Thread: Workholding Question

Ok so im looking to cut a slot in the end of a piece of round in my vertical bandsaw. How can i hold it so that i can accurately cut it?

Clamp it in a V-block?

Its to small

Get a smaller V-Block?

I made a little guide for that job. It's basically a V-Block with a slit cut about an inch into the V for the blade. Getting it aligned and clamped down is a chore, but once done it will cut round stock down the middle pretty accurately.

How about using a collet in a collet block?
McMaster-Carr

What about pinching it in a parrell clamp while the rod lays flat on the saw table.

McMaster-Carr

This would keep it from rotating. Then set up some sort of fence to center it?????

Paul

Depending on the accuracy you need of course you might try drilling a hole in a block of something (even wood) driving in the round stock and put this block up against a guide fence and cut the whole thing.

If you're real good, you might consider using your phalanges to hold it! A lot can be said for manual dexterity and not over thinking things.

Use a drill press vise UPSIDE DOWN on the band saw table to hold your round stock.

--Doozer

Originally Posted by Doozer

Use a drill press vise UPSIDE DOWN on the band saw table to hold your round stock.

--Doozer

Or just use a vise designed for doing this on a band saw:

Heinrich Company - Bandsaw Vise - Racine, Wisconsin

or:

Wahlstrom Float lock Bandsaw Vise << Work Holding Devices << Online Catalog << Penn Tool Co.

(or if it's a one-off, a parallel clamp or wooden handscrew should be OK)

I too use a upside down drill press vice to do this. Ideally pick something with a nice level top like a toolmakers little vice. Remember too most bar will pinch shut as the cut gets deeper due to stress in the bar. Hence don't use to wide a blade or it will jam!