Common Hand Tools in Machine Shop
Caliper
is a necessary machinist's tool for accurately measuring the distance between two opposing
surfaces of an object. To measure the object, adjust the caliper tip to suit the point to be
measured, then remove the caliper and use a measuring tool like a ruler to measure the distance
between the tips.
Dial Indicator
Dial indicator is a type of gauges, also known as dial test indicator, dial gauge or probe
indicator , is a device that has a dial display with clock hands that look like clock hands and is
used to measure small linear distances.
Edge Finder
Edge finder, also known as wiggler, wobbler, center-finder or laser-centering-device.
During the set-up phase of machining or other operations, it is a tool used in or on a
machine like a mill to perfectly align the cutting tool with the workpiece's center, edges,
layout markings, or already machined features.
Combination Square Set
The combination square set is a measuring tool that can be used to lay out or check right
and angles which can be used for woodworking, metalworking, construction jobs, and
more. It is made up of a ruler and one or more interchangeable heads that can be attached
to it. The most commonly used head is the standard or square head, which can be used to
lay out or check right and 45° angles. It can also be used to locate the center of shaft
ends.
Micrometer
is a device with a calibrated screw that is extensively used to measure the diameters, thickness,
length, and other dimensions of mechanical engineering and CNC machining components.
End Mill starter set
End mills are similar to drill bits in terms of use, geometry, and manufacturing. They can be used
to create a variety of shapes and holes of various sizes, as well as profiling, contouring, slotting,
drilling, reaming, and other operations.
Scientific Calculator
Scientific calculator is most used for trigonometry and working out your feeds and
speeds.
6″ Scale (Ruler)
The 6′′ scale ruler is a tool for measuring lengths and transferring measurements at a fixed length
ratio. It may be the most commonly used instrument for all types of jobs, including measuring
items created in various procedures and other reasons. There are numerous variations on the
market.
Deburring Tool
Burrs and other imperfections are removed from the inner and exterior surfaces, hole edges,
corners of narrow slots, and other places generated during the machining and cutting process
with a deburring tool.
Machinists hand tools
Some common hand tools you can consider:
– Metric & Standard Allen Wrench set (hex key): used for driving bolts and screws with a
hexagonal socket
– 12″ Crescent Wrench (adjustable wrench): with a one fixed jaw, while the second jaw
can move left or right, commonly used when addressing problems such as a loose seat on
a bicycle.
– Ball-peen hammer (machinist’s hammer): good option for working with metal, used to
drive cold chisels, set rivets, and bend and shape metal.
– Soft hammer: bend and shape metal without causing surface damage.
– Automatic Center Punch: used to mark the center of a point, such as hole center in
drilling.
Gage
– Telescoping gauge: a measuring tool with spring-loaded plunges used together with a
micrometer to measure the inside of holes or bores.
– Radius gauge set: used to measure the radius of an object.
– Center gauge: used in lathe work for checking the angles when grinding the profiles of
centers.
– Feeler gauge: used to check spacing and gaps of dies or any machinery during set-up or
repair and critical clearances of manufactured components.
– 1” gauge block: used as a reference for the calibration of measuring equipment used in
machine shops, such as micrometers, sine bars, calipers, and dial indicators
Safety Precautions inside Machine Shop
Personal Safety
Eye protection must be worn at all times when in the workshop. This applies regardless if
you are working on machinery or not. Activities of others can affect your safety.
No student is allowed to work in the any shop alone. You must have at least one other
person with you. If there is an accident, the other person can call for help and come to
your aid.
Obtain first aid immediately for any injury. Report all accidents/injuries to a monitor
and/or instructor, no matter how insignificant they may seem at the time. This will help
us to mitigate hazards in the future.
Do not operate machinery that you have not been authorized to use. This will protect both
you and the equipment from harm.
Only students on the authorized list are permitted to use the workshop.
No pets are allowed in the workshop. Pets are a distraction and become a tripping hazard
by roaming the shop floor.
Dress Code
No open-toed shoes or high heels allowed. To provide secure footing, choose shoes with
softer soles and stable platforms. Wearing appropriate footwear will help protect feet
from falling objects and hot sparks or chips.
No loose clothing allowed. This includes but is not limited to ties, scarves and loose-
sleeved shirts. Short sleeves or sleeves rolled above the elbow are preferred. When
welding, long sleeves are required for protection from arc-flash and metal sparks.
