Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Creating long straight edges (and big squares)

Les Watts wrote:

> Well thanks Marcus.
>
> A machine builder friend showed me how to "scrape" flame hardened v ways
> using
> mounted stones in a high speed pencil air grinder. I did it on one machine
> with great results
> but it is slow. About the only way I can justify it is by waiting till after
> hours or the weekend
> and saying "ok-I'm not working now, i'm just playing".

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Marcus & Eva" <implmex@...>
> Sent: Friday, July 05, 2002 10:14 PM
>
> > Too bad I can't think of a good way to use it on the vee ways of my
> lathe!!
> > Looks like I'll have to send the machine off to the way grinders after
> all.

Yes, it is slow. I first used a toolpost grinder mounted to the base of the
tailstock and slid it down the ways. This, of course, duplicated the flaws
in the tailstock ways, which were in a LOT better shape than the main
ways. I then tried all sorts of things with a die grinder, mostly Cratex
points, and then larger Cratex wheels. These didn't work very well, but
I may do some finish work with these later. But, for final adjustment
in the .001" range, I'm using bench stones! You oil the stone very
thoroughly and just rub the stone back and forth on the ways. I take
about 100 back and forth movements of 6 - 10" over all the high spots,
then clean it and check it with a straightedge. Every hour or so I
make a pass with a Vee master block that I made and a master precision
level. I also use the Vee block with a dial indicator on a magnetic base
to read against the reference surface.

I'm getting there, and it is going to be a very straight bed when I'm done.
But, it IS slow. This is a big lathe, a 15" Sheldon. See
http://pico-systems.com/sheldon.html for a progress report with pictures.

Jon