Precision Levelling Plate Part 1

In this video we start construction of our version of a Brown & Sharpe Levelling plate. This is used on the surface plate to orient parts perfectly parallel or perpendicular to the surface plate plane. Useful for flatness measuring of non parallel surfaces. I show a variety of machining and fabrication techniques and operations. The precision ground flatstones are from Robin Renzetti. Adjustment knobs are 40TPI and made from 642 Bronze. The main plate is 1018 cold rolled steel and will be carburized after machining and then precision ground on the upper surface.

[@nothermarkgnomex]

As a retired hobby guy I learn more good work habits and techniques from watching folks like you at work than I get from any book. Thank you for doing the videos!

[@petemacrae5982]

You sure got that filming down, great close ups and angles, light, sequence , very nice.

[@davids2928]

It is truly amazing that we live in an age where we can watch someone who has perfected their art, in HD and for free. Nice video!

[@ThisOldTony]

loved it!

[@groefa]

Love your channel, too !

[@LouisHauknecht]

Hey Tony, I noticed your TIG welder is much quieter then Tom's! Worth the mod!

[@achappel]

Love that little trick at the end to get that litte "nubin" off!

[@garym1550]

Perfect video, no talkin, no music, no Bull, thanks.

[@irgtk]

Sorry Tom I like hearing your insights on what you’re doing and why how you’re doing it. Never thought I’d be making that comment. 😆

[@bradley3549]

I really like how you just got right down to business in this video.

[@billlee5307]

"Ya kid, you can stay and watch if you stand over there and out of the way." Vivid childhood memory of early learning experiences about how to do things, thank Tom. I also liked the drawbar tighten on the fly.

[@henri1511]

The brain learns much more by seeing than listening. Myself I love videos like this. These types of videos make it feel like your right in the room next to him.

[@josefrefuses2go694]

Tom it consistently amazes me that even without talking, you teach us all so very much, Thank you of r all that you do for us.

[@lornie212]

I like the talking. I liked this, too...... but I like the talking. I learn more when you talk.

[@AttilaAsztalos]

To be fair, I really hate it when some folks on some other channels talk ten minutes for each five of machining - sure, I love to learn, and it's great to know why they do things not only what they do, but ffs some really just loooove hearing their own voice. That said, some talking wouldn't have hurt this vid but it's ok, I liked it either way...

[@jtkilroy]

Nice project Tom, love that saw.

[@wayneolson2221]

I like it when you explain what you're doing.

[@gilbertodiaz-castro626]

Even when silent you can teach a lot. Thanks for sharing, can't wait to see the continuation.

[@tod_with_one_d3055]

Tom, great to see a video from you. Miss the Monday meatloafs on a regular basis. Just wanted to express my appreciation for all the knowledge you have shared over the years. Thanks.

[@sharkrivermachine]

Great to see you machining again. Interesting project.

[@blickberg8404]

It was really neat to watch the raw performance every now and then to really study technique. Of course now I hunger for some of the explanation. Thank you for this gem.

[@fpoastro]

Throughout the video I kept envisioning Tom standing on a sidewalk in white face paint doing everything in the video as a mime. Patiently observing and not being instructed is a phenomenal way to learn.

[@rasmusb2523]

As much as I enjoy you talking it's cool to see some fast and simple progress on a project like that, very cool! Looking forward to seeing more of this.

[@deltamachine2059]

A lot of great techniques presented in this video for setting up stock in the miil. I will be using some tomorrow!! Thanks for passing your knowledge onto the rest of us. Also, that band saw in the beginning is amazing!! Thanks again Tom!

[@russellnales5310]

Best video you EVER made! Just meat, no potatoes!

[@joemiller5110]

Tom not sure what is going on here. I believe the majority here likes your verble touch "RIGHT" I appreciate your talent along with you narriating! Thanks for time and efforts. Joe

[@wvmotorider9723]

A notification of ANY new video from you Tom is like getting a gift in the mail, but I have to say I REALLY miss the commentary. While the "how" for a particular project can certainly be picked up from this type of video, when you provide commentary we get the benefit of learning the "why" behind much of it and that is FAR more valuable (for me at least) in learning to think like a machinist myself rather than simply learning to follow the steps to copy someone else's project. There are few others besides Robin and yourself who offer the depth of actual knowledge in your videos so I would hate to miss out on all that wisdom!

[@brandonboudreau3362]

Love this guy ! Sounds like an old ideal arc welder...I wish I was taught from a master like this guy

[@marceltimmers1290]

Hi mate. A project, whoaa. Boy, how I missed that. I guess we had been too spoiled over the years, with the high video output you had. Thanks mate.

[@davidrahn9903]

That is one pretty adjustment screw. Can't wait to see the Levelling plate in use.

[@alita589]

Love watching you work.