No shorts, short dresses or skirts allowed when working in the Boliou metal shop or
anywhere in the Mudd Instrument shop. Burred edges of freshly cut metal, such as
sheet stock, are razor sharp. Wearing of long pants will protect you and those around
you. Additionally, hot chips will burn/cut exposed skin, potentially startling the
operator.
Remove all jewelry that could be caught in moving machinery. This includes rings and
loose bracelets. Remove necklaces and the like, if not securely restrained.
Restrain all hair, including beards, that has potential for entanglement with moving
machinery.
Wearing of gloves when working on moving machinery is prohibited. Gloves can easily
become entangled in moving machinery and thus are not allowed. The only exceptions
to this rule are:
o The wearing of gloves while using a bench or portable grinder or buffing wheel.
o The wearing membranous gloves (such as latex or nitrile) for personal protection
from chemicals or contamination control.
Machine Shop
Do not attempt to oil, clean, adjust or repair any machine while it is running. Performing
maintenance on moving machinery exposes you to additional hazards.
Ensure that all machine guarding is in place and functioning properly. Inform the monitor
if the guarding is damaged or malfunctioning.
Do not leave machines running unattended. Others may not notice the machine is running
and may be injured by moving parts.
Do not try to stop the machine with your hands or body. Stopping the machine with your
body can result in entanglement. Let the machine come to a stop naturally.
Always keep hands, hair, feet, etc. clear of all moving machinery at all times. Be aware
of all moving parts, especially cutting tools and chucks.
Remove chuck keys, wrenches and other tools from machines after making adjustments.
Chuck keys left in the chuck when the machine turns on become dangerous flying
objects.
Listen to the machine(s)—if something does not sound right, shut it down. If the machine
sounds abnormal to you, it probably is not operating properly. Inform the shop monitor of
problems.
Never use compressed air for cleaning machinery. This will embed particulates into the
precision machine parts and will drastically reduce the life of the machine. Use the
supplied chip brushes and rags to clean machinery.
Never use compressed air to clean your clothes or any part of your body. Particles can
become embedded in skin and eyes. In extreme cases, air can be introduced into the
bloodstream.
Work Practices
Double check that tooling and work pieces are properly supported and clamped prior to
starting a machine.
Heavy or unwieldy work pieces often require special support structures to machine
safely. Ask for help if you are unsure if your work piece requires additional support.
Ask for help when moving awkward or heavy objects. This will protect you and those
around you from injury.
Deburr sharp edges of freshly cut stock. This includes the piece of stock that goes back in
the stock rack. Eliminating burred edges minimizes the chances for personal injury and
marring of precision machine surfaces.
When working with another person only one person should operate the machine.
Do not lean against the machines; it is poor etiquette. If you need a rest, grab a chair.
Do not talk unnecessarily while operating a machine. Do not talk to others while they are
operating a machine. Do not become a distraction to others. Concentrate on the work and
the machine at all times; it only takes a moment for an accident to occur. If you must talk,
turn off the machine.
Be sure you have sufficient light to see clearly when performing any job. Well lit
workspaces are much safer and less straining on the operator.
Work at a pace that is comfortable for you. Rushing will compromise safe working
practices, along with part quality, and will increase the chance of damaging equipment.
If you do not know how to do something—ASK! Do not engage in any activity that may
have unusual risk. Trust your judgment. Check with the monitor if you have any doubts
about what you are doing.
Excessively loud music is prohibited. You need to hear operation of machines and be
able to have conversation. Headphones and earbuds are never allowed.
References:
https://www.carleton.edu/machine-safety/rules/#acc1_0,acc1_1,acc1_2,acc1_3
https://ph.rs-online.com/web/p/deburring-tools/4629324/
https://www.officewarehouse.com.ph/product/022481/
https://makezine.com/2015/12/03/6-essential-end-mills-for-your-cnc-machine/
https://www.hoffmann-group.com/GR/el/pangakis/Clamping-technology/Devices/Edge-finder-6-
mm/p/359000
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micrometer
https://www.scalerulers.com/product/6-verulam-imperial-flat-oval-scale-ruler-no-204-scales/
https://www.shutterstock.com/search/calipers
https://www.kbctools.com/itemdetail/8-100-050
https://www.cnclathing.com/guide/must-have-machinists-tools-essential-machine-shop-tools-
listcnclathing?
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