Adjustable V Block P5

In this video we complete the adjustable v block project by machining the brass thumb wheels and doing all the precision surface grinding and fitting. We use the Bar Z industrial Hotshot 360 furnace to heat treat the tool steel parts of the block. If you would like to make a set for yourself email me for PDF drawings.
Hotshot 360 Heat Treating Furnace
www.barzindustrial.com/

[@Clough42]

I like the new intro. The first time I heard it, I thought you were riffing on the OG A-Team narration. Thumbs up.

[@oxtoolco]

Thanks for the feedback. I wanted to change it for a while. I'm getting smoother with it now. Cheers, Tom

[@goboyz8016]

Pin the towers so they have to stay put when you tighten the screws. Excellent job. Love the education.

[@ROBRENZ]

I think they look great, nice work Tom! Nice chamfer block on the grinder too. love the longer format. ATB, Robin

[@oxtoolco]

Thanks Robin. That means a lot coming from the uber super duper fuss master of the universe. Talk to you soon. Tom

[@ROBRENZ]

@@oxtoolco Stop drinking the coolaid :-)

[@gwharton68]

Its nice to see that some people still appreciate beautifully designed tools.

[@farmalltomf]

Tom, I continue to enjoy your hand finishing efforts the most. For someone who has the depth of machining experience to take the time and the enjoyment of the hand finish exhibits the difference between a machinist and a craftsman! Well played my friend.

[@youcoulduseit7492]

Have to admit I have not ever seen a chamfer tool like that. I will now. Another really intresting tool. Anybody out there designing ther own work holding fixture's got alot of mileage out of some of the idea's in there. Thanks for stimulating some thought.

[@adamgalowitz1129]

“Sweet chamfers, and the intersect nice in the corners”. I agree. And love that little chamfer jig.

[@beatrute2677]

I thoroughly enjoyed this series, thanks heaps Tom.

[@DudleyToolwright]

Beautiful work Tom. Art.

[@LocoFabandMachineworks]

That’s for sharing Tom. I’d love to see a closer view of the chamfer grinding jig. It’s awesome

[@drubradley8821]

I made a set of height adjustable V-blocks, about 10 to 15 years ago, very similar to your design, as per, the center jack screw system.. I don't use them very often, but when I do, it was because I needed to, for the strange set-up. One thing I would like to add, I ended up cutting, what would be normally considered a snap ring groove in the bases center alignment hole for the jack screw's bushing, and the groove was a bit over sized, and deeper, all in efforts to receive an O-ring. The O-ring is merely just to dampen or prevent any rotation of the jack screw, which in turn, allowed for slight adjustment, which is typically in a downwards direction. I ended up doing that as the job before the O-ring modification, the one V-block had adjusted downwards, and the location where I could reach in to acquire my measurement, was on the other side from the sinking V-block... by the time I realized what was going on, that side's clamping system to hold the part in check, was loose... then SNAGGGGGGG.... 8 days worth of work was gone, I had to start all over. I never thought this could happen, due to the clamping pressure locking the entire system down, and never thought light machining would allow the adjustment jack screw to vibrate loose and in turn, allow the center section / V-block work area to lower.. Now I know, not to take that for granted, but, just thought I would mention that, to keep an eye out or put a small thought into adapting some form of friction or clasp type system to prevent the jack nut on yours from being allowed to rotate... Good luck. Nice looking adjustable V-blocks. Oh, and another thing I incorporated into mine, beings the job I originally needed to build them for, required them to hold a cylinder / bar and an angle / taper... The top landing surfaces are hardened dowels. So, that was tricky to get those cove landing areas to match on each side, for both units I made. and yes, if you turn them upside down, the dowels will fall out. Nothing holds them in place, other then the weight of themselves. But, the point of the dowels, is for holding work, at angles, as mentioned. I have found that a secure stop and the lower side of the pair of V-blocks, is a good idea, and I made a unit that is basically, a very simplified adjustable tailstock. It doesn't do any height adjustment, it only is for control in and out, to finely tune the position of where your part in in the V-blocks... basically, in the case I made for them, it is a 3 part tool system, plus the tools to adjust the clamping or tighten/loosen things... pain in the booty to set up, but always glad to have put the time in to build the kit, when I actually need it..

