How to hold

[Dennis R]

I have a piece of 3 inch round stock, about 2 inches long, that I need to machine a .5 by .5 groove across the top of. What is the best way to hold this material to cut the groove? I am afraid of using a vise to hold the round stock for such a cut and the V block I have is way to small for this size piece. Or should I put the piece on the table and clamp it down directly in some way? How would you do it?

 

[whydontu]

I‘d just clamp it flat to the table. Simple is always better.

 

[phaxtris]

Clamp it to the table in one of the slots

 

[Dennis R]

So how about this? It will sit on sort of ring on the base.

 

[whydontu]

So how about this? It will sit on sort of ring on the base.

Looks good. A suggestion - you have clamps at east and west. Take two more slotted straps and place them flat on the table, butted up against the bar, at north and south. Will stop any possible bar sliding n/s if the e/w clamps slip under cutting forces.

 

[PeterT]

Maybe another advantage to what @whydontu suggested is by first positioning toe clamps butted to the base (red), the part is sufficiently stationary & you have the whole upper perimeter unencumbered for centering with indicator, edge finder or whatever. Then apply the vertical clamps as you've shown.

 

[Dennis R]

Used both suggestions. Worked great!