Hi Jim. Read your reply to post on 10/03/07. Regards bridgeport type machine use (R8). If the valve seat has to be alligned as critical as you stated why do I need a pilot at all? I could make a rigid tool holder to fit R8 spindle and use your 3D tooling. I use rigid tooling and time consuming allignment to install various size valve seats. I’m looking to speed up the process. The problem is that the allignment is too time consuming. It would seem that ball head drive should be somewhat forgiving?
Thank You – Ben
3-D tooling can be used on a Bridgport mill as a get by. The tooling is designed to be used with a guide and seat machine. This equipment is equiped with air float tables, and totally adjustable table fixturing. This is light years faster than a mill. As far as working without a pilot, it is highly unlikely. The ball head drive is forgiving, but seat concentricity is NOT. Any slight mis- alignment is amplified as you move on two seperate planes.