SHOP TIPS

In this video #275 part 1 & the next one #276 part 2, I show to make a 4" toolmaker's clamp. Plans will be available from toly upon request.
If you want working drawings of this CLAMP project, contact my friend toly.
He will send them to you by email & you can print them out on your own printer.
Thank you toly. [e-mail]
In Tips # 277. I will show how to apply a blue finish to the clamp. be sure & watch all 3 videos.

[@mountfields]

Made one of those when I was 12 yr's old in secondary school in the 60's. Really took to "engineering" -- spent the next 45 yr's as a precision press tool maker.....

[@MIGASHOORAY]

The thing I made at school 60 years ago was a tap wrench which earned a good mark from my old headmaster unfortunately we only did metal work for one semester the rest of the time we did woodwork and I completed some real nice projects which I brought around the world to Australia over 50 years ago .good job as per usual .

[@RickRose]

I wish I had had a shop class 30+ years ago that allowed me to make a set of these--hope some shop teachers exist today that are doing this sort of thing. In a well-run course, you could wind up with a nice collection of tools.

[@mrpete222]

+Rick Rose Thanks for watching!

[@jamesprocyk6444]

I had shop about 1961 at Gordon Tech in Chicago, got the two bars ground to size in class. Family and moves always got in the way. 55 years later you inspired me to finish and provided enough training and toly's drawings to complete them. Thanks mrpete222

[@niceandcloudy]

I like how your 1 year old grandson is playing on the floor. certainly one of the coolest grandpas around. I hope he gets all the machines and tools and loves them like all of us......

[@mrpete222]

Me too

[@rayalbertgonzalez6498]

Dear Mr. Pete/ Tubal Caine. I made a machinist clamp in my home shop. I'm nowhere as skilled, nor do I have the quality machines that you do, but I've learned so much from you. I took machine tool technology class in school. I have a hobby shop. Thank you for the instructional videos. I especially love watching the ones where you create tools. I've modified my blueprint for my machinist clamp. I tapped the ends of the handles and put T handles on them. I cut a groove on the end of the threaded rod and drilled a hole on the clamp jaw, threaded the hole then made three flat head set screws to hold them in. Then on the small clip that holds the stationary handle. I made mine out of a heavier stock. It's very solid and non malleable. On the inside of the work side of one of the clamps. I cut two groves in the shape of a cross to be able to hold onto round stock if needed. I have photos if you'd like to see my clamp. Thank you for the videos. I'm addicted to watching them. Ray Albert Gonzalez Sr.

[@bradymcphail9690]

sir, as I mentioned before, you are a treasure! I've never done any machining in the 40 plus years as a fabricator/ Welder. I am a Master Welder, and I have a relatively short bucket list. 1. to become a Journeyman Machinist 2. become a Master Blacksmith/ Bladesmith 3. live the second half of my life learning and building. top notch tools and furniture for others to enjoy. 4. teach my crafts to young people,so that they may enjoy their lives the way I have. 5. create a legacy. Please sir, don't stop teaching! The way you get your point across to your KZbin students is inspiring. I am one of those who want to learn, am learn, and will continue learning until my last breath. you are a fantastic teacher.

[@FrankRuffolo65]

i'll bet when you were thinking about your retirement you didn't see all this coming. what a thoughtful and inspiring thing it is that you do here. i've been learning and following along for some time now. thank you

[@mrpete222]

+Frank Ruffolo I sure did not! Thank you so much for watching

[@mh1art870]

You are now my machine shop teacher I did auto tech for 4 years and never paid attention to machine shop, my stepfather was a machinist and always ignored his craft until I began building custom bikes. Now he is God and so are you, but he retired. I also just purchased an atlas lathe, you are the man Tublecain!!!!!!

[@mrpete222]

Thanks you very much-keep watching

[@kevinmurrell9779]

Just finished the clamp and I am pleased as punch with it! Very much a learning curve for me, and some scrap along the way, but the finished clamp is great!! Many thanks for the guides and for Toly for the drawings. Your machine vice next!

