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

[Janderso]

Looks like the one from Saunders (https://saundersmachineworks.com/products/machinist-vise-mini-pallet-fixture-plate) is layed out on .75" centers.

Little Machine Shop was selling one that I can't find on their site now. Blondihacks has one of them, so you can see it here (at about 22 minutes):

Shoot, the one from Saunders has a nice spread of mounting options. I like it.
Maybe I'll go every .630" square. (The beauty of a DRO and the grid setting.)
Power tapping goes pretty fast. I have all day. Well, you know.

 

[Janderso]

Made some progress today.
To my horror, I shattered an expensive 1/2” carbide four flute end mill. I was running around 600 rpm, hand feeding slowly.
The strange thing is I wasn’t pushing it at all. Yes I was taking full bites but these are tiny bites in my experience.
I finished cutting the 30 degree wedges with a 3/4” HSS 4 flute. On my first pass the end mill pulled out of the collet a bit. Separates the men from the boys, I’m just a child.
I just got one of the four short pieces in the vise, centered and the DRO set to cut the slot.
Im done for today, my back is killing me.

 

[DavidR8]

Well dang, other that the mishap those look really great Jeff!

 

[brino]

Well crap, I hate it when that happens.

However, personally I am also jealous of all your shop time lately!

I'd rather be "shattering carbide" in my own shop than doing my daily chores for "the man".
I shouldn't complain, at least I am working and getting paid.......even during our lock-down.

-brino

 

[Janderso]

I was able to sneak in some honey do’s.
Washed the outside windows, took my mother to the market and worked on the sprinklers.
I’m pooped. You young fellows need to appreciate living without pain. Getting older has its moments.

 

[mattthemuppet2]

clamps are looking good! Are you going to black oxide them?

Looks like the clamp at the bottom moved = shattered end mill. HSS is a lot more forgiving in that regard.

 

[tjb]

Getting older has its moments.

But it beats the heck out of Plan B. (I feel your pain.)

Regards

 

[Janderso]

clamps are looking good! Are you going to black oxide them?

Looks like the clamp at the bottom moved = shattered end mill. HSS is a lot more forgiving in that regard.

I think I should black oxide these babies. It’s not like I have a rust problem but that seems like a no brainer.
I’ve never blued anything. Well, there was that Ruger Mark III repair once.
I bought some Brownell’s Oxpho-Blue about two years ago. That’s the ticket.

 

[Ulma Doctor]

i hate breaking carbide, it usually doesn't give much warning
the clamps are looking great Jeff!

 

[mattthemuppet2]

I can't remember what I used for black oxide, potassium something or other. A user called markx on another forum detailed the proceedure. Works very well and is super durable, more so in my opinion than oxpho-blue.