By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more
Forum sponsored by:
Forum sponsored by Forum House Ad Zone

An "Omega" spring to keep Parallels in place

A simple little device that might help you.

All Topics | Latest Posts

Search for:  in Thread Title in  
chris stephens11/03/2011 19:15:44
1049 forum posts
1 photos

Hi Guys,
Hers's something for all you chaps who use parallels in your milling vice and have difficulty keeping them in place. Or should I say, here's something for all you guys not blessed with three hands.
The spring is made of Phosphor Bronze, is about 4thou thick and the shape I find best is rather like a Greek "Omega" . I hope you can see from the photo how it is used. They take seconds to make but can save "hours of harmless fun" as the advert used to say.
I have seen people use coil springs to do the same job but obviously you can only crush them so far, with the Omega spring you can crush it right down to virtually nothing and it will still spring back to shape.
I am sure the idea is not new, but I had not come across it before and I would think that some of you had not either. I hope some of you find the idea helpful.
chriStephens



Edited By chris stephens on 11/03/2011 19:23:50

JasonB11/03/2011 20:16:16
avatar
25215 forum posts
3105 photos
1 articles
One of those little bits of expanded polystyrene packaging you get 1000s of in a box also does the trick and it won't catch a drill bit as you break through right above a metal spring.
 
Jason

Edited By JasonB on 11/03/2011 20:17:18

NJH11/03/2011 21:56:44
avatar
2314 forum posts
139 photos
That's a good idea. Has anyone tried these "wavey" parallels though?
 
Norman
ady12/03/2011 04:20:28
612 forum posts
50 photos
I tend to use toolsteel bits and old bearings as parallels.
Terryd12/03/2011 07:58:14
avatar
1946 forum posts
179 photos
Hi All,
 
A guy on another forum recommends using that thin foamed flexible plastic sheet often used in packaging, it feels a bit waxy if you know the stuff. Thin foam food packages suitably washed can be cut up to do the same job of keeping parallels in order
 
Terry
clive swinney12/03/2011 11:18:44
6 forum posts
Hi all
 
I use flexible magnetic self adhesive strip attatched to all my parallels. It works for me.
KWIL12/03/2011 12:33:51
3681 forum posts
70 photos
Norman, I have used the wavy parallels, they are very good when your other parallels are too wide. They will take a set if you crush them too far and go easy on the mallet!
NJH12/03/2011 18:23:37
avatar
2314 forum posts
139 photos
Hi KWIL
 
Thanks - I will add a set to my " Wish List" then.
 
Norman

All Topics | Latest Posts

Please login to post a reply.

Magazine Locator

Want the latest issue of Model Engineer or Model Engineers' Workshop? Use our magazine locator links to find your nearest stockist!

Find Model Engineer & Model Engineers' Workshop

Sign up to our Newsletter

Sign up to our newsletter and get a free digital issue.

You can unsubscribe at anytime. View our privacy policy at www.mortons.co.uk/privacy

Latest Forum Posts
Support Our Partners
cowells
Sarik
MERIDIENNE EXHIBITIONS LTD
Shopping Partners
Subscription Offer

Latest "For Sale" Ads
Latest "Wanted" Ads
Get In Touch!

Do you want to contact the Model Engineer and Model Engineers' Workshop team?

You can contact us by phone, mail or email about the magazines including becoming a contributor, submitting reader's letters or making queries about articles. You can also get in touch about this website, advertising or other general issues.

Click THIS LINK for full contact details.

For subscription issues please see THIS LINK.

Digital Back Issues

Social Media online

'Like' us on Facebook
Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter
 Twitter Logo

Pin us on Pinterest

 

Donate

donate