Virtual Apprentice Squaring Blocks

For all the virtual apprentices out there learning on KZbin here is a short video on a simple seven step method for squaring blocks up in the milling machine without a tool change and using no special measuring tools. Good solid vice technique while exploiting some solid geometry can if done carefully produce perpendicularity easily.

[@exhempknight]

See... This is the kind of stuff I love. Your "side 5/7" method is one of those concepts that you start to grasp almost as soon as someone begins to show you, and you can't help but smile. Something that's beautifully simple and elegant, and you know you'd have never thought of it in a million years. In short, delightfully awesome. Thanks, Tom!

[@NavyChiefPa]

Great video, I like the 'Virtual Apprentice' idea.. Keep them coming!

[@riversvic]

I agree, and would say it could make a great series

[@samueltaylor4989]

Sorry, this will be the one and only!

[@MrJugsstein]

So cool. Once again proving you don't know what you don't know till an old hand in the shop shows you. Tks Tom

[@ianviljoen9036]

I feel enlightened. The penny really dropped with side 5. Thanks for a great explanation!

[@richardtww]

Would you make the "virtual apprentice" vids in to a playlist please Tom, such a good idea for beginners like me.

[@TadTadd]

Can’t wait to try this one out the next time I’m squaring something up. Clever and cool. Thanks!

[@williamjohnson2896]

Have seen all your videos and learn something from every one of them. This was a really good one for folks at my level. Thanks and keep them coming.

[@AustrianAnarchy]

I call shenanigans. My apprentice marks never look like that. You didn't even drill into the granite! This video was done by some super science lab machinist, a wizard, or both.

[@stevecanny1583]

Awesome video Sensei Tom! :) Loving the "make and reference a square edge" technique to step into the final square face :)

[@bullas1022]

You know I was asking my self why am I watching a video about squaring blocks. I'm glad I did this 5/7 method is awesome

[@TomZelickman]

Great tutorial, Tom. I like the idea of the virtual apprentice!

[@terrycannon570]

Great concept Tom. Please keep the virtual apprentice vids coming.

[@firebird8600]

This went as I thought it might right until side 5/7. I had no idea what you were doing there, and definitely learned something. I wouldn't have even thought to cut it that way.

[@rafz40]

This was definitely one of these "why did I not think of that" ideas! Thanks for sharing mister Lipton🥇💪🏼

[@petera1033]

"Virtual' apprentice - spot on. Merry Christmas Tom.

[@lupuszzz]

Thank you so much for sharing your ideas and experience! This is quite some work and I really appriciate your effort.

[@glennfelpel9785]

Tom, you are genius. Thank you for the Virtual Apprentice concept.

[@skeeter50001]

Thanks for the great lesson, Tom. Very good method to use.

[@James-fs4rn]

great video Tom! never knew about the pivot rod in the bottom, but can see how that would help bias part against rear jaw. thanks you!

[@ceesweerheim990]

Almost did not watch it. Learned a new trick, thanks Tom

[@imajeenyus42]

I had to re-watch the 5/7 trick several times, but it finally sunk in - that's a heck of a cute way to square it up!

[@clevinski]

That "side 5/7 method" is simply awesome! Thanks for presenting it!

[@chriscraven9572]

Super video Tom. Really useful technique. Something I'll definitely be practicing. More of the same would be gratefully received.

[@Ujeb08]

Very interesting - The "Cool Method". Thanks for sharing Tom!

[@nameofdane]

Once again, thank you. I feel like every time I square up a block I'm doing it a little differently than before. Not that questioning what I've done before is a bad thing, but it makes it feel like I'm opening myself up to error in not having a go to method for such a fundamental task. I'll try this out the next opportunity I have.

[@graemedunstan2470]

Tom, as always, you gave us a very nice view, it has been 57 years since I made my first squaring blocks, thank you for igniting the memory.

[@Fr4g4lot]

So much easier than mucking around with my tiny square trying to get side 5 done! Thank you for this valuable tip :)

[@cosimomarotta9552]

Excellent refresh on squaring blocks. Many thanks Tom.