[@ROBRENZ]

Very Nice Tom, chock full of great techniques for those paying attention. You had me looking to see if my vise wrench was still here. Thanks for the stone plug and nice carrier for them. Great to have a video without all that incessant babbling like that ROBRENZ guy! ATB, Robin

[@riversvic]

ROBRENZ are those stones available?!?

[@ROBRENZ]

They will be soon, I will do another video when they are available.

[@OldIronShops]

I need to get myself a set of those as well.

[@Steve_Just_Steve]

ROBRENZ, Are the people that inquired about the stones when you presented them still on the list buddy?

[@zephyrold2478]

Hi Robin, love to hear you babbling, the more the better

[@5005ginger]

Nice approach to every task at hand!

[@Chris-ox7qx]

Excellent video Tom. I really missed this style of video from you. Looking forward to part 2. Thanks!

[@juanrivero8]

Superb. Professional editing, many many techniques, no commentary. A demo to the wise is sufficient.

[@jimmilne19]

Enjoyed the meditative atmosphere in this one for a change. It sounded like it sounds when I'm working (alone) in the shop just enjoying without speaking. Thanks and a Happy New Year!

[@raincoast2396]

Most definitely heard an almost inaudible "sweet" when checking threading fit. Very sweet indeed Tom. THX.

[@joshmyer9]

KZbin’s automatic captions are having trouble for some reason, so here’s a complete transcript: “Ouch. Oops, scoot that out a little. Right. ‘Kay. Twoop!”

[@camcompco]

you forgot "Mr Bozo said Hi"

[@oxtoolco]

Great summary. I think you caught everything. Cheers, Tom

[@theradarguy]

Very educational. Thanks for NOT adding music!

[@joshwarner5676]

Awesome video. It was definitely mesmerizing to watch

[@index7787]

Amazing, I could watch this for hours. Love this format.

[@krazziee2000]

glad you are back.. thanks for the video..

[@markdaniels5891]

Without saying a word I learned so much just on setup and fixtures wow 😮

[@darrenblattner2508]

Well there's the proof, actions speak louder than words, nice job so far Tom.

[@rodfrey]

Beautiful. Makes me feel like an apprentice soaking it up when the shop master doesn't know I'm watching.

[@eclecticneophyte2581]

I'm just getting ready to build my own spherometer (base), so the timing of your video is perfect! As always, great content! Thanks Tom!

[@joeloughboro9308]

This is amazing. It's like if Primitive Technology was just "Technology."

[@paulmace7910]

Bravo Maestro. Narration not required. Thanks for sharing.

[@leninalopez2912]

Sir... you're my role model when it comes to tidyness and metal

[@Bobbycat115]

Ha , Funny how when no words are spoken . NOW they pay attention. Happy new year Tom!

[@slausonm]

As always love your videos. Wordless was a fun change of pace, but I enjoy the narrations as well.

[@yqwgjsg]

Unbelievably enjoyable just watching the work without words. I love Keith Fenner but I’ll be damned if I don’t find myself fast forwarding through some of his narratives and saying to myself, “Just get on with it.”

[@JLK89]

Yes!! more videos like this please! Less talk, more machine.

[@mk2cnc98]

Very nice, part 2 to follow soon, I hope.

[@lyntonr6188]

Great work Tom, I'm looking forward to the next video.

[@newlifeforvintagewatches2732]

Nice and quiet, no headache. Thanks

[@OldManYoungMind]

Have really missed your videos. Hope you will get back on a schedule putting them out. BTW Like it better when you talk and explain as you go because that way you always made sure to note the really important parts plus you gave out some great tips. Be watching for your next video. Cheers, John

[@Pappaoh]

Love your vids Tom. You are crazy fast w your set up and mill work. Fun watching you work.

[@rodgrainger9487]

Nice! Absolutely love videos without talking.

[@gordonagent7037]

Great job so far Tom, another great addition to the machine shop precision tools list. Well done mate

[@redgiejoy9496]

Changing tool on knee mill. Tom engage the tool with three turns and turn the spindle on an just touch with his right hand the draw bar. This set the tool in to the R8 spindle. Turn spindle off hold spindle break and finish tighten with a 3/4 inch box end wrench.

[@buddylineman]

Less talking, more work! I like that. And hey NO phone. I wish I could teach that to some of the guys at work. Good one.

[@silverbullet7434]

Been going through Lipton withdraw , gives us a fix , with no fun . Glad your making a new tool .

[@bombero34fr]

Magic! Everything is nice and clear, perfect gesture, mesmerizing!

[@dwightkrauss]

The Marcel Marceau of the KZbin machining community. Nicely done.

