Holdridge 4d Radii Cutter

Oh, an engravers vise! Thanks Franko, I was considering buying one of those a while back to use for doing metal work/checkering on small pieces.

Adding one more thing to the ToDo list... :)
 
Look up the bases for Versa Vises(I think). They are small hobby vises that have a stalk beneath them,terminating in a ball. The ball goes into a socket which has a lever to tighten it. You can tilt the vise into any angle and lock the base.

I can't be sure of the correct name of this vise. It might be the Pan vise.

Woodcraft used to also sell a more robust unit for wood carvers. You screwed your carving onto the flat platform atop the unit,and could tilt the carving to any angle to carve statues,etc.. Perhaps google tilting carver's vise?

P.S.: I just Googled some. Look up Bessey Hobby Vise. It is a small example of a ball base tilting vise.
 
Hey George! Do you mind if I ask you some questions about how to setup and operate this thing? I think I have the radius setting figured out, in that the reference flats are .5" from rotational centerline, and adding the .5" ground bar that the depth gauge sets on means the gauge is 1" from rotational centerline right? So I'm basically reading the depth gauge in reverse?

Oh, and you weren't kidding about the heft/stoutness of this thing. I can't imagine the size of a 8D, let alone a 12D. That thing probably weighs 50 lbs.

And I'm not really sure what to do with the 30 and 45 degree offset bits? I guess I can just try 'em and see what they do. Oh, and I'm putting another pic up of the set (I cleaned it up a bit, and it even has the little aluminum bit support under the trap door) because I wanted to point out the two aluminum pieces next to the shallow yoke and ask what/how to use them? The pieces on the right have a graduated dial sitting within another piece, which I 'assume' is to turn radii to a specific degree setting? Does this mount on top around the vertical part of the handle?

I have NO idea what the piece next to it is for.

I would pay good money to find a manual for this thing...

DSCN4372.jpg
 
Nice score Bill. I love figuring out how to use cool items like that.
 
wrmiller19 said:
Hey George! Do you mind if I ask you some questions about how to setup and operate this thing? I think I have the radius setting figured out, in that the reference flats are .5" from rotational centerline, and adding the .5" ground bar that the depth gauge sets on means the gauge is 1" from rotational centerline right? So I'm basically reading the depth gauge in reverse?

Oh, and you weren't kidding about the heft/stoutness of this thing. I can't imagine the size of a 8D, let alone a 12D. That thing probably weighs 50 lbs.

And I'm not really sure what to do with the 30 and 45 degree offset bits? I guess I can just try 'em and see what they do. Oh, and I'm putting another pic up of the set (I cleaned it up a bit, and it even has the little aluminum bit support under the trap door) because I wanted to point out the two aluminum pieces next to the shallow yoke and ask what/how to use them? The pieces on the right have a graduated dial sitting within another piece, which I 'assume' is to turn radii to a specific degree setting? Does this mount on top around the vertical part of the handle?

I have NO idea what the piece next to it is for.

I would pay good money to find a manual for this thing...

View attachment 110503
Click to expand...
That piece is to hold the tool bits at proper angle(s) when sharpening them.
I don't think there is a "manual" for it.
 
buffdan said:
That piece is to hold the tool bits at proper angle(s) when sharpening them.
I don't think there is a "manual" for it.
Click to expand...

Are you referring to the hex-shaped piece on the left? That would explain why the bore is not centered in the piece. Thanks.

George spoke of seeing a manual a long time ago. I think. I hope. :)
 
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brav65 said:
Nice score Bill. I love figuring out how to use cool items like that.
Click to expand...

This is a complete 4D set, with some of the pieces never having been used. And it looks like it was very well cared for. Except for the box. Uncoated wood has dried out to the point that some pieces are starting to de-laminate. This thing is quite the horse (read Big Heavy Sucker). George said they are very rigid, and I believe him. This thing is so well made that if you hold your finger over the hole the bit slides into the bit won't go in because of the trapped air. Very snug yet smooth fit. The rest of this thing is put together the same way. Things slide/rotate, but there is no perceptible slop or looseness anywhere. Wow. :)
 
I found this manual/info on-line FWIW.
I just wish I could find a nice, used 4D like you guys scored! :)
 

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