How To Surface Grind Super Flat Parts ?

Don Bailey demonstrates a crisscross method to get a part extremely flat.

[SuicideKang]

Thank you Don for this gem. As soon as I finished watching this video I got on my surface grinder and gave it a shot at resurfacing a fixture I could only get to .00006 flat. My tolerance on my parts is +.0001 -0.0 so you can imagine some of my parts passed and some were scrapped. I ground my fixture down to .00002" flat and .00003" parallel. I was able to grind all 28 parts at the same time on my fixture and they all passed! Thanks again! You changed the game for me!

[toddlfrank]

Don
Thanks for the videos.
I just want to thank you for sharing your talents, skills, and techniques for precision machining.
When I started machining 27 years ago some of the veteran machinist would rather take the information they learned through their careers to the grave rather than help somebody.
So I just want to thank you for helping future generations of machinist.

Todd Frank

[sharkbaitsurfer]

Don, I've never even seen a surface grinder, let alone seen one used, that was magnificently done, thank you

[johnthomas]

I used this tip you explained a while back to do some fixturing for a custom 4th axis indexer with tailstock assembly. The parts came out so flat that a tenths indicator barely trembled. It took time but the end result was perfection. Thanks for all your help!!

[TheOkiepreppers]

Precision grinding has become an after thought in many vocational programs. Those of us who are new to the trade are sure thankful that such an experienced toolmaker like Mr. Bailey is providing the much needed education that seems to be coming more and more harder to find. Thank you Mr. Bailey for taking the time to make your videos. They are completing a part of my machining education that I can no longer acquire in traditional vocational school.

[alexmichelizza]

Hi folks i'm an italian machinist! Thank you Don, nice video and tecnique, i appreciate the explanation, learned a lot! In the shop i work i used to clamp the workpiece with a precision vice. It's safer, and the piece results very flat. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[samterian]

a tip from an old hand grinder, when you turn on the spindle its a quick sudden acceleration and if wheel is not real tight it will knock it out of balance, proper way is to hit on and off in  a few successions and then let it go to full speed.,   newer variable speed grinders have a slower start that takes care of that

[ilhaninel]

I've watched you over and over, thanks for everything. my knowledge has increased.

[Hardturnin]

This was very interesting. I have never used residual magnet before and watching it grind with the heavier sparks on the flip side was a eye opener. I am glad you mentioned safety and the word dangerous. I would only share this with a experienced person at the shop. This video is good though and proper mention of being safe you kindly emphasized well.

[brianb]

Everyone is screwed when all these guys w all this knowledge pass on, just hopefully there will be enough people who have paid alot of attention to what they have to teach. Thanks for all you share.

[bogart-fvwi]

Thanks Don, good lesson. I have 25 years as a machinist and I learned from this video.Regards Lou

[triciacrawford]

Mr don bailey I have worked in job shops for 13 years but only cnc! last 3 running manuals I love your tips! this grinding I might ask the owner about this grinding process before I attempt it ! no balls no babys LOL!!! happy holidays

[grahamsengineering.]

Hey Don. Very interesting video. Will have to remember this one as I've just purchased a 1959 18" x 6" NB Churchill Hydraulic Surface Grinder. In the process of rewiring it now to bring it up to 2017 standard, still had one of the original contactors in it with the oil filled dash pots. Machine runs well and just needs a good clean up and check over. Having watched your vids has given me a few key tips to look for. Will post a little vid on it when done. Cheers.

[jackgal]

Hi just want to thank you, I’m from Australia and in my sixties and got trained by post war tradesmen from Germany England and the methods I see you using are very much like I use there is an art that is being lost because all the new guys rely on cnc getting things right and have no idea how to achieve accuracy the old ways where you needed to think. There is a few things I see you do that are slightly different than I do and you would love to see some things that I do, what you just done ai call feathering, defenetly an art that requires using all your senses so keep up the great work, greetings from Australia

[steamerpowered]

Ever since i watched this video i grind a criss cross every chance i can. Works wonder and looks amazing! Thank you so much! Keep up the good work.

[daveh]

I love to hear stuff like this from you knowledgeable folks, as I'm pretty new to all of the old woodworking and metal working equipment. I certainly do love it all, and your mention of the safety points of running the machine near the closing of the video is the part I will take to heart as i begin my search for a manual feed surface grinder.
Thank You.
I'm TopRamen in other forums, where these machines and things are discussed, but I do a lot of my research right here on youtube for learning the nice old Arn.

[jeffreyblankley]

I am amazed that the dust thrown from wheel isn’t affecting the piece as you turn it . Cool pattern too!

[gregdrouillard]

Grinding flat. Suburban tool. Don Baily. My old boss from the 80s.
You are correct. I have been spinning parts for flatness for 34 years or so. You may wish to plug the holes with a paper product so grit won't get under and chew up your chuck. I do it dry. Finish it whilst the steel or carbide is cold to the touch. I just finished a piece that is a guide post. .0001 limit. .0005 square to the flange. I spun it in a v block. There was a lot of relief around the post toake it easy. I did use the mag for this process.

[guyward]

Very interesting. Never thought a surface grinder would be of much use but after seeing them used I can think of many uses. Thanks for sharing and your time you give to educate use. GW

[kellysampson]

Hi Don,   Great Lessons!!! I have at least 20 maybe 25 hours experiance with my surface grinder. And out of that time I do not think that I have removed any more then 0.500 thousands of an inch and I messed that up. Your lessons are going to help me so THANKS M.K.S.