14 Machine Shop Tips & Tricks!

We don't all have the advantage of learning on-the-job in a real machine shop, so here are 14 machine shop tips and tricks I've learned that I think are worthwhile! Tips include CNC accuracy, must-have equipment and shop organization!

If you enjoy this NYC CNC video please hit the like button and share with a friend, it really goes a long way!

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[russtuff]

You know it's good when you find yourself taking notes during a YouTube video :)

[ChoochContrino]

I'm glad I ran across all of your old videos. Not sure if you are still doing them but there sure is enough here to go through. I'm a want to be machinist with no equipment.

[CncObsession]

I always forget about the mathematical capabilities of the DRO's in Mach. Thanks for reminding me, maybe I will use it and become familiar with it.

[dudesonization]

As far as tip #4 (tool run-out) my experience with the Tormach ER-20 tool holders was that you could find the "sweet spot" with a given holder and collet but if you took it back apart and rotated the ER collet the sweet spot would change. It was the set screw holders that I found advantageous to do the marking of the spindle/tool holder and match them back up. I did this test with precision rod in my 1/4 and 3/8 ER-20's and felt like i was chasing my tail.

Thanks for the videos! I learn a lot from yours and others.

[jimmilne]

An interesting look into your way of organizing and working. I picked up several goodies from this video. Well done. Thanks for sharing.

[DavidBarile]

You run a tight ship! I'm impressed and inspired. Thanks for sharing. I'm just getting into CNC now (for wood), and am loving your videos. Thanks so much!

[vmc]

Tip: make or buy a tall set of jaws for your mill vise. Ortoolworks makes a really nice accurate set although expensive. well worth the price to me. Tip: don't get stuck on ordering tools from just 1 place, the interweb has made it so easy to get deals by bypassing and buying straight from the manufacturer or finding a distributor that doesn't jack the price by ridiculous percents. Tip: Talongrip jaws are awsome.

[AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

Great video.  All good tips for sure.  Time is money and it looks like you are making good use of your time.  Thanks for sharing.

[drzboy]

One more to add to the list. Always replace the collet after a tool breaks at the base even if it look fine to the naked eye. At my work i destroyed 3x $100 end mills in a week before someone told me there may be a micro ber pinching the tool and to get a new $10 collet. since then i have run that end mill way harder then i used to and its now over a year old. (this may only apply to tools that have side loads)

[DochNiemals]

These are wonderfully cogent and useful tips. Thank you!

[BigMjolnir]

John, great tips! I've been using the "keep a spare on hand at all tines" for household goods for years. When the spare goes into service, I replace it right away. Everything from peanut butter, to cleaning supplies, to socks. Keeps the stress levels low to never run out of anything I use regularly.

I haven't seen the screw down pegboard hooks before, but I've used clips that hold the regular types in place. They are plastic and just bridge over the hook shafts and lock into the holes on either side. They work pretty well.

Check out the Ikea "Jansjo" (I think that's the name) lamps. They are bright LED, low voltage at the lamp (wall wart), won't burn you like incandescent or halogen work lights, about $10, long gooseneck, and since the cord exits from the side of the base rather than out the bottom, simple to attach to brackets or machines (two small screw holes). I have one on my drill press and will be putting another on my new (to me) lathe. You can see them in Doubleboost's YouTube videos, as well as those of several others.

One last idea: I put one of those retracting key chain things on the bracket I added to the drillpress for the Ikea light, and attached it to the chuck key. Keeps it handy, and out of the chuck when I'm not using it. About $4 at Ace.

Have fun!

-- Mike

[ryhnodude]

John yes I completely understand about the consumables and drill bits

[FredMiller]

Great tips!  I was on board with all of them.  I have 4 shops.  Woodworking, Machining, Electronic and welding/fabricating.  I have duplicates of every day tools in each of those shops so I am not constantly running between shops.  I can also can forget what I am looking for when I have to go between shops.  Too much on my mind I guess... LOL  Thanks-  Fred 

[vmc]

I used to use the electric impact gun on my vise jaws, but have switched to a battery powered ratchet. fits in better especially if using tall jaws plus you dont have to use a ball end hex which chew up the jaw bolts.. I use the milwaukee m12 ratchet. mostly because I already had batteries and charger from their drill so I could just buy the bare tool.

[manchildart]

I love that you have a shop here in Ohio now!

[SamBirchenough]

I've recently come across your channel and watched almost all of your recent videos. Just wanted to thank you so much for all the info!! Very much appreciated mate.

[commanderphillip]

Thanks for making a no nonsense video.  Excellent Tips.  Practical!

[cgis]

Some great advice there mate, Thanks for taking the time to share.
Matt

[charles]

Hi John, you run a great channell and I enjoy the vast array of information presented. Thank you.
Off topic but one on maintenance. I have a bridgeport vertical mill clone (hafco BM-50VE, Sydney Australia) that I picked up second hand. the manual which that is not specifically for this model that I sourced on line is written in Chinglish and does not cover the servicing of the Spindle head gear box.

What I need to know from yourself or others, is how do you check the oil level in the spindle head> Any help is apreciated.
thanks

[kcaj]

Enjoyed this video. Please discuss how you've coupled the allen wrench to the Impact Driver? It looks to be a knuckle of some kind. Does each allen take a different coupler? Did you make these straight allens from L-shaped ones?