1-2-3 Block Clamping

I came across this YouTube this morning and have not seen this idea before (although it may not be new of course).

I thought it was interesting enough to be worth sharing and they have joined my ever expanding TUIT list...

1-2-3 Block - Clamping Accessories

Regards,

IanT

Thanks. An interesting little accessory. Just look at the last minute to see what is actually being made. Two or three photos would have sufficed but it seems to be the trend now even on this forum to make long videos rather than a quick photgraph and description.

Hi Bazyle, I started to watch it but it seemed to be drawn out too much and I got board and just quit.

Regards Nick.

I watched some of it - skipped chunks as and when - but from the start, where he only used a square to set his blocks, it turned me off a bit.

1, 2,3 and 2,4,6 blocks are even more useful - at times, Depends on what type of work one does, I suppose. I only make extra bits as and when I need them. Sometimes they are useful for other jobs ... and sometimes not.

Me too! My attention-span gets more and more limited as I get older (I skip most of the over-lengthy posts here too).

For videos I sometimes download them (using IDM) and play them offline where I can skip through them.

ArcEurotrade had them on offer before Christmas so I bought two sizes. They look very nice but I have not used them yet. I did consider one set for a job this afternoon but.......

I have had a quick look at the video but I am rather averse to YouTube.

JA

That's why I said just look at the last minute.

Hi Bazyle, I did skip to the end, but I had already anticipated what he was doing. I had made the same type of thing almost 4years ago, but without the bother of milling a flat on them, which I didn't think was necessary, but each to their own.

Here's a photo of them doing a real job.

Regards Nick.

Edited By Nicholas Farr on 30/01/2021 08:22:19

I've got several sets of 1x2x3 blocks of various qualities, some 'perfect' exact size and others a little undersize after being ground square. It's a neat idea which I had forgotten about as I don't use them very often.

video was too long but was for 'beginners' so I guess he had to explain why he was doing things?

I would have made some double diameter studs as well for the times you want blocks locked together in a larger size (oh, I already did )

Various length studs are easy to make from ordinary bolts, cut the head, off turn shank to diameter and thread it. (heads are usually forged so much tougher than shanks)

I didn't listen to the comentary or watch all of it but i deduced that he had made the 'nut' part a small diameter so that the bolt can be canted over at an angle sometimes.

I find it annoying that the threads in mine are UNC not metric and most of my random bolts aren't compatible.

Even though I'm in the USA I also find it annoying as I've mainly worked on Japanese motorcycles since I started 'playing' with bikes in 1968.

'Everything' I have is metric but at least UNC is easily available over here. I usually end up 'converting' to metric threads as it's a real pain having multiple sets of tools to work on stuff. I have very few 'imperial' taps and dies but all sorts of odd size metric (7x0.5, etc)

One of the advantages of buying Stevenson's (metric) blocks from Arc Euro.

I have two sets of 20-40-80 blocks which are threaded/clearance for M8. I find them very useful and I will get around to making some of these accessories for them before too long...

Regards,

IanT

I have a couple of sets of Chinese 1-2-3 blocks. The through holes are too small to pass a bolt that fits the threaded holes. That pretty much eliminated using combinations of blocks to make angle plates, etc.

Reading this thread has finally pushed me to make some of these connectors!

I first saw these on YouTube, years ago.

As has been said, transforms the standard blocks with the undersized holes!

Even treated the workshop to a set of 246 blocks and made the same for them!

Jim

Now the surface grinder is operational, I have earmarked some stock to make another set to go with my 1,2,3 blocks. Now casting my eye around for a lump to double up with the 2,4,6 blocks. Might even be a case- or through-hardening job, ‘cos I can.

I have always wondered what you did with the blocks so as a "begginner" in some aspects I like the idea and have a project waiting for a set.

Martin P

I have both 123 blocks, and the smaller metric Stevensons blocks which have sensible threads in them.

My only use for a 123 block in the 15 or so years I've owned them is to square the lathe toolpost against the chuck...

They live in the toolbox with the 'essential' machinist's jacks that are so useful I converted one into a centre height gauge when I broke the digital one.