Universal tram

A universal tram apparatus for positioning an indicator for aligning a machine tool, the universal tram comprising:

• an indicator holder configured to slidably receive the indicator and releasably secure the indicator in a position relative to the indicator holder;
• a clamping coupler configured to slidably receive the indicator holder and releasably secure the indicator holder in a position relative to the clamping coupler;
• a slide rail configured to be slidably received by the clamping coupler and releasably secured in a position relative to the clamping coupler;
• and
• a machine adapter for expanding a compatibility of the universal tram to include additional machine tools, wherein the slide rail is releasably secured to the machine adapter.

A method of using a universal tram to position an indicator for aligning a machine tool, the method comprising:

• receiving the indicator in a first groove of an indicator holder, the indicator holder including a main body having a first rail along a length of a surface of the main body, the indicator holder further including arms extending laterally from a side of the main body adjacent to the surface, the arms forming the first groove at a distal end of the arms;
• releasably securing the indicator in a position relative to the indicator holder by tightening a first tightening screw on the indicator holder;
• receiving the first rail of the indicator holder in a second groove of a clamping coupler, the second groove corresponding in cross-sectional shape to the first rail, the clamping coupler further including a third groove on a side of the clamping coupler opposite that of the second groove;
• releasably securing the indicator holder relative to the clamping coupler by tightening a second tightening screw on the clamping coupler;
• receiving an elongate second rail of a slide rail in a third groove of the clamping coupler, the second rail corresponding in cross-sectional shape to the third groove;
• releasably securing the second rail relative to the clamping coupler by tightening a third tightening screw on the clamping coupler;
• and
• removably attaching the slide rail to the machine tool by a central pin that is received at one end by the slide rail and at an opposite end by the machine tool.