[@mrpete222]

That pleases me greatly that you were making the projects. And doing a nice job as well

[@FISHBREATHH]

I wanted to thank Toly for providing a drawing of this build, I appreciate the work that you do. Thank you

[@mrpete222]

+FISHBREATHH He'll appreciate that

[@bobjimenez4464]

Good Morning Mr. Pete, these are good looking clamps and they work great.

[@louisdellanno5801]

I really enjoyed watching this video. Can't wait to see part 2!

[@mrpete222]

+louis dellanno Thanks for watching!

[@WeBuildStuff]

This is so satisfying to watch. I'm going to start building tomorrow!

[@mrpete222]

GREAT!!

[@WeBuildStuff]

@@mrpete222 I commented 3 years ago and now I'm making worksheets with screenshots from your video for students to follow along with. Absolutely fantastic explanation and step by step video!

[@arnoldleighty9078]

I enjoyed your clamp project ..Blueing the clamp was very interesting. I am a retired tool &die maker.

[@mrpete222]

+Arnold Leighty Thanks for watching

[@larslutzen402]

About 30 years ago, I wanted to become an aircraft mechanic. At that time, here in Denmark, I had to take a one year class in different "Iron and Metal" trades. One of them was a 4 week course in machine shop basics. One of the projects we made was a small 50mm toolmakers clamp with brass screws. I still have that one, and I have lately considered making a few more.

[@mrpete222]

+Lars Lützen Hello to Denmark- Thanks for watching!

[@McFingal]

Another fine video from Mr.Pete222, Thanks for sharing your knowledge with the world.

[@mrpete222]

+The Texas Gun Guy Thanks for watching!

[@bobbyw9046]

Excellent beginners project! I remember making the same exact one in Machine Shop back in 1969 and STILL use it today. :) The only suggestion I can make is to knurl the center of ONE LONGER piece and then cut in half when done for the two screws. Keep 'em comin' Mr. Pete!

[@mrpete222]

+Bobby W Thanks for watching!

[@javiermajor9522]

You all prolly dont give a shit but does anybody know a way to log back into an Instagram account? I somehow lost the password. I appreciate any help you can give me!

[@jerichokayson2899]

@Javier Major Instablaster =)

[@javiermajor9522]

@Jericho Kayson thanks for your reply. I found the site on google and Im in the hacking process atm. Takes a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@javiermajor9522]

@Jericho Kayson It did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thanks so much, you really help me out!

[@richardhaisley1]

Threading was one of my favorite things to do. I would always cut a lead at the beginning of the thread 2 or 3 thousandths of an inch larger than the root diameter. When I scratched it I knew that I was at the correct depth.

[@stxrynn]

+Richard Haisley Thanks for that!! Excellent idea.... wish I'd thought of it! Next time I thread, I'm putting this to work!

[@jmhannnon]

I have been making a pair of these clamps. I have the jaws finished. You are right the bump type knurling tool does not work very well. It takes a lot of pressure. I have ordered a clamp type knurling tool and will finish the screws when it arrives. Thanks for the video and plans.

[@mrpete222]

Great-yes, do not like or use the bump type

[@davidsmart8594]

You just took me back to high school! Excellent project...might make a pair myself... Thanks for posting.

[@mrpete222]

+David Smart Thanks for watching!

[@raymondclark1458]

Another wonderful video. Thank you sir for your time and knowledge. Great little project.

[@mrpete222]

+Raymond Clark Thanks for watching

[@davidjames1007]

Thank you very much. I am new at this and learn so much watching your videos.

[@mrpete222]

+David James Thanks for watching!

[@Daledavispratt]

Great video and project, Mr. Pete. I'm looking forward to part 2. Thank you.

[@mrpete222]

+dale pratt Thanks for watching!

[@wnebergall]

thanks a lot Lyle this is great I've already bought all the material to start making some of these but I had gotten square head bolts the only thing holding me up was trying to figure out how to do that clip so thanks again

[@mrpete222]

+Bill Nebergall Thank you so much for watching

[@jimstanhope]

As a time served engineer who has been teaching "techy" (shop to you Americans) for some 30 years, this is a great wee model. I used to make them by the dozen. Unfortunately the calibre of student going through our school means we had to drop it. All a part of dumbing down Scotland's once admired educational system.

