Question re Universal Pillar Tool

[Colin HeseltineParticipant @colinheseltine48622]

I’m sure lots of you out there had made this useful tool. I am just starting to build it, having bought the kit from Hemingway. I have a simple (possibly stupid) question . The Workshop Techniques book states that the keyway in the pillar s 11.5 ” long, but I can find no reference as to whether this is from the top of the pillar or a set distance down from the top. Could someone please enlighten me.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Colin

[Colin HeseltineParticipant @colinheseltine48622]

[David Clark 13Participant @davidclark13]

Hi There

Not sure where my book is but I don’t remember any keyway on the pillar tool.

regards David

 

Edited By David Clark 1 on 20/09/2011 15:47:23

[Colin HeseltineParticipant @colinheseltine48622]

Its a recent modification which will allow the arms to be raised and lowered without losing station radially.

 

Colin

[Ian PorthouseParticipant @ianporthouse21513]

I am currently making the pillar tool from Hemingway and finished the pillar some time ago.

 

I didn’t bother measuring the length of the pillar but remember the bottom end is turned down to fit the base (3/4 inch). There is no need for the keyway there.

 

If you look at the pillar sitting in the base, held in the base by the narrowed bottom section – the keyway can start at the very top ( allowing you to remove the arms with the screws still in place) but, as the screws are halfway up the back of the arms, you don’t need to go right to the top of the base but can stop about 1/2 inch before the end.

 

In the Hemingway kit, the bar for the pillar was longer than stated and so I machined the ends per the instructions without worrying about the overall length.

 

To get the most out of the pillar, you need to be able to slide the arm from the top and for it to rest on the top of the base.

 

I hope this is clear.

 

David,

 

The keyway modification is clearly described in GHTs Workshop Techniques as a way of keep the arms/table in line when making adjustments. There is also a section on updating a keywayless pillar tool.

[Colin HeseltineParticipant @colinheseltine48622]

Ian,

 

Thanks for your prompt reply. You have confirmed my thoughts. Out of interest did you machine slot on a milling m/c or lathe. If miller, I guess you had to clamp down, mill a section, then move clamps, then mill next section. Any hints.

 

Thanks,

 

Colin

[Ian PorthouseParticipant @ianporthouse21513]

Hi Colin,

 

I used the Quck Step mill mounted on the cross slide of my lathe.

 

Rgds,

 

Ian

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