Making a Set of Mini Pallet Toe Clamps for the Milling Machine

[Janderso]

I need clamps.
The mini pallet for the mill and rotary table are on my short list.
The video by Keith Rucker inspired me to use his dimensions and style.

I hesitated for days about which steel I should use. I decided on 4140HT.
I checked around different online sources and chose my friends at McMaster.
This piece is 1/2" X 1/4" X 18". It's precision ground, hardened 4140.
The price is $38 plus shipping = $51.

My question to you, should I use this beautiful piece of stock?
Is there a substitute you feel comfortable recommending?
I appreciate your ideas.

 

[jbobb1]

Use it. It'll make a quality clamp. You can always get another piece if needed.
McMaster-Carr has been getting a lot of my business lately, and they always come through.

 

[DavidR8]

If that's already hardened isn't going to be a bear to machine?

 

[Janderso]

Use it. It'll make a quality clamp. You can always get another piece if needed.
McMaster-Carr has been getting a lot of my business lately, and they always come through.

Ok, thanks jbobb,

I see people complaining about the quality of unknown steel from Ebay and scrap yards.
I get it, steel is expensive, what isn't these days.

 

[Janderso]

If that's already hardened isn't going to be a bear to machine?

Nah, I thought so too. John York, AKA benmychree convinced me to quit buying the annealed stuff. I've tried machining hardened 4140HT, HSS cuts it and of course carbide works just fine.
I don't think I've drilled and tapped it yet. Should be OK. It's not like tool steel. This is chrome moly.

I do wear my big boy pants when I work with this stuff though.

 

[DavidR8]

OK that's good to know as I would have never bought HT otherwise.
Thanks for the tip!

 

[jbobb1]

Just watch for any bending when you cut the slot. As small as these clamps are, it'll probably be minimal, but just keep an eye on them.
I've machine a ton of 4142HT. It's tough stuff, but not bad to work with.

 

[Janderso]

Just watch for any bending when you cut the slot. As small as these clamps are, it'll probably be minimal, but just keep an eye on them.
I've machine a ton of 4142HT. It's tough stuff, but not bad to work with.

I wasn't expecting stress. Good tip

 

[Ulma Doctor]

i have made clamps form scrap to identified steels as well as aluminum
just about any steel would have sufficient mechanical properties to be used as a clamp
my favorite material is 303 for ease of machining and abundance in the form of scrap in my shop
aluminum has worked well too

 

[benmychree]

4140 HT is not difficult to machine, it is not all that hard, HSS will cut it easily, Just slow down the cutting speed. Tapping is no problem with HSS.