Hi,
This year I brought my professional machinist friend Alan into my shop as I wanted him to make some improvements to my machines to reach a higher ability to hold very tight tolerances. He performed many jobs and built many custom fixtures and tools to that end.
One of the simplest tools he made for me has had a very huge effect not only to my process control but also the safety concerning the use of my jointer and squaring of my point stock.
Last January, Alan built me a two handed push stick device I designed that allows me to guide the point stock through the machine using the two vertical handles which allows me to give even pressure on the table while holding the piece steady on the vertical fence. He also adjusted my jointer with his precision tools.
After going through the planner, the jointer and drum sander the result is point stock squares that are not just perfectly square but are the same dimension when measured on the ends. I just did two ebony squares for my friend Vern yesterday and they were only .001 or .002 off in size measured end to end. He was amazed but I was expecting such a result because of this tools ability for me to control the process of moving the point stock though the machine with ease without the worry about losing my fingers.
Before this tool I would flinch towards the end as I had to touch hold the piece on the fence by hand while sliding it right to left. A regular push stick is no good because the point must be held square with the fence during the entire length of the pass.
I was so scared of this machine, I never wanted to square points and always put it off. My fingers were an inch away from the spinning knives and keeping the piece level against the fence was tentative at best. Now with my two hands on the handles, I love doing this job and seeing the outcome of making great and accurate points is routine and expected.
Anyone who wants one of these or needs any other stuff for their shop can Email my friend Alan:
Alan@wazprecisioncomponents.com
JMO,
Rick
This simple tool has made a great improvement to productivity, repeatability, and safety in my shop. I like my fingers and wish to continue to build cues and play the piano for a long time. The fear factor is gone for me now.
This year I brought my professional machinist friend Alan into my shop as I wanted him to make some improvements to my machines to reach a higher ability to hold very tight tolerances. He performed many jobs and built many custom fixtures and tools to that end.
One of the simplest tools he made for me has had a very huge effect not only to my process control but also the safety concerning the use of my jointer and squaring of my point stock.
Last January, Alan built me a two handed push stick device I designed that allows me to guide the point stock through the machine using the two vertical handles which allows me to give even pressure on the table while holding the piece steady on the vertical fence. He also adjusted my jointer with his precision tools.
After going through the planner, the jointer and drum sander the result is point stock squares that are not just perfectly square but are the same dimension when measured on the ends. I just did two ebony squares for my friend Vern yesterday and they were only .001 or .002 off in size measured end to end. He was amazed but I was expecting such a result because of this tools ability for me to control the process of moving the point stock though the machine with ease without the worry about losing my fingers.
Before this tool I would flinch towards the end as I had to touch hold the piece on the fence by hand while sliding it right to left. A regular push stick is no good because the point must be held square with the fence during the entire length of the pass.
I was so scared of this machine, I never wanted to square points and always put it off. My fingers were an inch away from the spinning knives and keeping the piece level against the fence was tentative at best. Now with my two hands on the handles, I love doing this job and seeing the outcome of making great and accurate points is routine and expected.
Anyone who wants one of these or needs any other stuff for their shop can Email my friend Alan:
Alan@wazprecisioncomponents.com
JMO,
Rick
This simple tool has made a great improvement to productivity, repeatability, and safety in my shop. I like my fingers and wish to continue to build cues and play the piano for a long time. The fear factor is gone for me now.
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