Al V-Block for Welding Usage

[@txsviking]

Good to see you Chris. Your health needs to come before we do so do what you need to feel better. Even napping on a pin :).Next to my turntable, my V-blocks are the most valuable things in the shop. I made mine in a very similar fashion. Take care of yourself.

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Terry. Thanks - it was actually seeing you using yours that made me think of making that! ATB.

[@Daledavispratt]

Howdy Chris! Whether it is about you making something, your drone videos..or just "waffling" as you call it..any upload from you, however frequent or infrequent is a treat for so many of us. I tune in to see YOU..what you are up to and what you have to say..and I'll enjoy every one of them as I do our Skype chats. Thanks for the update, my friend! :-)

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Dale, You are too kind. I sure hope to keep something going when I can rather than quit. We'll have a chat again before too long on the old Skype. Best to Kim :)

[@kellywizbang]

I feel your pain. I have Copd, and also arthritis in my lower back, shoulders, and neck. I suffer from chronic fatigue as well and on Oxygen 24/7. Just going to the grocery store or whatever is an adventure in itself. Take care and do what you can when you can, I'm on notification so I'll be here when it says you have posted. Rest well and be safe. Kelly

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Kelly, You sound like a candidate for the same club as me - the "Wrecks Club" :) All a case of trying to adapt to our limitations really - which is frustrating! I'll hope to get some shop time periodically when I can. Take care and all best.

[@EverettsWorkshop]

Hey Chris, good to see you on screen again! I did catch your discussion near the end, just so you know we'll take whatever you can put together, no matter how long it takes. I hear you about the cost of tooling, it always seems like the tool one needs is just out of reach for some reason. As for the V-blocks, that is a good idea making a set of non-precision blocks for welding as you don't want to bugger up a good set. They're nice and shiny now but that will change with use!

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Everett - thanks for dropping by. I am determined not to give up but realism tells me that output and opportunity will be much reduced compared with the past. You are right - the v-block will not keep shiny for long! :) Glad to see your channel thriving, even with the limits you deal with when the little man needs attention!!.

[@malcolmtill]

Hi Chris, Great to see you again and i liked the project, I don't see that the finish needs better than roughing (which looked pretty good). A lot of us out here are in a similar position to yourself, I take 37 pills a day and many days of the week i can't bear the weight of my hands on the end of my arms due to arthritis, all my joints are badly affected many day's I can't walk. But it makes the good days so much better. Seeing you and hearing of your aches and pains makes me realise I'm not alone. I look forwards to your videos, You're not paid to make them so if you can and do i will be very appreciative. If you can't we understand. Best wishes my friend.

[@ChrisB257]

Hello Malcolm, Thank you. I can't match your pill count I must say but even 7 a day is enough! Indeed, those occasional 'better days' are a bonus and help a lot. I think almost for sure there are a good many of us in the same sort of boat - this age thing sucks eh! ATB :)

[@michaelhale4041]

We will stick with you Chris. You make videos when your able. We enjoy your videos. We will work around your time and ability.

[@ChrisB257]

Thanks Michael. Ever hopeful to keep things going when possible. :)

[@michaelhale4041]

@@ChrisB257 you KZbin subscriber family will be here for you

[@ChrisB257]

Thanks Mike :)

[@donmittlestaedt1117]

Hello Chris, I'm a senior senior. My ills are different than yours, but I keep chugging along. I think it is because I draw strength from my loved one,s and by damning what I think is wrong with the world and those that make it spin on it's wobbly base. inspired by you and others, I decide to start a hobby machine shop at home. I loved that work all my life, and I need something to do. It gets cold here in the winter season so I am clearing a part of our seldom used family room. A fan of yours for a few years, I did notice your videos have slowed. I appreciate your creations and your personality. Please take good care of yourself and keep on chugging along. We old fogies need to pull ourselves up by resting a hand on the shoulder of our contemplates. Thanks Chris.

