Machining ultra thin shaft spacers and precision washers

This video will show you a technique for making precision washers or shaft spacers out of material as thin as .0015. I use a mill to start and finish on the lathe. Take a look.

[StraightThread]

That's a great lesson, Joe. Thanks for noting all the subtleties to watch out for. There's a thin line between success and failure on an operation like this, and guidance from an experienced master makes all the difference.

[grahamhall]

Excellent job. Just demonstrates how much engineering and engineering skill is required for a simple part. Most people don't appreciate how much effort is involved.

[bcbloc]

I have used the sandwich method to make copper head gaskets before. It is a handy trick for doing precision work on hard to grip bits.

[glennfelpel]

Good technique and demonstration.   Looking forward to the next part.  This stuff is great!Thank you.

[jimmilne]

Super good technique. You add a lot of high quality education to the library of YouTube machining video instruction out there (and I have watched a lot of it). What a wonderful resource for us and future machinists! Thanks.

[XSspeeds]

I've used this trick quite a few times now, and I learned it right here years ago.
Thank you Joe, for so many tips that I get to use almost daily. And trust me, I remember where I learned every one of them.

[fourfortyroadrunner]

WOW THANKS!! I'm an old guy with a beater old 10" SB, know "just enough" to make something fairly round, LOL. This was a GREAT tip and will probably give me more ideas.

[shawnfeile]

I just happened across your channel a week or so ago. I have to say I'm impressed. You are a good at instructing and your videos are very informative. I work as a maintenance mechanic/welder/ machinist. I'm no where near a journeyman machinist, but I usually get done what we need. We have some electric motors that have automatic brakes and use a variety of thin spacers to maintain proper clearance. This and the boring video was very handy to watch. You have earned a subscriber and I look forward to binge watching more of your videos.

[taurusdragon]

Joe... thanks for posting these incredibly educational videos. You, Adam, Stefan, Tony, both Toms, Robin, the Keith twins, Mr. Pete and many more YouTube professors have advanced my skills and knowledge immeasurably. I watched this video when you first posted it and I'm glad it imprinted within the recesses of my mind.

Yesterday I discovered I need some very small diameter washers to salvage a project. The washers need an O.D of .658", an I.D. of .190" and thickness of .001", .002", .005" and .010". I don't know where I'd even begin to source them. I'm relieved to have remembered and revisited this video. I'm heading out to my shop right now to make the washers from my supply of shim stock. You've turned my dread and despair into excitement and elation!

Thanks again Professor Joe!

Michael (in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada)

[PeterWalkeronGoogle]

Wow! Just the job to deal with a problem many of us face. Thanks for taking the time to share it.

[renter]

"that's not a bad trick" is an understatement. thx for this tip.

[MrSteppingstone]

absolutely awesome, now I know how to make thin steel washers for pivot bolts on a air riffle / I love you videos and your upfront straight forward knowledge and the ability to show the details Thanks again you are enjoyable to watch !!

[Dubbelehalvezool]

I ab-so-lu-te-ly had no idea how that was done, other then putting them between pressure blocks of some sort. Thanks for another very informational video.

I'm always amazed at how something that should be theoretically simple (cutting a generic solid of rotation) is so complicated and multifaceted because of the complexities of reality. And I'm also always amazed every time I see one of you videos come up, because I think "wow, I haven't needed to do that yet, but damn I don't know how so I better check it out." Because obviously (in this case) once you've turned stuff you realize that thin parts are really tough to work with, just like you say at 0:30.

[ChrisB]

Very nifty method Joe - sure gives a great finish.

[Stephen]

Brilliant! I have done several variations on the theme, but you have taken it to an extreme! Brilliant!!! I.E thin washers!!

[ShevillMathers]

I learn something new with every video you present, I am a hobby machinist who builds big astronomical telescopes, cameras and associated equipment-so machining is a means to an end. As a former medical pathology lab scientist, my natural hand skills have allowed me to design and make many of my items I have used in research projects-but self taught is not the same as being taught either the correct way or by by professional machinists. It took me nearly two years to build a Stuart Turner Vertical 10 steam engine as a first project so many years ago. Wish I had You Tube back in the 1960's.

[rcheadservice]

Ive been doing this for 35+ years and I always find new ideas that I can use in these videos.

[johndonlan]

That was brilliant Joe! It seems like a lot of effort, but the results made it worthwhile.

[PurityVendetta]

Spot on. I have a job that requires some custom spacers to control crankshaft end float. This video has been a great help. Thank you for sharing.