[@Richard_OKeeffe]

Great project Mr Pete, one of the many project I made as a first year apprentice aged 16 was a Tool Makers Clamp. One thing we did was to scrape the mating faces of the 2 jaws, .................. why because one of the skills was hand scraping using a surface plate and engineers blue the aim was the 2 jaws should be so flat the would stick together when slid one over the other.40 years later I still have the ones I made and use them from time to time

[@mrpete222]

+Rich ok Awesome- Thanks for watching!

[@1musicsearcher]

As always, another great instructional video. Thanks.

[@mrpete222]

+1musicsearcher Thanks for watching

[@toddlfrank]

12L14 cuts great I really enjoy cutting and threading it.

[@mrpete222]

+toddlfrank So true- Thanks for watching!

[@traumamedic4ever213]

Another great video to add to my collection - you have taught me everything as I wanted to get into machining and had no previous knowledge but now I feel my confidence gaining. Thanks again - would you ever think of having a video on Broaches and how to use them - collared vs plain, etc. Thanks again!

[@mrpete222]

+Traumamedic 4ever Thanks for watching!

[@wrecktech]

Mr. Pete, I made one of those back in the early 70's in my shop class at OPRFHS. My teacher was Mr. Stan Chappas. We made the clip out of bent aluminum sheet and fixed it in place with a rivet.

[@wrecktech]

Forgot to mention that we single point threaded the screws but always watched closely and backed the cross slide out at the end so we didn't need a relief cut. Once done we'd chase the threads with a die to make sure they were right.

[@mrpete222]

+Art Borchers Thanks for watching!

[@Tryin2FlyII]

Two thumbs up my friend!!!. My next project!!!! Well as soon as the weather allows that is-still to cold here in NE Ohio

[@jacksonyoung9751]

Perfect little clamps for when I'm welding small items with my everlast welder.

[@mrpete222]

Yes

[@justtim9767]

Another learning experience. Thanks. Tim

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

What a great project . Enjoyed !

[@mrpete222]

+ShawnMrFixitlee Thanks for watching!

[@bernardopatino6263]

I love this video . super cool.

[@roylucas1027]

Mr. Pete. Fun project. I think I'll make a pair of these before I start you steam engin. Thank you.

[@mrpete222]

+Roy Lucas Thanks for watching!

[@johncooper4637]

I checked out Hobby Metal Kits and found their prices better than the local steel yard and I did not have to order a minimum of twelve feet. A great find.

[@mrpete222]

Yes, and he gives great service

[@kebornsingh2552]

cool project. i watched a lot of your videos, they are some great motivation, and educational. helped me a lot. i had my students make some of the clamp n they came out pretty ok.

[@MattDiresta]

you are my machinist hero!

[@mrpete222]

+Matt Diresta Thanks for watching!--I like your brand!

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

Great video and the product is a nice tool.

[@mrpete222]

+Amateur Redneck Workshop Thanks for watching!

[@68sweetnovember]

Excellent Instructional. Thank you.....

[@mrpete222]

+68sweetnovember Thanks for watching

[@davedunn4285]

I want to make a few of these and interesting knurling tool

[@kevinwillis9126]

most interesting as always... thanks for sharing sir..

[@mrpete222]

+Kevin Willis Thanks for watching!

[@tosborn56]

Great project Mr. Pete. Looking forward to part 2. Being from Arkansas you'd think I'd know about that special "Arkansas Socket Wrench" you mentioned. Got to get to town and and find me one of them! All the best!

[@mrpete222]

+tosborn56 Thanks for watching!

[@johnw.peterson4311]

“ I will use the Arkansas socket wrench.” I would appreciate Mr Pete as a teacher.