[@kevinreardon2558]

I always can't wait to see your next contribution. You're the one I've learned the most from. Your main theme is precision through simple techniques. Thanks!

[@sarman1998]

All that’s missing on those beauties is a makers mark!

[@joell439]

They came out beautifully - thanks Tom for taking us on the ride. Joel

[@SlowEarl1]

great project! Really enjoyed this series.

[@howder1951]

Another remarkable Ox Tool completed. Thanks Tom, it is always nice to watch your masterful treatments to every aspect of a project, you are in a class of your own, IMHO, cheers!

[@jeffanderson1653]

Lots of tricks in this series. Thanks for your time to share this one. I have the same Micromaster so that’s always fun.

[@chrismorton9736]

Tom, you never cease to amaze me on your quality and workmanship. Nice job!!!!!

[@rgmoore]

Tom, those turned out like jewelry. Beautiful work. I appreciate you sharing it with us.

[@marcoperuch]

Not only a great serie of built videos, also learnd a lot. Thank you for sharing your experience

[@FredMiller]

Fantastic job Tom. I learned a few new tricks on Surface Grinder setup and would REALLY like to see a video on that cool chamfer block you used. Stay safe and thanks for the series.. Fred

[@kevinzucco8358]

Awesome video series! Please keep sharing your knowledge with the test of the machining community. Your angle block for chamfering corners on the surface grinder is borderline genius.

[@exhempknight]

Awesome work as always, Tom. The V-blocks turned out great! That surface grinder chamfering fixture is quite clever... I think I'll be cribbing that idea for use in my own shop. Cheers!

[@kdtool9437]

Absolutely amazing craftsmanship Tom. Rock on 🤘🏻

[@devinclark8689]

I wish I could just have one chance to work for a big name in a big shop. My eye for perfection and my ability to remember everything the first time... Man I could really do my kids proud. I've tinkered and made several things using tools. Polishing the pieces to a mirror finish. Fun times. I like watching your videos. Thank you.

[@rickhaass1133]

beautiful work Tom

[@ianviljoen9036]

Super! Thanks for showing how you heat treated the parts!

[@joshuaparker4004]

They look awesome. Great job Tom. Please more of these videos.

[@Smallathe]

Awesome and elegant project. Lovely work of precision art!

[@AlmostMachining]

Awesome seeing those finished up Tom! Great work . Thank you very much!

[@doughibberd1576]

Well done Tom, like a couple of other commentators I would like a better look at the chamfering block you used on the surface grinder.

[@daveanderson2316]

Beautiful Tom. Thinking about a set for myself. Thanks for the footage.

[@erichoff7926]

Magnificent as always. Eric

[@gregsmith2262]

As always outstanding work to the highest standard. Love it!

[@ruperthartop7202]

Tom. What a great series. If you have any more projects you could share even better. Thanks for your time and effort putting these videos together. Cheers

[@markrand652]

Very cool project and very informative for me, thanks Tom!

[@maxcnc777]

Love these. Awesome work Tom!! 👍👍

[@hardwareful]

I'm coming here today after a day of fighting my tools (mostly software). I've always liked doing things with my hands, and listening to you somehow makes me wonder where I'll be in one, two or three decades, and whether I'll regret my career choices.

[@jikemenkins7098]

Really great series!

[@billrichardson4873]

Great job Tom, thanks for sharing

[@kengoddard2357]

Beautiful work Tom. 👍

[@TheKnacklersWorkshop]

Hi Tom, An enjoyable video... When i was an apprentice (many moons ago) i really liked surface grinding... Take care Paul,,

[@jackdelancey248]

Really impressive, you're fairly entertaining and I learn at the same time.

[@RaptorMachineToolCo]

Tom, they came out fantastic... i will definately put one in the " to do " que thanks ! Joe

[@sebastianhamann9846]

Fantastic Work!!!