[@robertpartsmade5832]

Hi from the UK , sort of silent movies ! Brilliant keep up this most excellent output . Regards Robert PARTSMADE

[@R.E.HILL_]

You do know your way around a TIG torch, no doubt. Excellent, thx for sharing. ☺

[@rickeycallen]

Those super fine precision threads are phenomenal too, btw

[@saartal4524]

wonderful fabrication , as always. Thank you for sharing this lovely project

[@graemewight2975]

It makes a nice pattern as well as being functional. I think.

[@2129078]

Great to see you back at the grind...hard at work almost speechless!

[@ronmcdavid7084]

No fair writing (keep) on the stock blank, ruins Mr Bozo's chances of a fun surprise! Always a pleasure to see a new one of your videos. Picked up lots of useful techniques.

[@oxtoolco]

There was a big dent in one corner of the plate that Mr Bozo noticed and wanted me to use.

[@oceanpout5232]

thanks for sharing I love using those plates to check flatness !

[@Titus-as-the-Roman]

Two thumbs up if I had the choice, interesting and self explanatory.

[@SuperKingslaw]

This is a great instructional video. Thanks for sharing and thanks for the completeness of information.

[@Motodents]

You don’t know how much you love something until it’s gone 🤭

[@beachboardfan9544]

OOoo that bit at the end, so satisfying!

[@Steve_Just_Steve]

Less Babble More Cobble. I like it! Thanks Tom

[@TheBartvdv]

Nice project! First I wondered why on earth you'd make that since the same can be done on 3 individual points, but then it came to me that there's small parts too :) Keep em coming please

[@terrylarotonda784]

Great work and procedure, and tips. Without voice, ya really have to pay attention and not zone out. Cool touch

[@robertvanhoose2437]

Thumbs up for trying something different, but I must say I prefer when you narrate the action...

[@Fuszybear]

This was another amazing video Tom! keep up the awesome work ! I learn so much from your videos and one day hope to be as good as you!

[@keldsor]

Hi Tom New style of videos ... nor talking, just get it done !

[@afnDavid]

We can see that Tom must of been good at assembling those red and white blocks when he was young. :)

[@phooesnax]

Always interested in what you have to say.....but what you very cool too. Thank You Mr Wizard. Jim

[@roboticus3647]

Really good video. I often find trying to listen while watching kind of difficult. The only way I can think of to improve this video would to be to add just a couple text screens to mention important points (such as material selection, or why you chose a particular procedure). I think I learned a good bit from this one.

[@anthonylapatka1508]

I guess I didn't have to wait for my noise cancelling headset to recharge so I could watch this video while my wife is practicing her cello in the other room. Great video but I think you should talk a little less next time. (That's sarcasm for any who are wondering) I always enjoy your videos Tom. I realize that there you put a lot of hard work in filming, editing and narrating them. Thank you very much!!

[@robertoswalt319]

It looks like I am in the minority here but, as a noob to metal working I miss his comments on how and why he is doing something the way that he is. I feel that when I understand why choices are made to do something I remember it when I need to do it, Just my 2 cents worth.

[@makingsense2268]

Hi Robert, as a machinist student about to graduate, I recommend you keep watching Tom's other videos. He definitely can talk, but this demonstration of pure Making was transcendent. Thank you, Tom. Anyhow, there are an amazing array of techniques explained here and elsewhere on KZbin's machinist community; keep watching, and always keep learning.

[@thomasutley]

Watch out, Myfordboy. Ox is coming for your international audience.

[@ianbertenshaw4350]

Thomas Utley I was going to comment that Tom was channeling Myfordboy !

[@FrancisoDoncona]

Same here, after comments complaining of um, err, right, he shut them up. It’s Myford boy with proper sized equipment.

[@AnatoFIN]

Old grumpy man in his natural habitat:-) +1

[@groefa]

How pleasant.... a lot like Myford Boy. Silence is golden :) ... really enjoy your channel !

[@LordOfTamarac]

Very artsy, love the videography!

[@RobertPerrigoOkiechopper]

It would be so much fun making things.

[@FreemanPascal]

I'm coveting the table saw at the beginning - couple magnitudes better than my HF metal band saw

[@johnptc]

ANOTHER GREAT ADDITION !!

[@Paddington60]

Thanks Tom, very nice video.

[@elcuhhh8761]

Turning is always my fav part tom. Saludos

[@parislaurent8488]

A masterpiece

[@ddcd53]

Nice video but I like it a lot more when you are talking about what you are doing. Thank you. Dan

[@josephwilson6651]

As an old school taught student,minor instruction was followed by silence as students absorbed the written word,thence to application at desk,final finish at chalk board, then additional instruction & extrapolation orally.This was a standard teaching tool used by the sisters(nuns) at our school.

[@hermannstraub3743]

first Part could be a DiResta video at normal speed. second part is Clickspring. Liked it much.

[@oh8wingman]

I want your Marvel band saw. I have been looking for one of those old cast iron monsters and they are hard to find and those you do find they want a fortune for.

[@robertmontgomery6753]

Dang you got some nice tool's