[@mrpete222]

Yes

[@mikeadrover5173]

Thank-you, sir an outstanding project! As always thanks for taking your time to make this video, and I support this site! ~M~

[@mrpete222]

+Mike A Drover Thanks for watching!--& I support your watching-lol

[@Opinionator52]

Tools are a wonderful thing, and making your own,,, just adds to it! Thank you Tubalcain! :o) O,,,

[@mrpete222]

+Opinionator52 Thanks for watching

[@EmmaRitson]

great project. watching with interest as always! first comment on a Mr Pete video! wow. thanks for taking the time to make a great video.

[@mrpete222]

+Emma's Spareroom Machineshop Thanks for watching!

[@Zrambo49]

We always worked with a "V" Block when drilling cross holes.

[@Terry_Baker]

Great video as usual Mr Pete!!

[@mrpete222]

+Terrance Baker Thanks for watching!

[@3cl1]

Another great video.

[@tom87pate]

Quite the interesting oil can.

[@captaingreenbush]

Cross holes can be annoying sometimes, I drill them in the lathe usually. If the work is small I'll spin it in the chuck, otherwise I'll use a crotch center or do it on the drill press. I've had the idea for some time that I'd like to make a crotch center out of a v block so I could clamp the work, it would be a rather simple thing actually to buy a morse taper arbor and bore a hole in to a cast iron or unhardened v block and then press the two together, then you have a cross hole jig you can clamp the work in and use on any lathe, that requires no bushings for different size drills, will take a wide range of sizes, be reasonably well accurate, and more importantly not cost $1000. thank you mr pete for another good video.

[@mrpete222]

+captaingreenbush Thanks for watching

[@richardnix2046]

Hello mrpete love your videos and I really love your politics. I believe as you the government has diminished our freedoms a bit at a time just as you would boil a frog. I highly resent that as a patriot and a Vietnam combat vet. I'm a lifelong machinist and toolmaker (manual and cnc) and now that I'm retired from own company have amassed an amazing amount of manual and cnc equipment. I noticed that your knurls sometimes spiral a bit along the Z axis and what I do when that happens is play with the feedrate a bit. Thanks so much nixman358

[@mrpete222]

We are both patriots. Thanks for knurling tip

[@elsdp-4560]

Guess what I am going to make...thank you for sharing.

[@mrpete222]

+ELSDP-45 Thanks for watching!

[@tombellus8986]

thanks Lyle enjoyed

[@mrpete222]

+Tom Bellus Thanks for watching!

[@jolllyroger1]

I wrap with paper or card stock or aluminum can which I use very often as shim stock

[@wednitesailor]

I 'm looking for plans for a walking beam steam engine. Wow! You sure have lots of drill press vices.

[@mrpete222]

I think you will have to search the Internet for those plans

[@Vatsek]

Nice work.

[@mrpete222]

+Vatsek Thanks for watching

[@robertkutz]

looking good ,

[@mrpete222]

+Robert Kutz Thanks for watching!

[@richardhaisley1]

20 20 hindsight, which is a wonderful thing, if you had cut a lead at the root diameter of the thread at the start, you could have started the die backward.

[@mrpete222]

+Richard Haisley Thanks for watching!

[@howardmeyers5147]

i have one, just the same one you have, i my high school shop,1951

[@BobbyIronsights]

Oh Mr Pete, how do I love thee, always there to help me waste time, without feeling I've wasted my time. We've spent so many hours together, I think I have a dude-crush. I also think you should take the camera with you to swap meets and estate sales, you've mentioned. Live long and prosper, mrpete, live long and prosper.

[@mrpete222]

+Robert Tinsley THANKS for watching

[@vajake1]

That is the first time that I ever saw a die mounted in a three jaw chuck.

[@mrpete222]

+vajake1 Thanks for watching

[@howardtoob]

Can you offer a tip on center drilling? I noticed you put your CD in a collet? I have a Sheldon EXL 10" lathe and I have the tailstock set perfectly. I have a high quality drill chuck and still my center drill wanders a bit when it makes contact with the work. I'd like to make a drill chuck for the tool post??? Great video - thanks

[@mrpete222]

+howardtoob I have the same problem on some lathes even with new chucks. Never did figure it out

[@badribadri1172]

Merci pour votre manifigue travail.

