Machine Shop Work

SCOPE

Machine shop work is generally understood to include all cold-metal work by which an operator, using either power driven equipment or hand tools, removes a portion of the metal and shapes it to some specified form or size. It does not include sheet metal work and coppersmithing.

LAYING OUT WORK

“Laying out” is a shop term which means to scribe lines, circles, centers, and so forth, upon the surface of any material to serve as a guide in shaping the finished work piece. This laying out procedure is similar to shop drawing but differs from it in one important respect. The lines on a shop drawing are used for reference purposes only and are not measured or transferred. In layout work, even a slight error in scribing a line or center may result in a corresponding or greater error in the finished work piece, For that reason, all scribed lines should be exactly located and all scriber, divider, and center points should be exact and sharp.

SCRIBING LINES ON METAL

The shiny surface, found on most metals, makes it difficult to see the layout lines.

Layout dye (Figure 1-2), when applied to the metal surface, makes it easier for the layout lines to be seen. Layout dye is usually blue and offers an excellent contrast between the metal and the layout lines.

Before applying layout dye, ensure that all grease and oil has been cleaned from the work surface. Otherwise the dye will not adhere properly.

Figure 1-2. Applying layout dye.