Self Aligning Clamp Pad

Secure clamping relies on directing pressure quite figuratively 'through' the part to an opposing fixed surface; as in moving and fixed jaws of a vise. And whether vise, clamp, or hold down; they like parallel surfaces best.
Frank S and I directed attention to one remedy, a semicircular adjustor that compensates misalignment of shaped parts between parallel jaws. http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/v...-do-more-49490
Here's another using a swivel action, for tapers, curves and compound surfaces, as in cast or forged parts. Self adjusting, it uses less space, advantageous when a vise is used.
Attachment 17347
This is a lathe or mill project, or combination of the two. A little planning will allow making two at a time. Test fits while work proceeds. Heat treating is not needed, or recommended.

The physical size isn't critical, use steel an adjust to suit material available. Procure two bearing balls, example uses .75/ 19mm. This block is about 2 1/2" long, 1 5/16" high, and 1" deep. The radius inside block [not through] and chord is 1". Allow .002-.004 clearance on one side. The chord has two pockets bored to slip fit the bearing balls. Ball end milling can be used, but isn't required. If pocket is ball-milled, pilot drill around 1/4 ball diameter and somewhat beyond 1/2 ball diameter. Seat depth is .020-.030 deeper than 1/2 the ball diameter. Before assembly, grind flats with any manner at your disposal. Lightly stake the balls in place to be retained, not locked. Top edge of chord is grooved for a roll pin pressed into the top plate. In the groove are 2 roll pins at 45* to keep the chord from swiveling out of the block. Attachment 17348.
Top plate is countersunk for 2 #10 flat head screws, tapped in block.
jjr2001's post has a similar aspect, and some good building techniques. http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/w...se-balls-50698
This works in vises, hold-downs and a variety of fixturing.
If any amplification is needed, feel free to post or email questions.
And for Ralphxyz here are 2 shots, to represent use. Only have one suitable casting at the moment, Attachment 17362 and about a 5" stub of round stock. Casting's the 'apron' from a manual form bender being modified. Round is just a drop from our saw. Attachment 17363

<!-- BEGIN /var/www/html/homemadetools/protected/modules/zeus/views/tool/postUpdate.php -->
Thanks Toolmaker! We've added your Self Aligning Clamp Pad to our Workholding category,
as well as to your builder page: Toolmaker's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

<div id="blocks"> <div class="block b1 pngfix"> <div class="bimg"> <div> <a href="http://www.homemadetools.net/homemade-self-aligning-clamp-pad"> <img src="/uploads/168385/homemade-self-aligning-clamp-pad.jpeg"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="head pngfix"></div> <div class="left pngfix"></div> <div class="right pngfix"></div> <div class="blockover b1 pngfix"> <div class="title"> <a href="http://www.homemadetools.net/homemade-self-aligning-clamp-pad">Self Aligning Clamp Pad</a> <span> by <a href="http://www.homemadetools.net/builder/Toolmaker51">Toolmaker51</a></span> </div> <div class="tags">tags: <a href='http://www.homemadetools.net/tag/bearing'>bearing</a>, <a href='http://www.homemadetools.net/tag/clamp'>clamp</a>, <a href='http://www.homemadetools.net/tag/holding'>holding</a> </div> </div> </div> </div>
<!-- END /var/www/html/homemadetools/protected/modules/zeus/views/tool/postUpdate.php -->

TM51 Thanks for posting.
I made something similar to that a long time ago I found that bu placing the .75 bearings .050" apart with a .150" grind to them this gave me a .600 dia flat surface. also by making the pocket to a depth that allowed for .150" of the ball to remain above the surface I had .450" embedded. This made the diameter of the ball at the surface .018" smaller than the major dia. More than sufficient for staking in place. This gives better than 23° of angularity per bearing meaning a .312" dia cylinder could be clamped
I guess now I will have to make a couple of new models mounted in the corded cylinder as you described I hadn't thought of that one Brilliant.

Eddited reply here is a sketch showing the angular possibility
Attachment 17356

I'd like to see it being used clamping something.

Ralph

Simply brilliant.

Wow,thanks, now if only I could find this again when I have time to make up some!

Ralph

More workholding tools from Toolmaker51:

<div id="blocks"> <div class="block b1 pngfix"> <div class="bimg"> <div> <a href="https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/vise-can-do-more-49490#post70781"><img src="/uploads/155089/homemade-mill-vise-clamping-aid.jpeg" alt="Mill Vise Clamping Aid"></a> </div> </div> <div class="head pngfix"></div> <div class="left pngfix"></div> <div class="right pngfix"></div> <div class="blockover b1 pngfix"> <div class="title"> <a href="https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/vise-can-do-more-49490#post70781">Mill Vise Clamping Aid</a> <span> by <a href="/builder/Toolmaker51">Toolmaker51</a></span> </div> <div class="tags">tags: <a href="/tag/vise">vise</a>, <a href="/tag/holding">holding</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="block b1 pngfix"> <div class="bimg"> <div> <a href="https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/more-vise-can-do-49521#post70844"><img src="/uploads/155093/homemade-mill-vise-edge-clamping-aid.png" alt="Mill Vise Edge Clamping Aid"></a> </div> </div> <div class="head pngfix"></div> <div class="left pngfix"></div> <div class="right pngfix"></div> <div class="blockover b1 pngfix"> <div class="title"> <a href="https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/more-vise-can-do-49521#post70844">Mill Vise Edge Clamping Aid</a> <span> by <a href="/builder/Toolmaker51">Toolmaker51</a></span> </div> <div class="tags">tags: <a href="/tag/vise">vise</a>, <a href="/tag/holding">holding</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="block b1 pngfix"> <div class="bimg"> <div> <a href="https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/turret-mills%3B-quick-vertical-part-holder-55207#post81356"><img src="/uploads/162677/homemade-turret-mill-clamp.jpeg" alt="Turret Mill Clamp"></a> </div> </div> <div class="head pngfix"></div> <div class="left pngfix"></div> <div class="right pngfix"></div> <div class="blockover b1 pngfix"> <div class="title"> <a href="https://www.homemadetools.net/forum/turret-mills%3B-quick-vertical-part-holder-55207#post81356">Turret Mill Clamp</a> <span> by <a href="/builder/Toolmaker51">Toolmaker51</a></span> </div> <div class="tags">tags: <a href="/tag/clamp">clamp</a>, <a href="/tag/mill">mill</a></div> </div> </div> </div>

Again WOW, thanks!!

Ralph

Thanks for the pictures, added to my list!!

Since I've put aside my metalworking for a while, and am concentrating on woodworking (guitars, ukuleles, basses), I decided that hardwood and plastic (Delrin, nylon, urethane) clamp pads of this design would be helpful in those builds.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by billster

Since I've put aside my metalworking for a while, and am concentrating on woodworking (guitars, ukuleles, basses), I decided that hardwood and plastic (Delrin, nylon, urethane) clamp pads of this design would be helpful in those builds.

---

I think the body and swivel could be dense, oiled hardwood, and many suppliers offer plastic spheres. Not sure how to retain them, wood isn't known to stake very well. Maybe a thin punched metal or plastic frame?

Can you make ME one?
:-)

I love it!

On my list, I have a variety of Delrin balls on the way.

Ralph

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CharlesWaugh

Can you make ME one?
:-)

I love it!

---

Uh, no.
Not one anyway. Making the sector is best done as a single turning then sawn in half. However, compile a list of buyers; yours could be free. I could mail them flat rate USPS anywhere in the contiguous US. This applies to version depicted, metallic not plastic.