5 Must-Have Machinist Tools for Your Workshop
As a machinist, having the right gear and technology on hand is essential for success. The tools you use can greatly impact the quality and precision of the parts you produce, but which ones are the best? Read on to discover five must-have machinist tools for your workshop.
Micrometers
Small parts can be difficult to measure—until you bring in a micrometer. Micrometers come in many sizes, whether you need to measure interiors, exteriors, or depths of pieces. Precise measurements are always a crucial aspect of machining, so you won’t want to be caught without a micrometer.
Dial Indicators
One of the toughest things about measuring tiny distances is seeingthose tiny distances. A dial indicator amplifies these measurements to make them clearer to the naked eye. Dial indicators and micrometers are both vital tools to keep on hand when you’re after perfection.
Edge Finders
In machining, alignment is everything. An edge finder offers a quick and easy way to make sure your workpiece is properly aligned with your tool before firing anything up. No drill press or milling machine is complete without a good edge finder.
Center Drills
Starter holes are crucial when working with certain tools, and center drills create those starter holes. If you work with either a lathe or a drill press, a center drill can ensure a properly centered starter hole.
Boring Bars
No, these aren’t uninteresting bars—boring bars are used to make existing holes larger or more refined. You can use them with lathes or milling machines, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can choose the right one for your workpiece.
While metal plate cut to size are not a tool, per se, they are fantastic items to have on hand. These plates are pre-cut to the specific dimensions required for a given project, which eliminates the need for time-consuming cutting and squaring operations. You’ll save time by eliminating material prep, reduce waste, and ensure precision work by starting your machining jobs with these plates.
Now that you know more about five must-have machinist tools for your workshop, invest in high-quality tools to produce high-quality results.