Bench block enhancements

[Ed Weldon]

Marv - I like what you've done accessorizing the old common bench block. Mine has spent much more time as a paperweight than such a tool deserves. Those little pieces will make a nice "warm up" project for me on days when it takes time to clear my head and get started in the shop. Very often in building small scale model parts and assemblies the need for holding a work piece asks for far less force than even the limits of old arthrytic hands. But a little assist in some axes is often needed. This idea opens up some interesting paths for creative invention. The round bench block with its existing precision features are great datums to build on.
I suspect professional machinists and instrument makers long ago thought of many such things. Sadly we in the 21st century are fairly separated from the thinking of those artisans of the previous century who weren't up to writing books and passed their time before the internet. So, save the efforts of those like yourself we are faced with the task of reinvention. Said invention laying fallow, but for the inspiration of a posting in a public forum.
Thank again for your efforts in sharing with us. Ed Weldon, Los Gatos, CA. USA