February 2015
Articles in this issue
Bad parts? Check the tailstock
Every lathe and grinder operator has, at one time or another, struggled with workpieces that are out of round, tapered or have poor finish. The "quick fix" is …
Finding an app for that
After acquiring my first iPhone, I searched the Internet for apps to use in the shop. I found 70 hits for "machinist" or "machining" and 45 for "cutting tool."…
Put your finger right there!
A shop I once worked at had a beautiful cast iron welding table. It was 5' wide × 12' long and had started life as a surface plate for assembling diesel engine…
Micromachine for max accuracy
Accurately machine EDM electrodes used to produce micromolds for medical parts. A high-speed, high-precision, 3-axis micro milling machine.
Endmills that can take the heat
Efficiently machine stainless steel parts without breaking endmills. 6-flute, solid-carbide endmills.
Discounts and increases
I strive to start each year on a positive note, but 2015 sure hasn't taken long to throw us our first challenging management scenario. It requires immediate ov…
A clear view on vision panels
The cutting zone in a machine tool is dangerous. Hot chips and large quantities of coolant are often safety threats, but a tool rotating at a high speed is an …
Meeting a challenge
Cast beryllium-aluminum parts.
Fine and stable core
Ceramic core material that improves jet engine fuel efficiency.
Look out below
I don't like bringing this up, but two key metalworking markets -- defense and energy -- are in a bit of trouble.
Elements for successful endmilling
When an endmill efficiently makes chips, everybody is happy: the end user, the parts buyer, and the cutting tool manufacturer and distributor. Achieving that b…
Cryogenic machining systems can extend tool life and reduce cycle times
Efficient removal of heat from the tool/workpiece interface is the main route to high-productivity machining. Several conventional methods are available to acc…
Setting the table
Table-type horizontal boring mills add versatility to machine shops.
Leaning towards lean
A journey of waste reduction and continuous improvement for machine shops.
Battling grinding burn
Dear Doc: I battle burn and long cycle times when grinding ODs in bearing. The wheel manufacturer has specified a series of wheel changes to solve the problem,…