I've not been around for awhile, either here or work. When I got back I found some new toys had been installed out in the shop.
First we have a very big, and L O N G, drill-bore machine. I have no idea which oil tool it makes, but I know they don't use it to make standard drill pipes.
Then I found a little 25x96 manual lathe tucked in a corner behind all the usual run of the mill CNC machines. It has a manufacturer I had never heard of.
And since I am jealous of the ceramic gage block set I just read about here, I'm going to see that 'gage set' and raise you a 'Super-Mic'.
It is so sensitive you can measure the temp change of a gage block as you set up the machine for a measurement. The heat from your hand will warm the gage block when you first set it up to zero. Leave it in place and walk away and come back 10-15 min. later, you find your zero has changed as the block cools off. The meter movement allows readings of 1 millionth of an inch.
The most common calibration is gage pins and several times a week we verify a master thread gage after we adjust a production thread gage with it.
30+ years as an electronics tech and I can't find a job paying enough to cover my bills. This new metrology gig is a Godsend, but I'm racing hard to come up to speed in this new industry(to me).
Oh,yeah. I still would like those ceramic gage blocks. Maybe a trade. I'm sure the company wouldn't miss one little tool.
Now that I'm getting around. I seem to remember a project I embarked on several months back. Have to get back to that real soon. Thanks for looking.