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Don, Thanks a lot for the kind words. I certainly hope to keep chugging on, even if slower. Not planning to cease if possible. Best wishes. :)

[@MattysWorkshop]

Gday Chris, great to see you in the shop again, you have a lot of followers to your channel and I think people will understand what you are going through, it’s not easy being in pain all the time I know this first hand and it is shit, please don’t give on making chips, it doesn’t matter if you don’t get a video out as often as you used to, life is not a easy ride so just do what you can mate, you have to look after number 1, I certainly will still be here and look forward to whenever you pop up again, please look after yourself mate, all the best Matty 🇦🇺

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Mat, Thanks for the encouragement and kind words - I sure hope to still manage things when I can - as I had said - still have a long list of project stuff! I'd take pain pills if they weren't so darned dangerous! :) All best.

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

The "V" blocks looks to me like a good idea. I am a bit behind on maintenance here also. Take it easy and don't overdo on the work.

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Harold. Thanks. Well - my shop is chaos compared to yours! Hope to gradually make inroads on some sort of order, even though I seem to have run out of space to put things! Probably got to be very decisive and a bit brutal - not easy for a fully qualified pack rat! :)

[@PhilsProjects]

Take the time you need, we will always wait, I fully understand the issues you are dealing with, you are not alone. Cheers .

[@ChrisB257]

Hey Phil - well, hoping that I'll still get some stuff done now and again. At least I'm still the right side of the grass :-) ATB.

[@michaelmurray9154]

Hi Chris. That's a nice two in one vee block. Whether useing for work holding or arm "propping" that will be very useful. Sorry to hear you may be cutting back on the video work. As a loyal subscriber, I will continue to enjoy watching any future videos you are inclined to produce. As an old guy, I understand about energy levels (and all the humorous platitudes). We can only do what can do🙂. Take care of yourself buddy, Mike

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Mike - thanks. I sure hope to manage some output but just when I can - don't want to give up entirely. All best my friend. :)

[@mauriceeley621]

Hya Chris sent you an email before watching this . I now know why your videos are not to regular . Best wishes for you and your health

[@ChrisB257]

Sent you an email back Maurice :)

[@Stefan_Boerjesson]

Hi Chris! Watched this video, by some reason, 11 months later. I know Your back is not the greatest asset those days. A short time ago I saw a video of Yours about rear headstock help for long and thin stock, and made a simple one for myself, inspired by You! Yesterday I saw another video of Yours, using a boring bar head to adjust tail center for cutting tapers. This video I did pick up from another KZbinr, God knows who, was lucky to find an MT2 shank having the threads fitting my boring head. Yeees! I suffer from a heavy, whatever it should be called, weakness. Body helth is really good but mentally, starting any of all the fun projs…. I'm like a gearbox filled with sand instead of oil. Enough of complains. Chris! Your videos have inspired me to do things, and get on with the next idea! Stretch Your back and know You're doing good for mankind!

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Stefan, thank you - well, hope my video stuff may have given you ideas. That said, I often myself get inspiration from other's videos! I still struggle with the back and so shop time is very difficult these days - that said, I still hope to manage at least a bit of shop time again. I know about weakness too - in as much as I have for some time suffered from chronic fatigue, probably aggravated by some meds I have to take - does slow things down. Hope you manage to fight your weakness problem and still enjoy life - even these days! ATB

[@ActiveAtom]

Hi nice to stop in see you and well have some learning time. We like your sharing so sit back and enjoy the shared stories and experiences while making things to work on or with here. Sorry to here about your health issues we sure have to work hard to be here making our video's a tough road we have had but a fun one meeting others online like yourself. Reviews are no issue. Thank you for the share, Lance & Patrick.

[@ChrisB257]

Thank you - appreciate your kind words. Ever hopeful to keep some content going over time. :)

[@pierresgarage2687]

Hi Chris, Right about this tough Winter being hard on the motivation, it's barely starting to get a little warmer over here, old buggers like us need sun and heat to function properly... ;) To help the blocks stay in line you could make some set of 2 holes either for dowel pins or different length of rods, got a precision set just like that, I find it quite practical... Take care, back pain is a motivation killer, unfortunately...

