Machine Clamps and T Bolts etc

[Uzzy]

Does anyone know of a decent book or web page that has various designs of T bolts and machine clamping. I have a horizontal milling machine which has a vice and that's all. I need to know the dynamics of the clamping process against forces exerted when milling?
Any help would be appreciated.

[Myford Matt]

George Thomas has some good designs in 'The Model Engineers Workshop Manual', available from Hemingway Kits.

www.hemingwaykits.com/acatalog/Miscellaneous_Items___Books.html

While it doesn't give quanitative analysis of clamping - I suspect there are simply too many variables - there are lots of good hints and tips. Read mine cover to cover more than once. Trust me it's that good.

MM

[SteveW]

Uzzy,

Go look in the Chronos (for one) for a clamping set. They did do different 'T' slot sizes/bolt sizes and they come in a nice tidy rack that hangs on the wall. There is a range of slotted pin-down fingers with shark-tooth profile at one end to match a similar shark-toothed block so you can always get the clamp fulcrum just higher than the job. I bought mine some years back at around 35+ quid, they're nearer 30 quid now. If you can't hold it down you can't cut it.

Look for: 52 Pc Clamping Kits- IMPERIAL(Reference #CK.....)
Heat treated steel with a black oxide finish. Supplied in storage rack which can be wall mounted. Comprises 6 Tnuts , 4 coupling nuts, 6 flange nuts, 6 step clamps, 6 step blocks plus studs. Slot size given is the narrower part of the "T"

I also have a rotary table and looked for matching 'T' slot inserts but the matching bolts were 1/2", I wanted 10mm so that I could re-use the main set. This meant making four inserts which turned out successful but more messing about than I'd ever want to do again and it gave my best end mill a hard day out of its box.

I made one long 'T' insert then sliced it up, drilled and tapped it, easy really but a detour.

[ron]

Uzzy
I've used one of these clamping kits for a while now and they are excellent value for money, I had to mill the T nuts slightly as they were a bit tight but other than that they're fine. With the variety of bits and pieces that come with it, you can just about securely clamp any shape size or description.
Ron

[steamjohn248]

I agree with Ron and they come in 2 sizes i.e. bolt dia. and slot width. J and L are good on price

Steamjohn

[Laurie_B]

I seem to remember that Mr.Peter Spenlove-Spenlove wrote an article or two about the right and wrong ways of using machine clamping systems,in Model Engineer a while ago.

Rotagrip (in Hockley,Birmingham) sell clamping kits to suit various sized tee slots,in both imperial and metric sizes,as well as individual clamping components.Hope this is of help.

[Uzzy]

Does anyone have the article mentioned above that they could maybe scan or photocopy for me.
Cost covered, many thanks in advance.
Uzzy

[AndrewP]

There's an article in MEW 118 (Aug/Sep 2006) on making low profile clamps - looked simple so I actually started making some but ended up pinching the T nuts for my little rotary table.
I can scan if it's of any use
Andy

[Uzzy]

Thanks for all these comments, the birthday bunny has given me an "Axminster" gift voucher so am going to have a look at their clamping kit see if it will fit my machine fingers crossed.

[Laurie_B]

The two articles by Mr Peter Spenlove-Spenlove about clamps and clamping appeared in Model Engineer Vol.189, Nos.4176 and 4178: 23 August-5 September,and 20 September-3 October 2002.
Hope this is of assistance.