Ground V-Blocks are a handy tool for workholding, especially when paired with a machining vise. You can use them to hold round bar, square bar, and they are also great for supporting end work.  In our latest episode of Tormach Fab Lab, Mike C. points out some tips and tricks to keep in mind when using V-Blocks.  You can purchase the V-blocks used in this video here:  Buy V-Blocks for Tormach More Tormach Fab Lab Videos:

In this new Tormach Fab Lab episode, we're showing the basics to setting up a Quick Change tool post on a CNC Lathe.    The QC toolpost kit for our 15L Slant-PRO CNC lathe is size CXA, which holds 3/4" tools.  There are many different styles QC tool holders that you can purchase for this post, but the three used the most are:

  You can set up a companion spindle with our Horizontal Spindle Arm Mount for milling in the XZ (G18) or YZ (G19) plane.  This can be a great technique for doing light milling on the end of a very long workpiece.  In this episode of Tormach Fab Lab, Mike C. demonstrates how to get this setup right.

Although not nearly as common as 3- or 4- Jaw chucks, a 2-Jaw Chuck can be quite handy for certain 4th Axis jobs. The jaws on a 2-Jaw chuck are opposite each other (obviously!) and they are driven by a scroll plate, just like the jaws on a 3-Jaw chuck. They are typically used in 2 scenarios:

A popular tech line request is  for more information about setting up a 4th axis.  Earlier, we showed how to true a 4th axis to the mill motion using shims and how to set up a 3 Jaw chuck.   In this new video, Mike  C. demonstrates  how to set up a 4-Jaw chuck on a 4th axis.  He also shows basic tail stock setup.

There are lots of ways to find the center of a hole.  In a previous Fab Lab Video, we showed how to do this with an essential shop tool, the dial test indicator.