Bausch & Lomb
Ongoing project: Brass and steel machinist indicator stand for a magnifying lens. I purchased a set of steel drawers at the estate of a retiring machinist, the contents of which had been completely removed with the exception of two very old Bausch & Lomb optician lenses in their original boxes which were tucked securely in the back of the drawers. This project is an attempt to put them to use in the shop as magnifying lenses while working on small parts. The base is made of mild steel, the other components are brass made from round stock.
The mechanism which clamps to the vertical shaft on the stand, commonly referred to as a ‘snug’ or clamp, is based on a US Patent US2456505A by James Hastings of the L.S. Starrett company, Dec. 1948. This part utilizes a similar concept but adds a second tension knob to the rotating end, which allows for a smooth, full 360 degree range of motion without loosening/tightening the knob. This allows the magnifying arm to be swiveled into position without disturbing the height or rotation of the part on the vertical shaft. In addition to a simplified clamping/adjustment, this design also allows the part to clamp firmly to the shaft without marring it’s surface.
The same mechanism is employed on the end of the articulating arm with the addition of a locking ball joint which will attach to the magnifying lens mount - this will provide a full range of motion to easily place the magnifying lens into position without much adjustment to the knobs.