Abstract: An edge finder to locate a work piece, work-holding feature or cutting tool with respect to the spindle of a machine tool includes a shank, a body and an indicator. When the shank is attached to the machine tool spindle, the longitudinal axis is coextensive with the spindle axis of rotation. The indicator measures the location of a work piece, work-holding feature or cutting tool with respect to the shank longitudinal axis. The indicator is rotatable so that a machinist may read the indicator from any direction.

Abstract: A tram adapter apparatus, kit and method is used with an alignment tool to check the alignment of the spindle and the table of a machine tool. The alignment tool has two or more indicators retained in a spaced apart relation to the spindle of the machine tool. A tram adapter body is interposed between the indicator body and the stop of one of the indicators, moving the indicator tip to a retracted position. The other indicator remains in the deployed position and may be used to tram the table of the machine tool to check the alignment between the table and spindle.

Abstract: An alignment tool provides for aligning the spindle of a machine tool to a work holding feature of the machine tool. The alignment tool may include one indicator or may include a first indicator and a second indicator in a spaced-apart relation. The faces of the indicators are rotatable. In use, a machinist may attach the indicators to the spindle of a machine tool, advance the spindle or work holding feature until the indicator tips contact the work holding feature. The machinist can rotate the faces so that the machinist can read the indicator faces without placing the machinist's head within the envelope of tool movement of the machine tool.

Abstract: The Invention is an improved work holding apparatus and method for a Swiss turning machine. A tube selectably bears upon the apron of a collet. A belt crank selectably bears upon the tube and a conical actuator selectably bears upon the bell crank. Movement of the conical actuator along its longitudinal axis is translated by the bell crank into longitudinal motion of the tube causing the collet to engage or disengage the work piece. The improvement of the Invention is to make the engagement between the conical actuator and the bell crank a rolling engagement. The improvement of the Invention is also to provide a wear member for the tube-engaging portion of the bell crank.

Abstract: A three-wire apparatus for measuring an external thread features a single length of wire having a first bend and a second bend, which first and second bend divide the single length of wire into first, second and third wire portions. The first, second and third wire portions engage an external thread and are measured using a micrometer or other measuring device. The single length of wire defines an open end for engaging the first, second and third wire portions with the external thread.

Abstract: The Invention is an apparatus for squaring a spindle of a machine tool with a work holding surface. A shank is adapted to be connected to the spindle. The shank has a shank axis and is attached to a body. The body has a lower side from which depends a reference point. The reference point defines a measurement plane perpendicular to the shank axis. A first gauge having a spaced-apart relation to the reference point has a range of measurement that intersects the measurement plane. The range of measurement falls on a measurement axis parallel to the shank axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for measuring and setting perpendicularity between the tool holding spindle and work surface of a machine tool. The device is a fixture comprised either in one piece or multiple assembled components of the following: a shaft or shank used to mount the device into the spindle of the machine, and a body having a reference plane perpendicular to the shaft to provide reference readings with platform or nesting features for secure mounting of two precision gauges arranged along one axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for measuring and setting perpendicularity between the tool holding spindle and work surface of a machine tool. The device is a fixture comprised either in one piece or multiple assembled components of the following: a shaft or shank used to mount the device into the spindle of the machine, and a body having a reference plane perpendicular to the shaft to provide reference readings with platform or nesting features for secure mounting of two precision gauges arranged along one axis.