[@ChrisB257]

Hey Pierre, Too right - can imagine too what you guys had to endure this winter. Temps on rise now but with that comes severe weather - can't win! I did consider dowel pins for the block before using bolts. Good idea - I'll maybe make a couple of rods to help align, although most of time I reckon a straight edge would do. Take care.

[@tomlee7966]

always at your speed Chris, i think a lot of us older gents are in your same shape, i'm 57 and have the same symptoms and back problems and fatigue as you do. we should have been easier on our bodies when we were younger but we thought we were indestructible am i right lol. keep plugging along we will be waiting patiently for what you want to put out. take care.

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Tom - thanks. Well I'm 74 now and I guess even more prone to such things. You may be right regarding what we did when younger! Anyways - onwards and do what we can within our limitations. :)

[@RockingJOffroad]

tom lee , I have to agree about feeling indestructible in my earlier days!

[@pauldevey8628]

We appreciate whatever videos you produce. Thx!

[@ChrisB257]

Thanks very much Paul :)

[@cosprint]

Great idea for the splitting v block. Im glad you can still make a video here and there. Always good to see you.

[@ChrisB257]

Hi - thank you. For sure hope to keep going even if a lot slower than it was once.

[@MegaCountach]

Great to see you back Chris, always enjoy your videos, all the best, Doug

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Doug, Thank you - good to be back after way too long. Hope to manage a bit more when I can.

[@boblasley5640]

Hey Chris, just got around to watching this. I can relate on many of your health aspects as meds keep me alive and I have a worn out old back too. I wear out a whole lot quicker than I used too as well, so I rest more than I work anymore, but I'll keep going in the shop as long as I can get out there. You make and put out what videos you can and I'll continue to enjoy every one of them, but more than anything take care of yourself. All the best to you and yours!

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Bob, I'm a bit the same, in as much as when I can I'll still get into the shop now and again - not wanting to actually give up. It does get frustrating though. Thanks for the kind words - take care.

[@danielbandera5070]

Hola Chris, había visto el video cuando lo subió...y vuelvo a verlo ahora y por lo menos se de usted, a pesar de las molestias de salud es bueno saber que está bien, un abrazo, no muy fuerte, por la espalda!! jajaajaja

[@ChrisB257]

Hola Daniel. Gracias por ver. Espero poder pasar un tiempo en la tienda de vez en cuando, pero ya no será tanto como antes. Hace un tiempo hacía demasiado frío, ahora hace demasiado calor.Hola Daniel. Gracias por ver. Espero poder pasar un tiempo en la tienda de vez en cuando, pero ya no será tanto como antes. Hace un tiempo hacía demasiado frío, ahora hace demasiado calor.

[@JamesDedmon]

Good to see you again. I understand sometimes we have our personal challenges, yes there is more life than making videos. I'll be pulling for you and hopefully you and the doctors can get you some relief. I enjoyed the project and as long as it works as intended that is all that is important.

[@ChrisB257]

Hi James. Thanks - we'll keep soldiering on as much as possible, hopefully for a while yet! ATB :)

[@JamesDedmon]

@@ChrisB257 Yes as Mr. Pete says dirt naps are not fun

[@shadowfox929]

Nice job on the v-block Chris. Maybe when the weather gets warmer it won't be so hard on those old bones. At least that is what I am hoping for. When you get your shop in order you can come over here and do mine. Hope you get to feeling better.

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Dave - thanks. Well, warmer helps a bit but before long it'll be too hot! Always living with extremes! My shop in order? hah - pigs might fly Dave - best probably will be scratching the surface. What surface? They are all covered in stuff LOL.

[@Grabber-bx8ns]

CHRIS BACK IN THE SHOP??????? And making chips no less. Really good to see you making a great little vee block. Why don't you request some milling cutters from Banggood for review. To be honest i do get a bit fed up with Banggood reviews but i would be happy to make an exception for you. Good luck to you Chris. Jim in England.

