin trick to line up horizontal diameters. Many thanks for sharing.

[@thebgp13airgunenthusiast99]

Thanks for sharing Joe. I’m getting a mill and lathe next week. I haven’t done metal work since I had a back injury when I was a mechanic, so these video really help.

[@pauln1557]

Your video's are a great way for us novices to develop our machining skills. I watch your videos with a notepad and make frequent use of the 'Snip' tool to catch images of the little tricks and useful gadgets that show up in your videos. I'm off to make a pair of those 'nifty' little work stops, just like Tad below!! Looking forward to the Yucatan dive footage, in the 80's I did a couple of short, 'easy' cave dives in Yorkshire (UK) to pass flooded sumps. The vis was 12-18 inches (I mean inches, not feet), all I could see was a short section of the orange lifeline disappearing into the gloom ahead and a small patch of mud cover rock. Character building!!! Cheers Paul in NZ

[@alfredmorency8296]

@Paul N I worked in commercial diving years ago, two problems that are fairly common in very low visibility are hallucinations and imagination run amok. Let's say the job is recovering an anchor in very poor visibility( like the harbor at the island of Jersey when the sea has been rough for weeks), you can't see 6" so you work entierly by feel. In circumstances like that one's imagination tends to mislead and torment you, the best thing to do is mask out your faceplate. If you know you can't see a thing your senses improve and your imagination lightens up.

[@MacheteBushcraftAustralia]

This is gold Joe! I have been using Tally Ho papers with a 5mm dowel pin for the past 10 years.... This is next on the project list.

[@thepatientartisan]

I've got a few different diameters of 01 drill rod, I'm all over this! Just have to sneak away from my inletting project without being noticed . . . . Great video as usual Joe. Be well.

[@jbrentmac4337]

I have have a long list of projects I want to do but this one is going right to the top of that list!

[@trumpetRex]

It's nice to see you back on the Tube again. Also looking forward to watching your cave diving videos..

[@joepie221]

The entry was very deep in the jungle. I don't know how these guys even find those holes. Stay tuned.

[@clonoid]

'I bet a lotta light bulbs just went on huh ? ' yeah Joe every time I watch one of your videos, thanks !

[@joepie221]

Thanks 👍

[@brianfryer9760]

A lot simpler than I realized. Guess I need to make a couple.

[@BillySugger1965]

Experienced electronics engineer here, total rookie machinist. Can’t express how much I love this video. I learned so much! Thank you.

[@joepie221]

I appreciate you watching.

[@waynesmith6681]

Love your videos Joe: You You Tube fellas are replacing our lost trade schools. As a 70 year old toolmaker I'm still learning. I like a .50 dia. edge finder because if I forget to compensate for my finder its usually a glaring problem at the first hole or cut and has saved me a lot of scrap. Good job mate.

[@joepie221]

Thank you.

[@tomthumb3085]

Thanks Joe. Love that trick with the parting blade.

[@GreatLakes_MetalDetecting]

Just found your channel very informative always like watching an expert who is passionate in his craft.

[@edgeeffect]

I love your quick estimated metric conversions... quick and "out of the air" works fine for me and really really helps me to undrrstand your "strange American measurements". :)

[@joepie221]

My guesses will be close, but certainly not exact.

[@RobB_VK6ES]

This turning in the mill technique is also handy for DIY mill arbours because tooling tapers on the mill and lathe are generally different and work holding such parts can be challenging when it is time to machine the other end of the arbour.

[@craigtate5930]

What a great build! Love learning new ways to tackle projects. Had not even considered a mill being able to do lathe type work.

[@guyloughridge4628]

This will be a great tool to have in my tool chest. Thanks for creating a project that is so useful.

[@joecnc3341]

I'm glad that I'm not the only one that has shot an acid core brush across the room putting cutting oil on a drill operation........... As always - A great job! Thanks for sharing!

[@joepie221]

The best event is when a knurling tool eats one.

[@rexmyers991]

I can’t wait to start making my own edge finder Thank you for such a clear, concise explanation.

[@keldsor]

Hi Joe ! Oh, really nice little project for the shop - thx for sharing the idea !

