General Shop Equipment & Supplies

In spite of my good intentions, trying to understand an employee's logic for engaging in certain behaviors can be bewildering, writes Manager's Desk columnist Keith Jennings in the May 2012 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering.

Check out the Shop Operations column in the May 2012 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering to learn how a WWII-era Russian spy continues to serve as a cautionary tale about the perils of daydreaming.

Boring is a common hole finishing operation, but boring large-diameter holes is a bit of a niche market. "Depending on the industry, you may only find a handful of shops in some areas capable of doing this type of work," said Ron West, global product manager for Kennametal Inc., Latrobe, Pa. "They have the larger equipment necessary to do this type of work on a regular basis."

When loading a toolholder into a machine tool spindle with an automatic toolchanger, misalignment of the ATC gripper to the spindle can damage the spindle taper. In addition, a misaligned, clamped toolholder increases cutting tool runout.

Fixtureworks offers an expanded lineup of Kipp Spring Plungers to its offering of workholding and fixturing technologies.

J.W. Winco Inc. offers GN 704 Quick Release Set Collars.

Fixtureworks offers a complete lineup of Kipp hand retractable index plungers to its workholding and fixturing technologies.

ESAB Cutting Systems updates its line of CNC Plasma Bevel Cutting Systems with the new VBA Global PRO bevel head for high accuracy plasma bevel cutting on steel plate.

Now there's a fast and easy way to setup work pieces for machining at three common angles. Using Kurt's new Sine Parallels, rectangle parts can be clamped precisely and quickly at 30 degrees, 45 degrees and 60 degree angles.

A shop turned to Dr. Jeffrey Badger, the host of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine's Grinding Doc Video Series, to find out whether rotating the dressing diamond is really necessary. Check out his response in the 29th episode of the video series.

United Grinding Technologies Inc. celebrated 30 years in its Fredericksburg, Va., location with an open house on Feb. 22 and 23. The event included technical presentations, facility tours and a ribbon-cutting event for the newly expanded and renovated facility.

END USER: Mitchel & Scott Machine Co., (317) 684-8247, www.mitchelgroup.com. CHALLENGE: Provide 100 percent inspection of internal thread pitch and depth and numerous external dimensions for two high-volume automotive parts. SOLUTION: Automated vision inspection and thread verification systems. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Compass Automation, (847) 426-6696, www.compass-automation.com