A Variable Height V Block

[rgsparber]

I recently needed to align a part clamped to a block with some round stock held in a V block. In theory, shims could be used but this is a real pain in the a**. I wanted a way to adjust the altitude of the round stock in a continuous fashion. Here is what I slapped together:

https://rick.sparber.org/VariableHeightV_Block.pdf

Your comments are welcome. All of us are smarter than any one of us.

Thanks,

Rick

[Altair]

Thanks rgsparber! We've added your Variable Height V-Block to our Miscellaneous category,
as well as to your builder page: rgsparber's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Variable Height V-Block by rgsparber

tags: adjustable, V-block

[Karl_H]

Nice, Rick.
Thanks

My first inclination (pun intended) would be to drill and tap perpendicular to the way you did. The V block would rest firmly on the angle bracket and the angle bracket would be supported by the entire lower corner on one side and the screw you drilled and tapped for on the other. Just my 2¢.

Karl

[Karl_H]

This is what I had tried to express:


With the added drawing, it is now my $1.02 worth!

[mklotz]

Rick and Karl's methods are both excellent examples of a fundamental principle of tool design...

Whenever you can identify a degree of freedom that is unneeded in your problem, that fact can be used to simplify the design or provide an opportunity for simplification, another capability, weight reduction or even artistic embellishment.

This insight first struck me when I saw a picture of an old British stationary steam engine with the connecting rod between the eccentric and the steam valve made as an open-work frame rather than the traditional solid shaft. I came to realize that the "essence" of a connecting rod is its ability to hold two holes a fixed distance apart and the medium and shape that accomplished this was irrelevant.

[jdurand]

In my early engineering classes we were taught tricks to simplify problems, like using a cable when all you need is tension or using hinges on support beams that "shouldn't" move. This removes having to include bending loads in your calculation. Cables are ALWAYS in tension only. Hinged parts are in tension or compression and nothing else (assuming your bridge isn't leaning sideways).

[rgsparber]

This is what I had tried to express:


With the added drawing, it is now my $1.02 worth!

Karl’s brilliant idea is now in the article (with his permission). Thanks Karl