[@joepie221]

It was a good project. I think it took me a couple days when I was just getting started. Never realized how much use it would get.

[@gheumann]

Holding the spring out with the scale. Genius!

[@wilsont6651]

Thanks for the video. You showed some techniques that I had not thought about.

[@GodzillaGoesGaga]

It looks like once you get a mill & a measuring device such as a dial indicator and you can basically make a lot of the other tools that you need. Great video and thanks for sharing.

[@remoteflyboy]

Hi Joe, thanks for the tip with the parting tool in the Vice, I would have never come up with that idea, so simple, another great little product 👍😀

[@joepie221]

Very unorthodox project for a mill, but fun.

[@pontoonrob7948]

Joe, thank you so much for all that you share. I think I'll make this one of my 1st projects this winter after I get done putting my mill together.

[@worthdoss8043]

It amazes me how many things people buy for the mill, lathe and shop they can make with the equipment they have in the shop. Much of it from scraps picked up for free.

[@joepie221]

I agree.

[@TomokosEnterprize]

This one popped up today. Love making tools to last a lifetime Joe. Thanks a bunch. This was fun. I am a diver but never had the privilege to do a cave. The northern tip of Vancouver Island in BC Canada has amazing cold water dives. Pacific giant octopus and friendly 8 ft woolf eels and 4 ft tall orange or white anemones to name a few. Oh yea, dungeness crab for dinner. Kings a bit north of there. Always remember that divers do it in the deep eh, LOL. Take care and stay safe teach.

[@johncoulter9287]

I agree, a very good project to do. Thank You Joe.

[@fsecofficial]

Thanks so much, I’ve been trying to find a 6mm edge finder forever and now I can just make one. 👍🏼

[@TrevorDennis100]

A nice little project, although I'd be using the lathe rather than mill. I have four edge finders, including one I made as an apprentice 52 years ago, but I can see myself copying this design for number five.

[@SergeiPetrov]

6:11 - displacement of the workpiece in a vice

[@SuperAWaC]

i've made a few custom edgefinders when the ol' starrett 827b can't reach the edge i need to find. made one with a long reach, made one with a long reach but also a disc type feature on the end, all ground to precise diameters to make offsets easier. cnc machines have mostly made the weirder ones obsolescent, but it sure is faster (and cheaper) to make a new custom tip instead of buying a custom probe and waiting for it to ship

[@samrodian919]

What a bloody good project for someone just starting off on their machining career Joe. I bought a cheap Chinese one but I will certainly knock one up on my new lathe! Thanks for showing this, glad you had a good time diving those caves! Cheers from Olde England!

[@acedavis4247]

thank you for this useful mill tool as always i appreciate your efforts in showing us how to become better our home hobby efforts thank you for your time and efforts to produce very informative videos

[@Rustinox]

It's always good to make and use your own tools. It gives them more value.

[@shannonstebbens6992]

Joe, the added value is that I now know how an edge finder works. I will be making one shortly! Probably on the lathe though. Easier? Maybe for me.

[@CMAenergy]

Wondaful I also see someone has made their mark in about exactly the same place as my vise is marked !

[@joepie221]

Would you believe me if I said I didn't do that? ( I'd be lying, but just wanted to know)

[@clemkadiddlehopper7705]

I totally made one back in my Navy days when I saw what the petty officers were using, except I had a single adjustment knurled piece on the back that was threaded just a little bigger (10% maybe) than what the actual pitch and diameter of what the spring was, kind of a friction thread for a spring. It only had four components. I could have used a screw like he did, but I never saw one up close, so I was kinda winging the design, but it worked great. Was able to make our wedding rings out of monel while on duty one night, too, with a 5 prong solitare setting and a Bridgeport. The guy at the jewelry kyosk at the mall had a helluva time getting the cubic zirconium in it; he broke 3 of his stones, lol. I warned him!

[@UncleKennysPlace]

I often chuck round stock with a collet in the spindle, and move the table to capture it in the vise, then release the collet. Can get within a couple of thou fairly easily.

