Basics

1 Dec 2001

The Privilege Of Adding Value Why work in machining?

Shop owners and managers occasionally address this question for young people thinking of entering the metalworking field. And from time to time, those owners and managers may ask themselves the same question.

15 Sep 2001

Using CAM To Unlock Your Turning Machine's Potential

Armed with multiple spindles, multiple turrets, C-axis control and powered tooling capable of moving in the Y axis, production turning machines today are powerhouses of productivity.

1 Sep 2001

Timely Investments

When and how to acquire equipment depends on a variety of important factors.

1 Jul 2001

The Yankee Clipper Got Clipped . . . By The IRS

Joe DiMaggio, unquestionably one of the real baseball legends of all time, has gone to the big ballpark in the sky. He knew how to use his arm and his glove, but mostly his bat, to win countless ballgames.

1 Jul 2001

Why Work In A Machine Shop?

With all due respect to David Letterman, the following is my attempt to consolidate some of the top reasons why earning one's livelihood cutting metal is a good thing. Family and friends only ask you once what you do for a living.

1 Jun 2001

Drilling Deep Holes On A VMC

The recipe for best results is simple: Start with a rigid machine, add a high pressure through-the-spindle coolant system, then combine these with the right drill geometry plus the right speeds and feeds.

1 Jun 2001

The Dynamics Of Better Drilling

Vibration is at the heart of a variety of common problems in machining holes. Mathematical analysis is helping to bring about a better understanding of hole-making processes...including how these vibrations behave, and what steps to take to bring them under control.

17 May 2001

Exporting—Why Go To All The Trouble?

The following is going to be a slight departure from what I generally talk about in this monthly column. I've been involved with the overseas sale of American-built equipment for most of my career, so talking about exports with readers is not necessarily strange.

1 Apr 2001

Gaging Oldies But Goodies—A Review Of Some Things We Should Know By Now

Ten years ago this month, Quality Gaging Tips first appeared in Modern Machine Shop. Since that time, we have covered many tools and techniques for assuring accurate, repeatable measurement and gaging in machine shops.

15 Feb 2001

EDMing Beryllium Copper: An Introduction

Beryllium copper offers many benefts to the moldmaker and plastic injection molder, yet questions remain on how to best EDM it, which alloy to specify, where to use it, and is it safe to work with?