Necessary Fixture-Making Tools

As an alternative to manufactured faceplates and other accessories, with the following tools you will be able to create just about any kind work holding jig or fixture that you might possibly need.

• 7/8-14 right hand, carbon or high-speed steel machinist tap -- for making inboard headstock accessories.
  
  
• Morse Taper #1 finishing reamer -- for making headstock fixtures that will hold objects having Morse Taper shanks (e.g. pen mandrels, drill chucks).
  
  
• 3/4-16 left hand, carbon or high-speed steel machinist tap -- for making outboard headstock accessories.
  
  
• hot melt glue gun and high-strength glue sticks -- for making wooden glue blocks that will hold workpieces without your having to use a tailstock.

The examples of the jigs and fixtures that I will describe in subsequent articles have been created using one or more of the above.

If you have the time and patience, the right hand taps especially can be found quite cheaply on eBay (two or three for the price of one). The left-hand tap and finish reamer are not so cheaply obtained, in which case it is good to cultivate friends who are seriously into souping up cars, ATVs or dune buggies.