Thin Parallels.

Good evening,

I'm looking for some "thin" Parallels, around 3/32" or 1/8", to use with my ARC Versatile 100mm vice.

While there are several sets on the market, the 32mm deep jaws usually means that around 4 pairs will be too tall and unusable for this application.

Has anyone come across a set that will be suitable?

I still regularly use the few sizes that are too tall for my vice as they can also be used when setting up work on the mill table and even the lathe cross slide if I'm boring on that.

I bought these a few months ago....

PARALLEL SET 10 PAIRS EXTRA THIN 0.8MM THICKNESS
https://www.rdgtools.co.uk/acatalog/Dasqua-10-Pair-Extra-Thin-Parallel-Set-0.8mm-Thickness-8201-0005-9120.html

I've used them and they seem fine.

Ches

I bought a box of 1/16" parallels in about ten widths, probably made in India which are good, but have only rarely needed to use them in the five years since they were bought. They seem to be made from blued spring steel.

Edited By old mart on 10/07/2023 20:16:48

For a long time, I have found ordinary mild steel flats cut to length to suit jaw width, have served well enough for me. I used a selection of thicknesses and widths and they seem OK. Yeah, I have been accused of being 'tight'! Recently acquired some 'proper' hardened parallels from a deceased club member's collection. With the home made ones, just careful checking for dents and dings and they seem to give satisfactory service.

Some while ago in "Reader's Tips" in MEW, a contributor (sorry, I can't find the reference) suggested a simple solution to this problem. Basically, dig out those old Lidl or Aldi callipers you picked up for a fiver each and cut the scales into two halves and voilà, two thin parallels of the thickness you require. Of course, if you have more than one calliper you can have longer ones. I always found the cut up ones sufficient for use with my 100mm Arc versatile vice.

John

I to make my parallels out of mild flat steel. I marked the right side so they will be used in the same orientation as when made. This way I compensate for my not perfectly flat vice (0.04 mm/ 100 mm).