Clocking is the act of rotating a workpiece, fixture, or tool so that its features line up perfectly with a specific axis before clamping it down. Machinists clock parts using a dial indicator to ensure cross-holes, flats, or keyways are machined at the exact right angle relative to existing geometry.
Heard on the job
Make sure you clock that hex stock so the flat is completely parallel to the table before you hit cycle start.
Do not mix it up with
- Indicate: Indicating finds the center or checks runout, while clocking specifically sets the rotational angle of a feature.