[@BossWelder81]

Very nice. Even simple stuff like this is a pleasure to watch, Tom.

[@corylannon8546]

Super simple techniques and highly useful! Very thorough without being tedious. I love learning from your videos Tom, thanks for taking the time to make this kind of info available to the online-layman who want to learn, like me! Cheers

[@billlee5307]

Great content. Several methods shown that are very useful. Especially the 5/7 operation!

[@ls2005019227]

Excellent info/video! I've squared a number of blocks before, but used a slightly different method for sides 5/6. I like your 5/7 trick better and will definitely use that in the future. Thanks!

[@patricksullivan9951]

Nicely done Mr. Wizard, it took a second, a little rewind, but I see the idea behind the 5/7 cut. That edge is true, you a cleaver dude, simple tools, knowledge and BAM, a square block! A+

[@waynegotthardt3233]

Glad to see you pass this on. Its the first time I have seen some one other than myself use this method. Just wondered why you used two different types of Squareness Devices.

[@harlech2]

We need more of these, Tom! I learn at least 2 or 3 new things every video you make like this. Love them, please keep them coming.

[@SteveMelissaMcAdams]

Great video Tom love how you like to teach people and make sure they understand even Mr Wizards

[@Legalmachinist]

Wonderful - learned two new methods (v-blocks and 5/7). Very clever, simple and clear and precise without excess verbosity. Thanks Tom! Love your videos.

[@rfcarlson1]

Thanks, Tom. I got a lot out of this video. Great presentation.

[@brucematthews6417]

Videos like this area great. And not only for squaring up stock. The thought processes lead on to further similar thinking and go well beyond just squaring up some stock. WELL DONE ! ! ! I'd also like to thank you for continuing to make videos that are fairly well paced. I've stopped watching some other YT machinists because they wander of and ramble or show painfully slow segments of simple machining.

[@MikeBramm]

Once again, another very informative video from Mr. Wizard. Thanks Tom.

[@rupert5390]

Just to say thanks & much appreciated - you are generiously sharing your expertise and it's really appreciated.

[@5955trey5955]

Nice. Just coincidentally I've got a small project where I need to make a block to start with. I'll be putting these techniques to use. Thanks!

[@peteshainin6063]

Tom, The virtual apprentice idea is GREAT. Please do many more of these. There are a number of youtube videos on how to square a block, including one by the University of Wisconson. Your video is WAY ahead of all the others. Your videos prove you are an exceptional machinist. We all want to learn from you. Thank you.

[@icey_b1562]

Nice lesson Tom. I learned some indicator tricks from you... As someone who does a lot of 3 and 5 axis CNC programming and machining I'm a fan of hanging onto ~1/8" in the vice (sided being clamped need to be reasonably parallel), facing the top, milling around the outside with an end mill, chamfering the edges, then flipping the part and decking off the grip stock. Doesn't work with every part but in the right application its great.

[@ckvasnic1]

Brilliant! Thank you Mr. Wizard! Love the Virtual Apprentice. Best Chuck

[@killercloud7019]

Good info and simple technique, simple tools thanks Tom.

[@bobshepherd9353]

always nice to go back to basics Thanks Tom

[@wheelercompany2718]

As a non-machinist, I found this to be very informative. Please keep the "Virtual Apprentice" idea alive! Thanks for all of your videos, Timmy

[@yanwo2359]

Very clever trick! I love it. It's wonderful to be able to watch a master at work. And for free, too. I appreciate your generosity.

[@saartal4524]

Brilliant!! Thank you for sharing!!! LOVED the video

[@mg-shop6996]

Powerful, elegant technique clearly explained. Thanks! I will pass it on. -M'G

[@billbrennan8405]

Excellent you are one smart guy, never thought of using a Vee block to bring side ends into Sq. - Thank You

[@Redmech80]

Great video. Love this stuff. What a great explanation.

[@wlogue]

Hey Tom, a virtual apprentice here. Thanks!

