Tool Talk

What's-It Forum => What's-It Forum => Topic started by: swervncarz on August 18, 2017, 03:35:40 PM

Title: Milliken Machine Co used by a Machinist
Post by: swervncarz on August 18, 2017, 03:35:40 PM

This came home with me from a sale at a local estate of a machinist. Just a flat steel raised platform, measures 11-3/4" x 6". Marked Milliken Machine Co on bottom. I see Milliken Machine was in West Newton MA. What is this & what would one use it for?

(http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll88/swervncarz/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/IMG_20170730_172123781_zpsbev06982_edit_1503088172696_zps8xeldgkx.jpg) (http://s286.photobucket.com/user/swervncarz/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/IMG_20170730_172123781_zpsbev06982_edit_1503088172696_zps8xeldgkx.jpg.html)

(http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll88/swervncarz/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/IMG_20170730_172212266_zpsllz0vlbm.jpg) (http://s286.photobucket.com/user/swervncarz/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/IMG_20170730_172212266_zpsllz0vlbm.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Milliken Machine Co used by a Machinist
Post by: oldgoaly on August 18, 2017, 03:56:29 PM

a surface plate
less accurate than the granite slabs but plenty good for most measuring jobs.

Title: Re: Milliken Machine Co used by a Machinist
Post by: lptools on August 18, 2017, 03:58:19 PM

Hello, Swervncarz. Looks like a cast iron surface plate, or inspection plate. From a Brown & Sharpe catalog; "Brown & Sharpe Surface Plates provide accurate surfaces for tool making, inspection & testing services". Similar working plates also made from granite.


Regards, Lou P.S. As a woodworker, I  would use it as a flattening plate for plane soles, and plane irons.

Title: Re: Milliken Machine Co used by a Machinist
Post by: swervncarz on August 18, 2017, 04:24:22 PM

Thanks, the amount of knowledge here at Papawswrench always amazes me!

Title: Re: Milliken Machine Co used by a Machinist
Post by: oldgoaly on August 18, 2017, 07:54:50 PM

As heavy as it is it's more portable than granite! I've got a chunk of pink granite with a custom wood enclosure that I got for 40$. The place I got it from got a 8' by 20' black granite cheap from Boeing. We had an ice storm a couple of days before and carrying it to the van was slow and slipery. It's easier to carry the parts you need to check than move a chunk of granite!

Title: Re: Milliken Machine Co used by a Machinist
Post by: turnnut on August 18, 2017, 08:17:21 PM

 yes, and using one helps prevent measurement errors that you may get on an uneven bench surface.

   very useful using a height gauge.

Title: Re: Milliken Machine Co used by a Machinist
Post by: Catch22! on August 18, 2017, 11:48:06 PM

Also really good for smoothing a surface.  I use one for automotive things like valve covers, oil pump covers and any surface I need perfectly flat.   Just put a piece of sandpaper on the plate and sand the piece rotating it 1/4 turn each time.