Lathe cutter height gauge and method of use

A gauge configured to set a lathe cutter on a plane parallel to a lathe bed intersecting a spindle axis, the gauge comprising:

• a pivotably adjustable housing configured to secure a level vial therein, a pivotable longitudinal positioning of the level vial configured to be perpendicular to the spindle axis, the adjustable housing pivotably moveably connected to the gauge to enable a bubble in the level vial to be longitudinally centered therein and the adjustable housing to be pivotably placed relative to the gauge;
• at least one circumferential arm configured to retain the level vial therein and at least one set screw configured to extend from an outside of the adjustable housing through the housing onto the level vial, the set screw configured to secure the level vial in a determinable position relative to the adjustable housing by a mechanical fit;
• and
• a tip of a contact face configured to be 180 degrees opposite a center of a notch in the gauge, the tip of the contact face adapted to provide a point of contact for the lathe cutter based on the center of the notch and the contact face being level with a center of the spindle axis.

A gauge configured to set a lathe cutter on a plane parallel to a lathe bed intersecting a spindle axis, the gauge comprising:

• a pivotably adjustable housing configured to secure a level vial therein, a pivotable positioning of the level vial configured to be perpendicular to the spindle axis, the adjustable housing pivotably connected to the gauge to enable a bubble in the level vial to be longitudinally centered therein and the adjustable housing to be pivotably placed relative to the gauge;
• one of a clamp and clamping arms extending from the adjustable housing, the clamp and clamping arms configured to secure the level vial in a determinable position relative to the adjustable housing by at least one of a mechanical fit and a frictional fit;
• and
• a tip of a contact face configured to be 180 degrees opposite a center of a notch in the gauge, the tip of the contact face adapted to provide a point of contact for the lathe cutter based on the center of the notch and the contact face being level with a center of the spindle axis.

A gauge configured to set a lathe cutter on a plane parallel to a lathe bed intersecting a spindle axis, the gauge comprising:

• a pivotably adjustable housing configured to secure a level vial therein, a pivotable positioning of the level vial configured to be perpendicular to the spindle axis, the adjustable housing pivotably connected to the gauge to enable a bubble in the level vial to be longitudinally centered therein and the adjustable housing to be pivotably placed relative to the gauge;
• at least one rubber band cradle and ledge and a plurality of rubber bands configured to secure the level vial in the rubber band cradle a determinable position relative to the adjustable housing by a frictional fit;
• and
• a tip of a contact face configured to be 180 degrees opposite a center of a notch in the gauge, the tip of the contact face adapted to provide a point of contact for the lathe cutter based on the center of the notch and the contact face being level with a center of the spindle axis.

A gauge configured to set a lathe cutter on a plane parallel to a lathe bed intersecting a spindle axis, the gauge comprising:

• a pivotably adjustable housing configured to secure a level vial therein, a pivotable positioning of the level vial configured to be perpendicular to the spindle axis, the adjustable housing pivotably connected to the gauge to enable a bubble in the level vial to be longitudinally centered therein and the adjustable housing to be pivotably placed relative to the gauge;
• at least one circumferential arm and at least one o-ring disposed in a channel thereof, the circumferential arms configured to extend around a circumference of the level vial and the at least one o-ring configured to secure the level vial in a determinable position relative to the adjustable housing by one of a mechanical and frictional fit;
• and
• a tip of a contact face configured to be 180 degrees opposite a center of a notch in the gauge, the tip of the contact face adapted to provide a point of contact for the lathe cutter based on the center of the notch and the contact face being level with a center of the spindle axis.

A gauge configured to set a height of a lathe cutter to a same height of a spindle axis via the gauge, the gauge comprising:

• a pivotably adjustable housing moveably connected to the gauge, the adjustable housing comprising a level vial, a pivotable positioning of the level vial configured to be perpendicular to the spindle axis and the adjustable housing to be pivotably placed relative to the gauge;
• a receptacle defined through the gauge body for orthogonally receiving a shaft positioned in one of a collet and a chuck of the spindle, the receptacle defined to receive the shaft perpendicular to the level vial and a center of the shaft in the receptacle to be 180 degrees opposite a contact face of the gauge;
• and
• a tip of a contact face configured to be 180 degrees opposite a center of a notch in the gauge, the tip of the contact face adapted to provide a point of contact for a lathe cutter based on the center of the notch and the contact face being level with a center of the spindle axis.