[@daveanderson2316]

Alright you, I watched this on my fancy colored tv screen, but then had to amble all the way over to this other gizmo to make a comment. Very nice, done did this in the past and I think most peeps run an indicator ups and downs the part whilst figuring 5 and or 6, but I've found its to be the faster. Thank for the knowledge exchange.

[@JetNmyFuture]

I have quite a few years of machining experience under my belt and learn something from you on every video. Sometimes it is a small detail, sometimes it is a glaring omission in my skill set. Either way, VERY thankful that you share your skills. So much if this in not accessible to people that are not shoulder to shoulder with the right person. One of my operators, who was very sharp, had learned really rotten habits from his previous job. It is hard to unlearn bad habits. In time, as I myself learned new things, it was easy to see that I was also guilty of passing bad technique on to the same guy. We both had to unlearn the bad techniques. Anyone that stops learning, quickly becomes an anchor in the realm of machining.

[@brucestarr4438]

Lots of things, it is easier to teach someone with no experience, how to do it the right way, than try and break someone's bad habits.

[@AlexLTDLX]

This is pretty trick. Thanks for the video - keep 'em coming!

[@josephwilson6651]

Wonderfully informative, so neophyte metal machinists may be able to set up an additional shop within the woodworking shop which they already have. Thank you Mr. Lipton

[@r777w]

Thanks for another fantastic teaching moment.

[@danballarin]

Thank you! I don't have V blocks and don't have the big bucks to buy accurate ones for your first method, but the 5/7 shows that with the right knowledge, you don't always need fancy tools! Thanks again!

[@gohuskies583]

Great lesson Tom! Thank you.

[@MyShopNotes]

I like the Virtual Apprentice theme. Thanks for sharing Tom.

[@AtelierDBurgoyne]

Very well explained! This method is also in James Harvey's Machine Shop Trade Secrets Chap. 12 "Be Square". I also remember thatlazymachinist showing a method with three point contact to start the first side on material with rough sides. Thanks!

[@girliedog]

You are an excellent instructor. Thank you for all of the knowledge and enthusiasm you share.

[@matttradie1341]

Tricks of the trade. Love the vids tom. Be interesting to see you make a couple gauge blocks up, to see how much work is involved and of course get them to 'stick' together how they do. Ya know with special oxtool magics. Haha

[@chexstix]

Truly brilliant. Especially when suggesting the V-block method, only to toss it as 'boring'. Educational AND thoroughly entertaining!

[@jasonburns1407]

Awesome knowledge tom thanks for sharing

[@wattscreates1977]

I have consumed many of your videos. Your channel is my escape from reality. I am very grateful for your content. I currently work as a CNC operator for a water treatment equipment manufacturer. I use a CNC router to cut polypropylene, PVC, HDPE and other plastics to build enclosures for chemical feed equipment. The enclosures are assembled by hot air and extrusion welding. I am in Manatee county Florida. Anyways, I learned much of what I know from my grandfather. You remind me of him with your odd ball Bob's your uncle shop comrodery. Very funny and enjoyable. He gave me a caliper that was his father's. So that makes it very old. It is a Japanese NSK Vernier Caliper 780-701 DC-6 6" (0.001"). I wasn't sure if you have any experience with these calipers in your career. If you could tell me anything about them at all I would be very grateful. Google searches didn't turn out to well. I know you have a sentamental connection with tools and I see exactly where you are coming from with this caliper. The history of the tool makes it special. The tool has helped feed my family tree in it's own way and I am honored to have it. Keep up the good work. I plan to dedicate my life to the machinist world and thanks to you I am learning a lot. Hope all is well...... Bob's your uncle!

[@EmmaRitson]

thanks for taking the time, mr Lipton.

[@htral]

Never saw the v block trick before -- cool video!

[@DochNiemals]

I greatly appreciate this video. Thank you!

