Two questions that we are asked a lot here at Chronos– What is a wiggler (or wobbler as they are also known) and how do I use it in my Drilling or Milling Machine ?
A wiggler is a type of edge and centre finder. They usually come as a set of 5 pieces(although we now also offer a NEW SEVEN PIECE SET). One piece is the body(chuck holder). The other four are various types of probes. Each probe has a large ball on one end that snaps into the body.
Put the shank of the body into the chuck, end mill holder or collet on your mill or drill press. Use the needle point to find a point on a work piece. This is the probe you use to locate scribed lines on a work piece under the drill or mill chuck. Centre the point by turning on the machine to about 1000 RPM. Use a wooden pencil or other object to press on the side of the probe near the point until it turns true, with no wobble. When you press too hardyou will find out why this device is called a wiggler!
Once you have the point centred, turn off the power and centre the mark on the work piece under the point. Use the disk contact to find the edge of a work piece. The disk on the end of this probe is 0.100” in diameter. Centre the disc contact by turning on the machine to about 1000 RPM. Use a wooden pencil or other object to press on the side of the probe near the point until it turns true, with no wobble. Leave the power on as you move the side of the work piece into the tip of the probe. When the disc contact touches the side of the work piece it will start to wobble.
The centre of the spindle is 0.050” from the edge of the work
Use the ball contact to find the centre of existing holes.Centre the probe by turning on the machine to about 1000 RPM. Use a wooden pencil or other object to press on the side of the ball near the point until it turns true, with no wobble. Once you have the ball centered, turn off the power and centre the existing hole in the work piece under the ball. This ball contact can also be used to find the edge of a work piece. The smaller ball on this probe is 0.250” indiameter, so when it touches the side of the work piece, the centre of the spindle is 0.125” from the edge of the work. Use the offset holder to mount a dial test indicator. Use a dovetail clamp or a body clamp to attach the dial test indicator to the holder.You can use this to check the alignment of a vice on your mill
Links
Chronos 5 Piece Wiggler Wobbler
Chronos 7 Piece Wiggler Wobbler
Chronos Laser Centre Edgefinder