[@6NBERLS]

I like a cone on the end for use as a center finder. I always seem to need to reacquire holes. I don't turn the mill on and only feel for the edge with my fingernail at the separation joint. No detectable edge means I'm on center in that direction. The only problem is these edge finders only go up to 0.5 inches. I sometimes need to reacquire 3/4 or larger holes. I need a 0.5 shank with a 1.0" and larger conical head. So that will be my project.

[@Duraltia]

Lacking either a Lathe or a Mill my Cordless Drill is nervously looking towards me as I keep smirking back at it ;D

[@Louisg1100]

Thanks Joe! I have been thinking of making one for myself and was not sure which way to go. Truthfully though i will make it on my Lathe I will be more confident.

[@mickeyallen2992]

Awhile back I watched your video on sharpening drills Man I put to use what I watched and now I find myself touching them up instead of waiting till they won’t cut to sharpen them Great and easy to understand videos keep up the good work. And the bits I use or 2” through 2 3/4”

[@joepie221]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm glad its working for you. Hit that Subscribe button .

[@fristlsat4663]

If you chose spring and screw pitch so that screw pitch was >= spring pitch and screw diameter was ~ spring ID you could just screw the screw into the spring on at least 1 end, which would allow for slight adjustability, easier than rebending your spring hook.

[@royreynolds108]

Not a safe idea. In theory it should work but I have had things slip on me.

[@BensWorkshop]

Many thanks, that is quite interesting. My edge finder was bought and basically works the same way but has a ball end in a socket at the arbor and the other end a precision ground 0.100 end. Much harder to make. I can't see them advertised anywhere any more though. I do like this setup though and thanks for the ideas on how to fit things to awkward springs!

[@billyraibourn758]

Thank you Joe for this project as I only have a mill and retired I don't think I will get a lathe any time soon.

[@grayskwerl4973]

Thanks for another great video. Really liked seeing the parting and turning bits used on the mill.

[@joepie221]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@youcoulduseit7492]

Good work, that small end is handy for small hole location. course the indicol is too. The edge finder probly quicker to set up. thanks for helping us new guy's

[@julianp.1713]

That parting tool deal was cool. I like it.

[@TAWPTool]

Joe, yet another fantastic and instructional video! Thanks for taking the time necessary to share it with us!

[@joepie221]

Hey Guy. thanks for checking in. Its a good mill project if you don't have a lathe. Fly safe my friend and remember my invitation is always good.

[@Mr986Willis]

This just joined the machinist's jack on my must have products projects list 😁

[@drpipe]

I’m always so pleased when you release Your videos that have simple but really helpful stuff for home machinists. Thanks so much for sharing. Hope you had fun in the caves dude. 👍

[@metalshopwithtroy5755]

Hi Joe very cool never considered using parting tool in vice. Tops in method and guess what im making tomarrow. Thank you Missed you, business must be booming.

[@rexkreusel4127]

Great video . . . from a novice that really enjoys learning.

[@JohnBare747]

Good one Joe! A deceptively simple project producing a useful tool.

[@MattysWorkshop]

Thank you Joe, I just brought my first mill and I was going to buy one but now I’ll be making one so thank you mate, very much appreciated, Merry Christmas to you and all your family, Matty

[@joepie221]

Thanks Matty. Merry Christmas to you as well.

[@noeljochum]

I love the way you structure your videos. And also your humor... "shit that's hot, as would be indicated by the smoke..."🤣

[@bentrueblood8144]

Some neat ideas, Joe. Never thought of using a parting tool on the mill...

[@outsidescrewball]

Interesting and another build added to the list

[@joepie221]

Hi Chuck. thanks for stopping by. Those lists seem to never end.

[@sawlgood]

I love the macro shots. Beautiful job

[@ruperthartop7202]

Great video Joe. Very affordable Edge Finder. Thanks for sharing

[@Smallathe]

Awesome! I have some W1 tool steel. I had other plans for it - but I knew I'd have a lot of extra stock... I think I just found a good use for that extra... I'll make it on the lathe though. Thank you for sharing - that is a brilliant idea...!!!

[@joemiller5110]

Thanks Joe, I Like the creative thinking for parting off using the mill!

[@apollorobb]

I do like the idea of chucking lathe tools in the vise . The Parting tools seem to even be smoother than they are in the lathe . Gotta make the edge finder today . Great Video Joe !!

