Clamping with a Clamping Kit
The clamping kit is the “Erector set” of the milling machine. Use it to clamp
large workpieces, fixtures, and even vises to the mill table.
Use 1-2-3 blocks as part of your “Erector set”. They can be used to hold
workpieces up off the table so you won’t drill into the table. They can be used
to mount workpieces, and they can be used to set work up perpendicular to the
mill table.
When clamping with step blocks and clamp bars, the end of the clamp bar on
the step block should be just a little higher than the end on the workpiece.
This ensures that the end of the clamp bar makes contact with the workpiece.
The stud should be located as close to the workpiece as possible so that the
majority of the clamping force is exerted on the workpiece and not the step
block.
Finding the Edge of a Workpiece
Once your work is secured on the table, the next step is to locate the edge of
the work so you can zero the X- and Y-axis dials.
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