[@scottniedentohl6926]

Ledalloy tm, I saw. Never heard of that either. Lead and sulfur being the dominant elements. Plus all the usual suspects. Lead makes it machinable, sulfur does some other chemistry thing that makes it really hard. According to internets...

[@billlee5307]

As I watched this fine video I could not help but wonder how many of this style clamp you coached into existence during your teaching career? I believe it was the first project in the high school machine shop class at the school I attended. Thanks!

[@MrUbiquitousTech]

+William Lee HA! I wonder how many lathe purchases have been inspired by Mr. Pete?

[@Mentorcase]

+William Lee Mine was a hammer.

[@mrpete222]

+William Lee Many- Thanks for watching!

[@mrpete222]

+William Lee MANY_ MANY

[@lewismcclain8957]

I will be there on the front row.

[@mrpete222]

+Lewis Mcclain Thanks for watching

[@kevCarrico]

GREAT VIDEO!! but you have told us in the past that knurling wasn't a "cutting" operation, but a "displacing" one -- so there should be no chips to "wash away" with the oil? and oil helps "displacing" metal as well as "cutting" it?

[@Satchmoeddie]

You would be a fun neighbor. We would be fighting over stuff at estate sales & auctions, then I'd be paying you to make prototype parts for guitars, harps, accordions & other instruments. I'd need a sheet metal person or a person with a box & pan brake and a shear too. I have the wrap around safely glasses, and a pair or Uvex presription frames I need new lenses for. God gave us two of most of the important stuff, like eyes, kidneys, lungs, hands, etc. and with fingers, we can screw up 9 times and still call for help! Wear your personal protective equipment! Eye protection is the most basic, then we move on to gloves, face shields, hard hats, aprons, steel toed shoes, fall protection harnesses, respirators, arc & spark protection, flame proof clothing, electrical rubber gloves, etc. It's hot, it's restrictive & it's uncomfortable, but a hospital bed is not very comfortable either, their food is horrific, and you have to pay a fortune for it.

[@pjhalchemy]

Did you use a "bump roller" to square the face of the die in the chuck? Fun video Mr. Pete, Thanks! ~PJ

[@mrpete222]

+pjsalchemy No--but I should- Thanks for watching!

[@richardhaisley1]

I'm not being critical of you when I comment about your videos. I have been retired for 10 years and I miss the lathe and Bridgeport mill. When I watch your videos, I always try to figure out how I would do it.

[@mrpete222]

+Richard Haisley Great--thanks for watching

[@petek210]

Mr. Pete, could you have drilled the cross-holes and cut the groove before you did the knurling?

[@mrpete222]

+Poncho likes bacon no- Thanks for watching!

[@BasementShopGuy]

Lyle - that vibration (may) be an out of balance bull-gear. Is that one of your South Bends?

[@dcrgaming4235]

Just made this in school

[@mrpete222]

👍👍

[@jamesspires8096]

This was one of the first projects in my shop class. I never did finish mine :(

[@MrUbiquitousTech]

+James Spires Now's the time! It's never to late as long as we're topside!

[@danielwilson6401]

Hi, enjoying many of your videos..learn something new every time! Was there any reason why you didn't drill the crosshole before the knurling process? Dan in Colorado

[@mrpete222]

+Daniel Wilson Yes-Thanks for watching

[@scottniedentohl6926]

I have never heard of this 12L14 before. In 35 years experience. Researched it some, found a number I know. Can be machined like 1117 or 1018 but Carbon steel? Can heat treat to 80 Rc??? Like a file?

[@justin_704]

Hi Mr.Pete, I was taught never to hold a knurl in the jaws because it can both slip and mar the knurl. But I see you do it and recently I was told to put a knurled handle in the jaws. What is correct?

[@mrpete222]

Wrap the knurl in copper

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

Great video. Thank you. How did you determine using 0.011 feed rate during knurling?

[@factotumalmost4234]

I did one same school 28 years ago. I also remember that he bent the screw when I start to thread because I did not well aligned the die. Are you my old professor??

[@mrpete222]

+factotum almost No-lol. Thanks for watching!

