Center and Edge Finder

[Ployd]

I was wondering what people are using to locate and set up parts. In the past I've used an edge finder on a Bridgeport style mill. I found this at Grainger LINK and wonder if anyone uses these or has a better solution.

 

We are currently using a router to machine large composite molds and patterns. We typically place cross hair reference marks in the corners of the bagging flange area. Then if we need to bring the parts back on the machine we use a scribe to check the marks. But I was wondering if we drilled holes and used a centering type wiggler might be faster and better than relying on my eye and scribe. I'm not sure what the accuracy is on these center finders. We are looking for something fast and accurate. Any help would be apprecated.

 

Thanks!

[Ocean Lacky™]

That's what we use...can usually get it to within .0002. It does get a little tricky when the part is magnetized though.

[MLS]

I use to use one of those alot. Most of the machines at the shop I am currently working at use spindle probes so we don't use them now, but they are pretty effective if you have a good quality one.

 

For edge finding they are accurate within .001 inch easily, but not really sure how good they are for holes.

 

Buy a Starrett one though if you do...avoid the cheap ones. Money well spent IMO.

[John13]

I use them all the time.

 

 

+1 on Starrett or Brown and Sharp. Do not skimp

[Kevangel]

If there is a chamfer or burr , you would actually be beeping that in on a hole.

[Ployd]

Here is a Starrett Center Finder

 

This is also a cool collet adaptor from Starrett collet

 

Thanks! for the quick replies, Happy Holidays

[G Caputo]

Other than a probe this is the way to go. You can buy an import brand cheaper, but Blake is the way to go. jm2c.

[Columbo™]

Here's what we use linky

[Goldorak]

columbo your edge finder works very well on composite or HDPE

 

on guy here squirt the juice out from the battery before he realise that plastic is not current conductor

[Roger Peterson]

I use a test indicator for external, and a coax unit for internal. When you can get away with less accuracy there is a visual bore guage unit that is very fast.

 

 

HTH

[BernieT]

"Buy a Starrett one though if you do...avoid the cheap ones. Money well spent IMO."

 

 

+10000

[Cannon]

This is what we have 3D- sensor. Fast and easy to use and works every material.

[ocho]

Same as cannon

 

can use it to edge find,measure bores, set work offsets in z,will save you loads of time and well worth the money

[Columbo™]

The 3-d sensor work great for 5X work. Used them in Korea making spars for Boeing.

[malibu]

Cannon,

are they on metric flavor only?

[Racer X]

Personally, I indicate most everything in. But, when I do use an edge finder, I use this one. I was never able to trust an edge finder until I bought the Schmidt. This one seems to be more sensitive than the Starretts I have owned. Heck, it has lasted me 15 years so far. The double ended ones don't like to come out of a collet without stretching the spring way out and often breaking it.

 

Cheers,

[Ployd]

Thanks for all the great info!

[Cannon]

quote:

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Cannon,

are they on metric flavor only?

---

You can find the imperial version Here.

[malibu]

thanks Cannon,

 

imperial looks more familiar .

I need one of these for not reading the whole page.

 

[doyleg]

if the tolerance isn't too bad we use an electronic edge finder. if its tight, I still do the old trusty way. I sweep a known bore gauge, then pick up the side of the part and offset half of the bore gauges dia.

[Cannon]

One thing that you don´t what to try with your new 3D- sensor, is to accidentally turn on the spindle at 8000rpm, sending the internal parts of the sensor thru the plexiglass door of your vmc. This will cost you money, cause a big bang and may also ruin your underwear

[Randy Morton @ Clem Industrial]

I used those 3D sensors all the time at my first job and they work great, but are very expensive if you do...well, explode them I filled one with coolant once too. Hit the tool change in mdi, and it had an m8 on the next line (SB off), I walked away while the old umbrella style carosel changed, came back and it was just being pummeled by the coolant. lol I thought it was sorta funny, the boss didnt

[Michael Sullivan]

I always had the best luck with the 3/8 diameter Starrett edge finders with the .200" end. Never tried any of those new-fangled things though.

[Programinator]

I use a plastic ruler j/k

 

i use the starrett edge finder 99% of the time.. once tried to use a china one and threw it across the shop. GET STARRETT.

[keith mc.]

i use electronic edge finders on all machine .400 diameter and works great good with a couple 10ths