[@stonecraft745]

20min Video about squareing stock, so basic, boring but watched it anyways because watching it is almost as good as physicaly doing it (training). Showed the trick with the V-Block and the 5/7 technique. Blew. My. Mind. Thank you Tom!

[@ralphzito7609]

Hey Tom Loved "Virtual Apprentice/(Virtual Co Worker)" Most of us these days work in small shops or are one man bands. So the exchange of ideas and work around's between co workers just ain't there. The like's of You, Adam, Robenz, Joe Pie, NYCNC, Kieth Fenner etc. Have saved my proverbial Ass on many a project! Big thumbs up to you all! Keep those machining tips coming! Best regards Ralph

[@mccullenj]

Really appreciate you sharing your knowledge.

[@1musicsearcher]

That's very clever. The "V" block way is a keeper too.

[@surveywaters]

I really appreciate the direction this video went. I am a husband, father of two and work full time. Making time for a class at a tech school is not an option. Videos like this really help. Thank you for all the priceless knowledge you willing give to guys like me.

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

Great video, I will try to remember where to find it for future reference. Thanks.

[@krazziee2000]

very good lesson, I have wondered about that for a while now, yeah I know... Thanks for the video

[@tomherd4179]

Really great video, especially the side 5~7. I can't see why anyone would give it a thumbs down. So here I will give you 10 thumbs UP!!

[@bcbloc02]

Tom is a really good teacher. Well executed video Tom.

[@9999dudeman]

Awesome and that's for all the skill lessons you share!! Still confused as always on how a line, but you say an edge is square to the side. it's just me but I will get it. Thanks again!!

[@armdaMan]

Hello there Tom Lipton Esq Another good easy to follow, well presented video Thanks always for showing and sharing ATB aRM

[@ColocasiaCorm]

thaht little comparator is genius! i hope you have a video describing it a bit more, although it seems brilliantly simple!

[@billdlv]

Nice Tom, thanks for showing how the cool cats square up stock.

[@tobarapprentice6618]

Please...... more videos like that. And perhaps some of the “how to use this tool” as well. Thank you, great video!

[@bfflorida2311]

Quantum physics by Tom... 7 sided cube ... LMAO thanks for sharing this technique Tom, as always pleasure watching you skills ...

[@brianwarburton4482]

Excellent video. Very smart. Thank you.

[@ROBRENZ]

Excelent tutorial Tom! I know when you were showing the square measuring 2 to 3 you meant to show the square measuring 2 to 5 . I only mention it to not confuse the virtual apprentices. ATB, Robin

[@unknownapprentice625]

Too late :)

[@SteveSummers]

Good video Tom, I was not aware of this method.

[@ZieselRocks]

Very clear instruction. Thanks!

[@cmonster6]

Great video you went over my head for a while on previous videos but this is more in line with what I was watching back when.thanks a bunch dude.by the way what is the metal you are working with in this vid?groovy looking color

[@paulmace7910]

I like the virtual apprentice theme. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@bigjimz100]

Paul Mace i

[@5tr41ghtGuy]

Thanks for the video Tom. I learned to square a block from Marc L'Ecuyer (ThatLazyMachinist), but you demonstrated a different technique I can try :-) ​​​

[@sharkrivermachine]

Very clever, I like it. Thank you for sharing.

[@mattcurry29]

Very cool video Tom, great lesson! Matt C

[@stxrynn]

I just did one of these for a collet block. I've got one more to do. I am proud to be a "VA" at Oxtools.... Keep this idea going man.

[@stxrynn]

Okay, is this similar to finding true length, like we used to do in manual drafting (a projection linie??)? This looks really similar. I took drafting in fall of '81. Very elegant and I'll use it on my next block. Thank you. Geometry wasn't wasted!!! wohooo!

[@Ibrahimlwaad]

wonderful explaining!

[@marvincarvin1846]

Informative and clever vid! Thanks

[@simonp347]

Tom, great video as usual. Virtual apparentice needs more lapping instruction here. Edit. Also want to know more about the Taft Pierce stuff in the background

[@ChrisB257]

Excellent Tom - love it :)