[@1995dresser]

+factotum almost Also made the same clamps as a project in 1977 Votech (Machine shop) cut square stock milled it drilled and tapped it and surface ground . single pointed and knurled the screws on the Lathe. still have them today .

[@raymcar]

Mr Pete I really enjoy your videos . How would I go about scaling these down? I would like to make them smaller for clearance with a 1.5 inch max opening. Would four of these be able to hold work on a sacrificial table for milling?

[@mrpete222]

+Ray McCrodden Make them any size.

[@rustymachineshop9456]

mr pete never used them can't see how there that useful got any suggestions on how to use them I know their useful are they wouldn't make them thanks for the show

[@davidsmart8594]

+Joe Pritchett They're good for clamping things to an angle plate while milling...in pairs. You can also clamp small objects in them and then put the clamp in a vice, leaving you lots of access to the object.

[@mrpete222]

+Joe Pritchett Thanks for watching!

[@grmljegrmone8807]

you said "get away with the mill"... well seems to me it could be done with a hacksaw, file and any kind of drill... correct me please if im wrong before i go and try making them that way :D

[@grmljegrmone8807]

+grmlje grmone "...*w/o..."

[@mrpete222]

+grmlje grmone It could- Thanks for watching!

[@grmljegrmone8807]

+mrpete222 no problem... even more thanks for sharing your knowledge... i hope you'll live forever :D

[@robehickmann]

Can you give a demonstration of how these clamps are supposed to be used?

[@mrpete222]

+robehickmann Too many uses- Thanks for watching!

[@robehickmann]

+mrpete222 I don't understand why these have two threads.

[@lmcmullen3]

To protect a finish or thread/knurl, would sheet aluminum work (similar to the copper)?

[@mrpete222]

+Lloyd McMullen Yes-Thanks for watching

[@jennieblades8132]

Mr. Tubalcain i have a 9 inch south bend lathe the cross feed shaft and nut is all massed up can u tell me were i can get them it be very much appreciated .

[@mrpete222]

+Jennie Blades Probably ebay

[@ShuffleSk8Ter]

Arkansas box wrench...LOL

[@mrpete222]

+Lawrence Harasim thanks for watching-lol

[@sickandtiredofcomplaining6574]

I though those were “parallel clamps?”

[@dtec30]

Tubalcain where do you get the calipers you showed @ 14:29 and do they make a metric version ? I like the idea of them as I have parallax and I can't use a traditional verry near (vernier) and I find the digital ones although good generally when you really need them the battery goes , go figure cheers tubalcain

[@MrUbiquitousTech]

+Jacob Grant You can educate without being nasty...

[@jacobgrant8357]

+ShysterLawyer I'm just saying it the way my shop teacher would have

[@RambozoClown]

+dtec30 That is a mechanical digital micrometer. There were many brands of them back in the day. Now most have gone to electronic, but you can still find good used ones. For calipers, the mechanical version was a rotary dial. No batteries to deal with.

[@mrpete222]

+dtec30 ebay- Thanks for watching!

[@dtec30]

Rambozo Clown yes thats why i like the idea of them

[@miles32323]

I've just finished my parallel clamp in school and i can say i doesn't look nearly as good as yours.

[@mikerobinson3156]

The calipers must be harder than the hubs of hell to prevent wear

[@mrpete222]

Yes

[@grahamwaldo331]

The interlacing on this video is really distracting. Other than that, it’s amazing!

[@bliwaq3188]

Idol pls make a diy face drawer clamps Idol pls make a diy face drawer clamps Idol pls make a diy face drawer clamps Idol pls make a diy face drawer clamps

[@richardhaisley1]

Correction, cutting American threads. I think that I only cut 2 or 3 metric threads in my life. Never did like them..

[@mrpete222]

+Richard Haisley Thanks for watching

[@bobbysipes2469]

Why is this called a tool makers clamp?

[@bartekkam7184]

mechanik

[@robehickmann]

The 3 jaw seems to be quite out of true.

[@mrpete222]

+robehickmann Thats why I got a new one