[@ChrisB257]

Hey Jim, Yes, I'm back! hah - sort of. I did actually review some Banggood cutters quite a long time ago but unfortunately they don't do anything bigger than either 10mm or 12mm - forget now. It's large ones I am so short of. Maybe eventually try and obtain a shell end mill. All best Jim. :)

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

Well hey Chris! It's good seeing you again. Take care of yourself, work as you can, make videos when you feel like it. We will be here waiting. Happy Easter 2019.

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Jeffry, Thank you. Not giving up just yet - just easing off! Happy Easter to you too :)

[@chieft3357]

You're back, so glad to see ya. Sorry about your back problem, you know I have a back problem also. It's fun getting to do a little work in the shop ain't it. Just be careful.

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Jim - thanks for the phone chat. Hope to keep going even at reduced level - still enjoy it which is a driving force. ATB.

[@bhein67]

Thanks for the video, best wishes for better health. Keep doing what you can. Thanks for sharing!

[@ChrisB257]

Thanks very much. Hope to continue when I can :)

[@outsidescrewball]

Hello Chris... I am here to watch and listen project build or not....your health is paramount please take care and as our friend says...KOKO

[@ChrisB257]

Hey Chuck. Thank you very much - I have come to greatly appreciate and relish all the folks I have met over the channels and for sure, many are friends. Just sad that I have not been able to meet very many. You take care of yourself too. ATB.

[@davet9740]

G'Day Chris, Whatever you can manage will be appreciated. Your style and presentation is unique and I'm sure that we all look forward to a bit of " waffle" now and again. Look after yourself Regards Dave Tointon

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Dave, Thank you - I sure hope to keep something coming out when I can. ATB :)

[@frogdavw9699]

Good to see you making chips again, thanks and take care of yourself

[@ChrisB257]

Thank you - I hope to not totally cease the chip-making :)

[@adaml52]

Hi Chris, Good to see a video, even better to see you machining 😀😀 Looking forward to seeing another video, when possible. All the best Adam

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Adam, Thank you. Plenty of projects on ''the list'' - hope to still manage some shop time when possible. :)

[@PorkBarrel.]

Seriously Chris look into the Keto diet. It has worked wonders for my energy and helped motivation. I'm a little younger than you but suffer very similar back/body issues. Prayers sent for you and yours.

[@ChrisB257]

Hi John, Thanks for the suggestion - I'll look into that although I fear my meds are one of my big barriers. Best to you.

[@RockingJOffroad]

Chris, I just had a electrode placed in my spine that blocks the pain from my lower back. My back is much better, at least for now! I can actually stand for more than 30 seconds with out my back going into spasms! Money is an issue for many of us! I make do by bartering a lot of my tooling when I can. It seems to me that I am slowly loosing ground with the cost of living! A year ago I had a little extra money, but the last few months I have been running out of money well before the end of the month!

[@ChrisB257]

Hi John, I guess you basically have a sort of permanent 'TENS' set up... glad that gives you some relief. Could well be something for me one day although - we do need to be careful when pain is reduced, not to inflict extra damage by doing do much. Seems we both have the similar cash problem - no extra - just darned deficits. Gets old real quick. Take care.

[@RockingJOffroad]

Years ago I tried a TENS unit and it didn’t help me at all. I have pain in my lower spine, mid spine and up between my shoulder blades. The lower back pain was causing my back to cramp and go into spasms. This new device only works on the lower back pain but that is a huge improvement over how it was before the surgery! Before I rarely even felt the mid back and upper back pain.

[@RagsdaleCreek]

Nice video . Know what you mean about the back. Have degenerative disc have had them for 15 years and in 2014 had an auto accident and broke my back.I now have screws and and plates. When in shop do more resting and positioning trying to get a little relief. Not going to give up . Life is always a struggle and i'll fight and keep active till I can't move at all.. They do wonders with surgery now days. I am a living testament to that metal knees, metal back and 1 kidney lost to cancer .. Fight on to live another day. And when God is ready for me I am ready to go home. Life is good in Alabama 👍👍👍👍👍 Watching in Alabama

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Anthony, Thank you. Much is down to trying to work within our limitations but without giving up.... just try to know what is possible without overdoing things! I have no metal in my back but do have a metal hip - my one claim to being bionic :)

[@JAYZWORKSHOP]

Good job Chris, all the best

[@ChrisB257]

Thanks a lot and all best to you too.

