Millling clamps

I require some clamping for a 8" x 9" x 5" thick 2014 aluminium I need the top to be clear to machine a flat surface I don't want to drill or put slots etc. in it for clamps yet.

Have looked at T slot clamps that would put downward pressure on the edge of the block for light milling and thought about making similar type of clamps but require simple clamps as I don't want to spend too much time making tooling for a one off job.

Suppose if available a cheap pair of removable vice jaws to clamp on the milling machine table would work.

For a one off expensive tools or clamps are out.

Suggestions of a simple clamping arrangement and maybe a drawing would be appreciated.

The simplest I can think of is use 4 to 6 standard clamps and move them out of the way as the job progresses

Windy,

Take a read of this post for some ideas.

**LINK**

About a year ago I had a similar setup problem. I found a 2 piece vise for about $44 at Enco. It was rather crudely made, but it got the job done. I don't know if Enco sells in the UK. Probably one of the European vendors handles a similar product.

Hi WIndy,

For clamping larger work I use these home made clamps:

I clamp the work between one or two angle plates and the clamps. The photo shows one clamp dismantled.

Thor

Could you not get 2 pieces of 1/2 inch thick bar ( could be a bit thinner) 9 inches long & pass 2 pieces of 8mm studding through them each end, each with a nut & washer on the ends, so the studding just clears the sides of the block. ( possibly have some shims to protect the side of the block from the studding threads).

The bars would be on opposite sides of the stock. Then really tighten them to the block a couple of mm up from the bottom. Then use ordinary clamps to hold the 2 bars down.

Or does that make the machinists on the forum cringe??

Edited By Sam Longley 1 on 06/04/2016 07:29:55

Another vote for angle plate/plates

Edited By JasonB on 06/04/2016 07:35:14

Thanks for the suggestions I like Thor's clamps I tried to read JS link but get This page can’t be displayed.

Looking through my materials (scrap) I found some steel to make Thor's type of clamps or a crude pair of removable vice jaws.

A change of tack from metal munching tonight a young friend is giving a talk about the history of the Cornet at P.E.E.M.S. club he restores vintage ones to a playable condition.

There will also be a mention about ice cream ones as well.

Apart from that he's a right petrol-head and has a 1970 TR6 he's restored plus he has taken me to Coniston speed week a few times to see the full size speed record boats.

Likewise I've taken him to Elvington to talk to and watch the bike and car record attempt competitors.

It's good to see younger generations having a practical interest in mechanical things he now has a small lathe so when time is available he can make bits for his TR.

Edited By Windy on 06/04/2016 10:12:31

A few ideas here.

Russell.

Windy, did you see the Warhorse monowheel at Elvington? I have made a lot of the parts for it.

Martin

Got some ideas now for clamping I've seen Warhorse a few times I wonder what would happen if the rider opened the throttle two sharp would he go round in circles

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5x597VpbjK4

As usual you start on one thread and go off at a tangent to something else

.

Edited By Windy on 06/04/2016 13:36:41

I'd be more worried about locking the brakes*... one machine where being the guy who ate all the pies is a big plus

Neil

(*or running out of shoe leather).

Edited By Neil Wyatt on 06/04/2016 16:00:25

I was asked if I wanted to have a drive/ride, I declined the offer.

Martin

Saw a similar mono wheel on an American Auction TV show.

Ian S C

It's called gerbiling

David.

They seem to be a "look at me" machine from where I'm standing and you couldn't sensibly go anywhere on one.

On that note, I'd really love to see a monowheel motorbike, rather like a conventional motorbike with only one wheel. It would take some talent to ride (someone like Rossi might manage it) although modern closed loop software and gyro / accelerometer technology would make it more manageable. I'm trying to imagine racing them...

There are sort of similar things out there but they are more like a hoverboard than a motor unicycle.

Made some clamps and used them today holding 8" x 9" x 5" 2014 aluminium really stretching the VMC but will overcome it's limitations.

They look to be a very sensible set of clamps you had to make.

That is an enormous block of 2014, it should take you a long time to reduce that to a pile of small chips

Mike

neat idea.

yet another one for the job list