Old vs new way of tramming a mill head

I used to use a simple dial indicator and sweep the table to tram my bridgeport. Did it that way for about 5 years. Then a guy at a shop in Dallas showed me a method with a granite square and a test indicator, which I switched to about 6 months ago. It takes the same time but gives me way less error across the X and Y. Anyone else made a similar switch or still do it the old way?

3 comments

3 Comments

lilykelly20d ago

Oh boy, at my age I'm just happy when I can remember which end of the indicator goes where without having to look it up again. I still stick with the old dial indicator method mostly because my eyes aren't what they used to be and I'm afraid I'd knock that granite square off the table. But I have to admit, the newer way sounds a lot more reliable for getting things dead nuts on.

nancygrant20d ago

Haha @derek994, that's exactly why I keep a magnifying lamp clamped to my bench for reading those tiny dials.

derek99420d ago

You still using a granite square in your old age, or did you switch to a spirit level and a prayer?