[@tonyvancampen-noaafederal2640]

Form, function, utility, and pleasant to look at.

[@raymondhorvatin1050]

Beautiful work truly a master of your craft

[@timothyprochilo4840]

Really nice work Tom.

[@billdlv]

Great project Tom they look great. I liked the chamfering setup you had on the surface grinder. I'd like to build a set for myself but I don't have access to a shop right now, maybe in the future.

[@JlerchTampa]

I'm pretty confident I now require a surface grinder! Awesome fun project!

[@stephenpeterson7479]

Mighty fine work.

[@christurley391]

Nice project. Thanks for the video.

[@mrspencerls]

Great project, thanks for sharing

[@luismigueldominguez5487]

Beautiful work, MASTER, hello from Spain.

[@MikeBramm]

Another beautiful Lipton tool.

[@starlyabadillo6529]

Enjoyed everything really enjoy your videos thanks .

[@1jtolvey]

GREAT SERIES !!!

[@guy_b]

Great, now looking forward to seeing the completion of the Printing Press 🤓

[@MegaCountach]

Great stuff Tom, thanks! Cheers, Doug

[@InverJaze]

I'm still here after all these years.

[@akfarmboy49]

I like that tilting head grinder, that is a rare bird I have not seen one, I like those V blocks thank you.

[@hdheuejhzbsnnaj]

What a beauty!

[@krazziee2000]

Been waiting ,, great video, beautiful work there,, thanks for the lessons,,

[@stumccabe]

Beautiful.

[@punishr36]

I've always rotated my parts from the true working plane when finish flat grinding to avoid any dishing from heat plus always rough ground all surfaces before finishing critical dimensions to minimize distortion affecting any previously ground faces. Also haven't seen a Taft-Pierce in a few years. Cheers.

[@jeffreyschmiedeck4254]

Nice adjustable vee blocks

[@wlogue]

The super nerd fuss master is generally accompanied by Mr. Bozo in my shop, hahaha! Thanks for the series Tom! Take care bud.

[@bcbloc02]

I always enjoy the stunt grinding! I like to leave at least .010" on a surface to clean up with the grinder. Too many times do I find holidays if I leave less.

[@capnthepeafarmer]

Good stuff, Tom!

[@pbmachines972]

Tom nice work I would love to make a pair thanks for sharing so great👌

[@bulletproofpepper2]

Thanks for sharing ,Tom!

[@scottgarloff1390]

hey Tom. i am enjoying this series of videos. Ya kind of lost me for a year while you searched for perfection.. I hope you found what you were looking for.. Keep up the great videos

[@Steve_Just_Steve]

You must be new... lol

[@emilgabor88]

Like allways. You are the best...

[@TomChame]

Very neat, thanks.

[@PeterWMeek]

To fix the locations of those pillars, tap them around for final position, drill/ream for a pair of taper pins; drive the pins (appropriately shortened) in to lock position (and make it repeatable). Put the pins in random locations to make sure that each pillar can only be fitted in its proper place. Blind holes are not a problem as you can pull off the pillars (or drive them off through the screw holes) exposing the skinny ends of the pins. This tap/tighten/pin technique was used in the WWII bombsights (Norden or Sperry, I forget) to finalize all positions of the mechanical gearing and shafting. (I hope the parts aren't too hard for this to work.)

[@user990077]

51:26 Boy can I relate. I write stuff "like eggs on stove 12 min to boiling" or "paper towels, cat food, ranch dressing"

[@Butterbean00]

Thanks for all the work and the video. Just an fyi. I like the surface grinding videos as I need that instruction. Thanks.

[@TrPrecisionMachining]

very good video..thanks for your time

[@giorgiobusacchi100]

Good!! Ciao Tom, from Roma Italy

[@davidhunsinger8036]

Maybe a hollow dowel around the bolts to keep things lined up while tightening? You could still add them at this point. Keep videos coming, I learn something everyone of them.

[@philipjohnson986]

So stinking cool!!

