Even with our advances in fixturing, automatic probing, and repetitive machine positioning, there are still moments when using an indicator to find center of a part feature are needed. Sometimes I need to indicate, by hand, fixturing which was developed “pre-probe”, and sometimes a part is removed and needs to be remachined. Other times, a machine available does not even have probe ability and requires a skilled operator to find the center of features. There are 2 different methods to quickly find center of a feature. Each method has benefits and limitations.
Let’s take a look at each method and their abilities. I do not believe a name exists for these techniques, so I shall name them parallel sweep and obtuse sweep.
The parallel sweep is the first method I teach.
The Pros:
- easy to learn
- can be used on lathe, mill, drill press
- used with round features
Cons:
- increased risk of over-traveling indicator
- more wear on indicator tip
- only used on round features
Obtuse sweep is the 2nd method.
The Pros:
- reduced risk of over-travelling indicator
- less tip wear compared to parallel sweep
- can be used on round features and straight edges
Cons:
- More difficult for some to learn
- Must have position display
- Best used on mill only
I will attach a video of these techniques shortly.
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