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

Great video. I will put that on my someday list.

[@chrissmith7552]

A Fender trem spring,available from music shops is perfect.

[@johngonzales2987]

Great video! Especially for your beginner viewers. (Beginners being myself)

[@michaelclark2840]

Nice build and very intetesting as I always thought these had to be ground true. Now I know they don't. 👍

[@hectorplascencia2271]

Nice video. I used a lot an edge finder, but never realized how is constructed.

[@joepie221]

This is one way. There are a few internal configurations. This is just fast and easy to make.

[@TalRohan]

Looks like a part that is by far more valuable than the sum of its parts.

[@bobwas4066]

WOW Another Excellent Video! I learned so much. Could you show us how to heat treat it for us newbies?

[@jeffreylewis145]

O-rings? Can you please make a video on o-rings? I do the math before and during an o-ring cut and it never seems to fit until I just make pass after pass at 0.010 until it fits. I keep a good selection of o-rings to choose from and would really appreciate a discussion of o-ring planning and usage. Thank you

[@mikelwallstaff6905]

Great Video, awesome teaching, Thank you!

[@joepie221]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hamishanderson8619]

Great stuff as always Joe! A simple tool that is in a way very gratifying to make and immensely useful to have. I'm not a machinist but my philosophy in life is to share and mentor where I can , a nice little project for my friend and student Leon to tackle to build character and confidence! Thanks a bunch! :)

[@TedRoza]

Thanks Joe, very nice easy edge finder, will have to make a couple.

[@sac40218]

I first found u by googling tooling ball video. Hard to believe that I've been a manual and CNC machinist since '96 "when I graduated" and I had never used one, until about a month ago. You helped me understand what I needed to know and what to order. Love your videos and keep it up. Cemco expander/shrinkers. Press repair and now tool and die and forms

[@joepie221]

Thanks for watching.

[@ellieprice3396]

Another great project. I'm an experienced toolmaker and subscriber but had no idea how you were going to do that until the last third of the video. With .500 diameter stock you're of course .250 from the edge of the part. Actually, .2495 to be precise since once the thing jumps you're less than half the diameter. How's that for some unnecessary toolmaker precision?

[@MrArray1967]

Finally I took my time to view this video of yours. Either I'll make an edge finder like this one next week or in three months.

[@MrArray1967]

Must say I actually forgot about this little project. But in the mean time I've made a key for a little up cycled tool cabinet😀 I was about to go to a lock smith to buy one, when I suddenly realized it could be fun to make a key myself. BTW. One of my colleagues said the other day when I told about a 2nd hand QCT post I've bought, that I would do perfectly without one since I've got plenty of time 🤔😀😁😂

[@imnotahealthandsafetyperso4889]

Who just needs a spring lol thanks joe great video, and a tool I need for my mill :-)

[@kingofhearts3703]

Thanks for sharing, again, very helpful!

[@neilw2O]

Old spring maker showed me a simple way to bend out the spring loop. Use your side cutters. Try it! Nice edge finder.

[@joblessalex]

This looks crazy easy to make. Gonna try it tomorrow! Using my lathe though for the tubing haha

[@johnv341]

I have a nice Starrett edge finder, but now I am off to the lathe to make a non stepped version. A few really good tips in the video Joe. Thank you!

[@TheMuzShop]

Great project idea Joe. Thanks and can't wait for the scuba video.👍👍

[@JohnnyDee62]

Absolutely fascinating, thank you! Especially like the milling machine lathing techniques--highly envious!

[@oficinamaolivre]

Very Nice! Thanks for sharing

[@BenAtTheTube]

Thanks, great video. In addition to a half inch edge finder, I also like to use a half inch carbide mill whenever I can, spins and cuts a lot faster than HSS. When the position is not super critical, I just bump the part against the (non-rotating) mill shank, sets to the same position as the edge finder!

[@joepie221]

I use a 1/2" drill blank in my CNC for exactly that. Plus a stop won't be in the way for low profile work.

[@PizzeyTechnology]

Your videos make you look a natural talent.

[@joepie221]

Thank you. I've had a lot of practice.