I was convinced my tool offsets were fine until a part came out .003 under

For months, I'd just been touching off tools by eye on my old Haas VF-2, thinking I was close enough. Then last week, a run of fifty aluminum brackets for a local shop all measured .003 under on the bore. The foreman called and asked if my machine was drifting. That call made me stop and actually check my process. I started using a proper edge finder and setting my work offset with a gauge pin, not just the tool. The next batch was dead on. How do you guys handle tool setting on long runs to keep things tight?

3 comments

3 Comments

aaron70821d ago

My buddy had the same thing happen with his lathe. He was just using the old paper strip method to set his tools for a big order of shafts. Every single one was a few thou off on the diameter. He finally bought a proper setter and said it was like night and day, no more guessing.

sean_foster9926d ago

Touching off by eye on a VF-2 for production work is a bold move. That .003 under is basically the machine politely asking you to use an edge finder.

adam_nguyen726d ago

It's like when you skip the measuring cup and just eyeball ingredients for a big batch of cookies. One time might work, but try to do it every day and you'll get some weird batches. That little bit off adds up, whether it's in a part or in your baking. We keep making these small shortcuts to save a minute, then wonder why things aren't fitting right later on.