[@OUUUUPS70]

full fat series , thanks tom (overseas student)

[@nickhenscheid369]

Perhaps you could use 2 small alignment pins and a single bolt to get the risers set perfectly. Very cool project, thanks for the videos!

[@AWDJRforYouTube]

my first visit...Today! First to LIKE IT👍

[@oxtoolco]

Thanks for the comment and like! Cheers, Tom

[@jamesmorris3175]

It would be great if we could move back towards functional things that also have an aesthetic appeal. Gives stuff a bit of soul.

[@txm100]

Dude. Let him build what he want's to build.

[@tommynordin2484]

tm he’s not talking about him, he’s talking about things in general

[@jamesmorris3175]

I guess I thought I’d be stating the obvious. But for clarity, THESE APPEAR BEAUTIFUL IN FORM AND FUNCTION.

[@Ujeb08]

A simpler design ; you could replace the 2 tapered "Jaws" with two 1/4" dowel pins press fit into the base and a sliding fit in the Vee's block. It's a lot less work but constrains the Vees from twisting and tilting.

[@oxtoolco]

There is a commercial set of adjustable v blocks that uses rods as you mention. I never liked the look of those particular blocks so I when with the strong shoulder look. Thanks for the comment. Cheers, Tom

[@Saki630]

I loved this series enough to watch every video and never touched a mill in my life. I want to see you use these in the future. Could you not have just killed out a solid pocket in a rectangular block instead of making it in five pieces?

[@dahl7233]

Hey Tom, I have been watching your videos for several years and, been a subsciber for as long as I have been watching. At all the shops I have worked in use lots of dowel pins. So 2 pins and one 10-32 screw should do it. Do the base as a press fit and the up rights with an oversize reamer.

[@oxtoolco]

That would probably work well. Referencing the holes to the slot geometry might be interesting. Could be done with a simple fixture that used the pins to locate the part for grinding. Cheers, Tom

[@PeterWMeek]

@@oxtoolco - see my comment on using taper pins for location.

[@troyam6607]

can we just take a moment to appreciate that drop of Ali 20:30 ! Wow

[@masterchaud555]

An hour of oxtools. I'm in heaven 🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤

[@brianevans1946]

Awesome project Tom, would love to make a set but don't have the equipment where I work..

[@ricko5123]

Happy 4th Tom and NJoy.

[@cavemaneca]

My thought for how you could align the sides better would be two pins where the current bolts are, then just a single center bolt each.

[@1000rhh]

Sweet

[@markbarlow4918]

Absolutely gorgeous tooling! Thanks for taking the time to document it. What is the finishing paper you used on the surface table?

[@oxtoolco]

Norton black ice adhesive back paper. I like it but its kinda expensive and only three inches wide. McMaster has it. Cheers, Tom

[@dixonqwerty]

Amazing blocks. Been watching the whole series. How about grinding them after the side posts are mounted? That would eliminate any offset when tightening the screws. I bet they would look amazing cold blued as well, together with that brass knob! Greetings from Sweden mr Tom.

[@bigkenny66]

Hello Tom, I see the hand wheel to the intaglio press you built / are building for your wife in the background. Any chance of seeing the completion of that project on youtube?

[@xenonram]

He doesn't want to talk about the etching press.

[@MrValhem265]

@@xenonramOH OH Im in the Bad books with Mr Lipton i just sent him an email asking about the Press. Was BOZOISH OF ME LOL

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

Very very nice. I am already subed so I cannot reward you for the excellent work. Say uh you maybe want me to keep those safe for you?

[@stevenslater2669]

Tom says, “I like to file...” If you want to see some of Tom’s fancy filing, take a look at his series on building a “baby” Wilton vise! I watched an old Jimmy Stewart movie the other day - “Carbine Williams”. He supposedly built a prototype of what became the WWII M1 Carbine from an old car axle using only a hacksaw & files (must’ve had a drill for the bore, eh?). When I first saw that movie in the ‘50s, I thought it was impossible. Decades later I saw Tom Lipton use files. Now I believe it’s possible. Heck, there must be 100 people on the planet who can file like that.

[@joell439]

🙂😎👍. Thanks Tom!