Post by slomoshun on Jan 24, 2019 2:40:27 GMT -5
In a previous post there was comment about modifying the Raytech-Shaw faceting handpiece with a dial indicator. Campbell used to offer the service. After cutting a few stones with the OEM machine I decided to try the mod myself. I’ve given it substantial testing and found it worthwhile. Although the handpiece perches solidly on the platform, the only way to determine the completion of a cut is by sound. If there is any noise in the shop, accuracy becomes vague and you end up cutting a little and looking too much which eats time. By noting the dial’s ‘0’ point before the cut, I get a visual indication of the finish.
I chose a small-face dial (with small diameter plunger shaft) and mounted it to be easily viewable when holding the handpiece. It’s a Starrett 80-144J WFB (with flat back) which should be spelled $tarrett. ;-) The plunger’s tip needed to be extended to sufficiently reach the platform. Starrett offers extensions, but I opted to make one on a lathe. Drilling and reaming the shaft hole in the handpiece, and the setscrew retainer hole was done on a mill. I suppose it all could be accomplished with hand tools, too, but I’m not that steady. Also, there isn’t a face lock on this tiny dial, so I used a rubber wedge between the dial ring and the handpiece (at 6 o’clock) to create friction.
I chose a small-face dial (with small diameter plunger shaft) and mounted it to be easily viewable when holding the handpiece. It’s a Starrett 80-144J WFB (with flat back) which should be spelled $tarrett. ;-) The plunger’s tip needed to be extended to sufficiently reach the platform. Starrett offers extensions, but I opted to make one on a lathe. Drilling and reaming the shaft hole in the handpiece, and the setscrew retainer hole was done on a mill. I suppose it all could be accomplished with hand tools, too, but I’m not that steady. Also, there isn’t a face lock on this tiny dial, so I used a rubber wedge between the dial ring and the handpiece (at 6 o’clock) to create friction.
Maybe you can post some pictures here