Ideas for a Depth Jig for Sherline Mill

[Chris TickTockParticipant @christicktock]

[Chris TickTockParticipant @christicktock]

Hi Guys,

When you need to drill more than a few holes with the Sherline Mill and the depth of these holes does not have to absolutely precise does anyone have an idea for a simple depth jig / gauge that can be improvised. The hand wheels whilst great for precision work for this type of job a tad to much of a to do.

To sort out my problems here a simple piece of wood was strapped on to stop the chuck as it meets the wood but there must be a better way?

Chris

[Steve CrowParticipant @stevecrow46066]

Hi Chris,

Not exactly a depth stop but I use this set up with a DTI to get a precise depth. Easy to make from brass and a few thumb screws and very effective. I've attached a few photos so you can see how it works.

Cheers

Steve

[EmgeeParticipant @emgee]

Chris

One way would be to make a clamp that fits across the column dovetail and secured by a single bolt on the easiest to access side, adjust up or down before locking off to suit the travel required.
If you drill and tap M6 for setscrew fitted in the top to act as the stop you will then have a fine adjustment of the drilling depth.

Emgee

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Bit of masking tape and a sharpie will do for non critical depths or lengths

Two in use here, one to help stop me loosing track of how many turns of the x-axis and another to give a more convinient "zero" for the rotary table

[Steve CrowParticipant @stevecrow46066]

Posted by Emgee on 19/07/2020 13:50:21:

Chris

One way would be to make a clamp that fits across the column dovetail and secured by a single bolt on the easiest to access side, adjust up or down before locking off to suit the travel required.
If you drill and tap M6 for setscrew fitted in the top to act as the stop you will then have a fine adjustment of the drilling depth.

Emgee

My clamp in the photos can also be used as a depth stop. Just remove the thumbscrew and swinging arm that holds the DTI and clamp it under the head to the desired position.

Steve

[Chris TickTockParticipant @christicktock]

Posted by Steve Crow on 19/07/2020 13:49:01:

Hi Chris,

Not exactly a depth stop but I use this set up with a DTI to get a precise depth. Easy to make from brass and a few thumb screws and very effective. I've attached a few photos so you can see how it works.

Cheers

Steve

Thanks everyone for all posts so far. All methods obviously useful and Steve your use of the dial indicator is also very useful for future reference. is the clamp is of your own making or available any where?

Chris

[Steve CrowParticipant @stevecrow46066]

Chris, I made it from a few bits of surplus brass flat and square bar screwed together and bought some thumb screws for clamping. Have a good look at the pictures and you should be able to make something similar from any scrap material you have.

Cheers

Steve

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