Dial in procedure on Vert Mill W/ Stationary 4Jaw Chuck

[LaysMachinist]

This is a pretty basic question but I am wondering, what are some of the procedures you guys use when dialing in round stock on a vert mill.(By the way I am running a Fadal 6030) I am currently using a 4 jaw chuck on my machine, which is bolted to the bed. I use a fixture offset to place my X and Y axis in center of the chuck, and then use a dial indicator placed on my spindle and move the chuck jaws to align my part. But this seriously has got to stop; Im so tired of busting my knuckles, head, and butt climbing in and out of this thing. There has GOT to be a better way to do this. What do you guys think?

[Geof]

Use a coaxial indicator for each part and instead of moving the chuck jaws move the table and re-establish the work zero. Coaxial indicator is much quicker and just as precise as dial indicator.

Use a three jaw self-centering chuck so you only need to dial in once.

Make custom vise jaws again so you only need dial in once.

[LaysMachinist]

Thats pretty much what I figured. Thank a lot though. Doing it this way is going to save me so many headachs from banging my head on the ATC.

The coaxial indicator we have is junk, but im still not sure on its proper use.

[Geof]

...The coaxial indicator we have is junk, but im still not sure on its proper use.

Get a Blake Coaxial Indicator made in Los Angeles.

http://www.blakemanufacturing.com/pages/aboutus.html

They are not junk.

Thge website explains how to use one.