General Shop Equipment & Supplies

Rotary saw cutting (RSC), using a self-contained, motorized attachment that is mounted in a machine's standard cutoff position, can provide an alternative to single-point tooling for cutoff operations. This article details the ways that RSC provides results that are better than single-point tooling while advising readers on ways to optimize the operation.

Drilling with a single- or double-tube system might be the most efficient way to drill deep holes in some applications. This article, which describes the tools and the process, says tubular drilling can pay for itself in higher productivity, thriftier manufacturing and tighter tolerances.

Several factors influence the effectiveness of a drilling operation. This article looks at a number of them, including coolant delivery, speeds and feeds, and tool selection.

This article warns against the dangers in recent manufacturing supply trends. According to the author, both outsourcing and integrated-supply programs can have seriously detrimental effects on productivity and innovation. In this article, he explains the reasoning behind his views.

Segmented grinding wheels can help in heavy stock-removal applications with large contact areas. This guide covers where grinding segments fit and what shops should watch.

Although machinists are using cermet and ceramic cutting tools for an increasing number of applications, they have been slow to adopt them for boring. This is beginning to change, however. This article describes some of the ways a boring operation can benefit from the use of these tools.

When shouldered parts are held for turning with a draw-in collet, length-control problems can result. This article provides directions for making collet add-ons that allow the machinist to locate the part against the spindle face, providing a consistent length from part to part.

This article guides the reader through the many decisions that must be made when selecting and installing a hydraulic workholding system. Basic hydraulic system design principles and maintenance also are discussed.

Traditional tap/drill charts recommend drill diameters for each size of tapped hole. But, according to this article, these recommendations are based on the size holes that were typically produced by less-accurate tools and processes used in the past. This article suggests guidelines for producing holes that will, in turn, produce correctly sized tapped holes.

This article makes the argument that ball-drive quick-change tapholders, which transfer torque through hardened-steel balls fitted into mating detents, are more reliable than tang-drive units. The technology behind ball-drive tapholders and the design's benefits are explained.

The more sophisticated die-sinker EDMs on the market today possess enough intelligence to monitor cutting conditions and make necessary adjustments on the fly. This article describes the technology that drives these smart machines and the "fuzzy logic" they use to maintain an optimal spark.

This article describes the apprenticeship program and other activities that toolmaker Komet of America is pursuing to bring new people into the metalworking industry as machinists. The company has met with some success working with the Tooling & Manufacturing Association and a local high school.