b'\x1b\x1a\x19 \x1f\x18\x1d\x17\x16Machinists CornerCLAMP TRICKS FOR MILLINGBy Brandt Taylor riser blocks that have steps to allowT-slot. A flat washer for a 25.4 mm the clamps to be positioned at as- bolt with an outside diameter of T -slot clamps are tried-and-truesorted heights from the machine63.5 mm (2.5") works well with stan-accessories for milling applica- table surface. T-slot nuts are applieddard step blocks.tionsso much so that if you havewith studs of varying length or T-slotThe T-slot clamps also can be a milling machine, chances are thatbolts of varying length with clampsused as work stops. For example, you have a set of T-slot clamps. Be- and step blocks to set the clampif a workpiece is held with a mill-sides clamping, these clamps can beat the appropriate height for theing vise, it might be useful to have used to set up work stops and fixtur- workpiece. a work stop at some distance from ing, which Ill get to in this article. Step blocks are available withthe vise. The photographs show two These clamps generally are usedthicknesses of 25.4 mm (1"), 38.1such setups using standard T-slot to clamp a workpiece to a machinemm (1.5") or 50.8 mm (2"). Whenhardware with pieces of steel tub-table for machining. Standard setsusing a clamp setup consisting ofing used as risers. The tube sets the include studs of various lengths witha clamp with one end resting on avertical height of the clamp, and the special nuts that fit into milling ma- standard 25.4-mm-thick step block,nose of the clamp is utilized as the chine table T-slots and heavy-dutyemploying a large-diameter flatwork stop. Simply place the work-hex nuts to hold down the associ- washer under the step block is con- piece where you want it, touch the ated clamps. The clamps are dif- venient. The washer assures stabil- nose of the clamp against the work-ferent lengths and are used withity of the block when it straddles apiece, tighten the clamp nut, and Two setups are shown using standard T-slot hardware with pieces of steel tubing used as risers.B. Taylorctemag.com/cteguide.com11MachinistsCorner.indd 11 8/17/21 11:38 AM'