[@howder1951]

Thanks for the video Chris, I always enjoy your presence. Why don't you recycle a few of your earlier videos, I m sure they would command a bit of a view, and keep you active on the youtube circuit as well. The frequency is very important, as we viewers look forward to the next installment. All the best to you and cheers!

[@ChrisB257]

Hi - Thank you. I guess I could recycle one or two, although I feel that's cheating a bit! Maybe I'll re-edit some older material to show a project at faster speed. I'd like to keep some sort of momentum even if a lot slower. That's a good idea. :)

[@pauldevey8628]

Great idea for a V-block.

[@ChrisB257]

Again, thanks.

[@terrylarotonda784]

Good job Chris

[@ChrisB257]

Hey Terry - thank you. :)

[@wayneacaron8744]

i am sad to hear you will be posting less. i understand your medical issues, "{im a heart patient" try to keep going. poppy

[@ChrisB257]

Thanks - seems with age we all get our limiting factors and so have to work within those - but - even slowing down it's hoped to manage at least some continuation. :)

[@robertpartsmade5832]

Take care Chris ... we are all thinking of you , sorry so far away other wise could come and help with some of the tidy up chores ..... Regards Robert PARTSMADE 🇬🇧

[@ChrisB257]

Thank you Robert. I'll be honest - tidy-up chores are so complicated I rather doubt I would wish to impose on anyone else - so much will have to be done gradually and slowly! Appreciate the offer. :)

[@nevetslleksah]

Nice project. Organization is one thing I need to get done in my shop also. Keep getting it done. Take care.

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Steven, Thanks - if I can shed my 'pack rat' tendencies just maybe I can eventually get a bit more organized!! :)

[@chrisstephens6673]

What ho namesake, as Harold is known for saying " keep on keeping on! " seems sensible advice. Should stayed in UK, only used heat in the engineerium half a dozen times this last winter. ATB c

[@ChrisB257]

Hello Chris - well KOKO as Harold says - yes, will be trying to! You are probably right re temps - had I still been in my old shop in Devon. However, swings and roundabouts really - I do very much like the area I live in. ATB :)

[@chrisstephens6673]

@@ChrisB257 which part of Devon, back in the early sixties my Aunt had a holiday cottage in Axmouth and still went to the area till the eighties. Are you saying your present domicile is pretty than Devon? I've seen your travelogues and although pleasent enough I reckon Devon takes the cream ( clotted of course)

[@ChrisB257]

I was in North Tawton - which is not far from Okehampton - pretty much center of Devon and right by Dartmoor. Indeed a lovely area that's for sure. Different of course from my area here and I miss it a bit but ....... there's always an element of 'win some lose some'. So - fond memories but here I am still in a very pleasant region and with a wife I adore. :)

[@GrandpaBill]

Hey Chris... I think we're brothers..... I've had the same problems for years.... Haven't been able to get down in my shop and do a dam thing. My welding bench has to have a dozen semi-started projects, (Or more). But I'm here alone and if something goes wrong God only knows when they'll find me. hehehe Another problem is "I know HOW TO do it" but this old body doesn't have the strength or endurance to do it.

[@ChrisB257]

Hello Bill, Thank you. How right you are regarding knowing how to do but body says 'no'! Other problem is, if I launch into something and overdo it - then there's a penalty for a few days after! Oh well - we must continue to try and age gracefully :) Take care and all best.

[@garyc5483]

Hi Chris. Sorry to hear of your problems. Something us oldies have to put up with. I say health & family first. Do what you can when you can. Post now and then to let us know you are still kicking. :-) Good luck. Best wishes & regards from the UK ps crikey 1st poster. Do I get a prize. :-)

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Gary, Thanks. I'll hopefully not be giving up totally yet a while - I still enjoy it but limitations are super frustrating. All best to you - sorry no prize yet :)

[@markowen7164]

Not see you for ages. Are you ok? M

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Mark - still breathing! However, back and general health issues make shop time more than difficult these days, plus, either too hot or too cold! Never give up though and may yet manage something new, one day.

