This part is made from a piece of 1/2" x 1" x 3" mild steel bar stock from Tractor Supply. The 1/2" pivot hole is centered 3/8" from the edge. The two 1/4" holes for the slider bolts are 7/32" from the ends and 1/4" from the same side as the pivot hole.
To make sure the bolt heads don't catch on the vise in use the bolt heads are recessed into the base. An easy job with a milling machine. I created the same result with the band saw. You need a sharp blade and a guide to control the location of the cut and the keep the bar parallel to the blade. Just put on a noise cancelling head set and a good book because this needs to be done slowly. Forcing the bandsaw will cause the blade to wander. A careful cross cut and the ends are done.
The ends have a 1/4" radius and the big curve is just tangent to both ends and the middle of the bar. The shape was rough cut with the band saw. The final shaping was done with the belt sander and and a mill file. All the corners were softened. I think I'll grit blast all the parts when I'm done just to even up the finish. I don't think it will make sense to paint such a tool. I'll just need to keep it lightly oiled.
No comments:
Post a Comment