Small V blocks - an aid to work holding

[DaveH]

Holding small ‘anything’ can be a nuisance at the best of times. Holding small diameter bars just to cross drill can be even worse.
So to help I made some small V blocks just normal mild steel.

The first part shows NOT the best way to hold a small piece of round bar in a vise.
There is a parallel under the work piece, and the work is held down on to the parallel whilst tightening the vice.
This is not the best way to hold round bar (by a long way).
   

This is a little better as it is held the full length of the vice jaws. But still not what I would call good.
   

Here you can see the parallel under the work piece – not only giving a little support but also helping to keep it “level”
   

Still not particularly good – because this can happen, - whooops
   

So it can be held and drilled like in the above photo’s however one needs to be careful and mindful of the force applied to the wok piece.

Perhaps a better way is to use some small V blocks.

Now even this set up using a small V block, still isn’t a good way to do it. Yep you can really tighten the vice up, but it ain’t doing your vice much good.
   

Locate it in the middle of the vice jaws. Much nicer for your vice.
   

Now this is also a better way, but wouldn’t you just know, the work piece is 10mm dia and that is the only 10mm bar left in the whole wide world, no problem use a 10mm drill. (The shank part!)
   

If it is a long piece – fine
   

Here is the smallest one (of a pair) I have. The same ones as used in the above photo’s.
It has a ‘cut out’ that locates on the top side of the vice jaws. Aids to keep everything ‘level’ and quick to set up.
   

Here are some photo’s showing the ‘V’ blocks in more detail.

   

   

   

Comments are always welcome, good or bad

DaveH

[SnailPowered]

I take it you made those? That is a great idea!!

[Micktoon]

Hi Dave, looks like your first comment is going to be a good one , as usual the best ideas are the simplest I could have used them a few times and like the edge that 'sets' them parallel too, Good job
............ Where is my pen , another item on the to do list

Cheers Mick.

[doubleboost]

Great idea Dave
The simple ones always are
John

[EdK]

I'm drawing up two different sizes because I know those are going to come in real handy.

Thanks Dave!

Ed

[DaveH]

Thanks guys
Just one point to remember the internal right angle that allows the blocks to sit on the vise jaws - the internal corner needs a small relief. I used a small Swiss file or one has to chamfer slightly the vise jaws to make sure the corners don't interfere.

DaveH

[TomG]

Good idea Dave, and nicely written and photographed. I normally use a collet block for that sort of thing but this would be much faster. One caveat to be aware of; the jaws on most vises are held on by a couple of cap screws and can float around. Make sure yours are parallel to the bottom of the vise before locating off the top of them.

Tom

[EdK]

(09-19-2012, 04:24 PM)TomG Wrote: One caveat to be aware of; the jaws on most vises are held on by a couple of cap screws and can float around. Make sure yours are parallel to the bottom of the vise before locating off the top of them.

Tom

Excellent tip Tom!

Ed

[stevec]

Dave, I don't contest anything except "a 10mm drill. (The shank part!) " refernce to a measure standard. I have discovered that most, if not all, of my drills (Dormer, |Buttterfield etc. ) mic under their nominal size. I don't use drill shanks as a reference.
Just my take.

[sasquatch]

yup great way to clamp!!

Thanks for the great pics and idea.