[@markowen7164]

Grate to hear that. I hope you do manage some new project one day. Best wishes Mark.

[@pgs8597]

G’day Chris, that chronic fatigue is a bugger, my wife suffers from it, she’s in bed all day, actually she has all of your problems, oh well I just gotta look after her. Stay well as best you can and we’ll see you when. Cheers Peter

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Peter, Sorry to hear you wife suffers that - indeed it is deceptively limiting. Hard sometimes for many folks to understand. I'll certainly be hoping to keep going even at a reduced level. :) ATB.

[@frankjames4573]

Hi Chris... I'm retired now and will be getting a mini lathe very soon... next couple of weeks... I have a problem I can't seem to solve... Imagine a disc, aluminium 50 mm in diameter and 5 mm thick... I want to run a groove round the circumference of the peice... Now I can't hold the piece in a inner or outer 3 jaw chuck, as the teeth will get in the way... Milling a stub to hold that stub in the jaws is an answer, but would wasteful as some of the materials I'll be using are quite expensive! Any ideas? Would be grateful... PS. I'm new to lathe work, so in the dark a bit... Frank... This is the lathe I'm thinking of getting... www.warco.co.uk/metal-lathes-metalworking-lathe-machine/302922-mini-hobby-lathe.html Any thoughts on that too?

[@ChrisB257]

Hi Frank, Although import, the Warco stuff has generally seemed quite reasonable. There are a lot of mini lathes around so,hard to tell but this one appears to be a viable package. Your dilemma -- You may still have to use some other material first, by which I mean -- make a piece of perhaps 45mm and thick as possible for chucking (call it 'dummy' backing) - at least enough to be safely held in the chuck. Set it up and adjust for truth, then score a few light grooves over its face. Then - find accurate center in work piece and make a reasonable center pop. With a center in tail stock bring that disc up close to the dummy piece using center in the center pop for alignment. Apply some super glue to dummy and push tail stock further until your disc is glued to it. Allow to set and then do your outer groove, keeping tail stock center pushing on it. Once machining finished, take everything out of the chuck and heat gently until you can separate the two parts. Finally clean off glue residue with acetone. Hope this gives some idea of what can work - at least, trying to explain the principle.

[@frankjames4573]

@@ChrisB257 Hi Chris, great idea, but i can't mark either face... your idea, would it work with double sided tape, using the method you recommended? I would only be putting a 1.mm deep square edge groove into the piece... The material is timber by the way, so i cant use a cutting tool... which now begs another question... Something like a mounted Dremmel type of spindle, if you get my drift! Also... the piece would have to be mounted dead center... It's quite complicated to explain... Trust me to come up with a complex idea as a novice! Thanks for your reply, much appreciated... Frank...

[@ChrisB257]

Didn't realize Frank your disc was wood! Double sided tape could well work but also even with no adhesive, if sufficient pressure can be maintained from the tail stock the friction alone can suffice - of course making sure the work on the edge not overly aggressive. Centering would be basically down to good set-up for the tail stock center to engage disc center. In fact if disc a bit over size initially then a bit taken off diameter first would ensure concentricity before grooving. You can use a cutting tool actually, if the right profile and cut taken very gently - something like a parting tool maybe or just grind something specially.. At a pinch with careful set up a Dremel might work but, hardly very accurate!

[@frankjames4573]

@@ChrisB257 Yes Chris some of the exotic timbers I am going to use are hellishly expensive... One small board of a certain wood is over £400... Hence the "as little wastage as poss " comes into play!" At the moment I'm making the discs on a rotary table on a Proxxon milling machine... They turned out to be quite accurate... I have recently bought an xcarve cnc machine for the lettering ect... wich will be gold leafed!...

[@TM15R]

Greetings Chris, send me an email, with or without phone. I think I can help you.

[@ChrisB257]

Not sure where I can find your email. If you go to my site - www.oldmansshop.com/ - there's an email for me mentioned on the homepage.