Hi Everyone,
My name is Ric Russiff and I am still pretty new to the art. My problem is about my block and keeping my work in my field of view and the center of rotation. I have heard of some of you all have mede adjustable stands for your block. What I would like to know is how to build a good one that will work like the grs Positioning Vise. I used one in Kansas at school and loved it. I just can't afford the $669.00 plus friegt price tag.
Any suggestions, pics, or links will help tremendously. If someone has posted a answere here please still post yours. Maybe a combination of posts will be what it takes to make a great stand. This is my first post and I thank you all again
Rick Russiff

Rick Russiff
7/24/2007 12:48:16 PM

Welcome Rick!
I assume you have a standard or Magnablock now?
The answer is simple. Get a turntable.
There are several options you can go with. Many (including me) have gone with using a drill press stand and using the table with a bearing. My table is round so it works with the aid of a thrust bearing underneath. Many have made turnatables or lazy susans but they must be sturdy. GRS sells one and while it may seem a bit pricey, it is rock solid and well made.
You then simply lock the vise rotation and use the turntable for the rotation. Moving the vice will keep things in center.
I like this even better than the positioning vise for my needs as it allows more movement and is faster.

Rex Pedersen
7/24/2007 2:11:49 PM

Hi Rick and welcome aboard

I use the turntable with the vise as well. Works really well.

I made the turntable with a high quality lazy susan bearing with a piece of 12mm ply for the top cut to a circle (well almost :-)Don't buy a cheap tabletop bearing as they are a bit to sloppy.

However, in saying that, I'm just about to purchase a GRS turntable. My home made job isn't that smooth but it has served me well for the last two years and I can't complain as it only cost $25 for the bearing.

The turntable thing is hard to get your head around but it's quick and efficient and 100% foolproof.

If you want to post your e-mail address I'll send you my "home made turntable" plan. It takes all of half an hour to make with a saw, screwdriver and half a dozen swear words!!!.

Cheers
Andrew

Andrew Biggs
7/24/2007 6:08:01 PM

Hey Andrew,
Do those swear word come out sounding like they do in the USA or are they different since they are coming from down under?

Roger


Roger Henrichs
7/24/2007 8:30:53 PM

Hey Roger

I find swear words a fairly universal language. Said with enough force behind them they are easily understood by every nationality in the world!!!!!!

Cheers
Andrew

Andrew Biggs
7/25/2007 1:01:44 AM

Rick,

I bought the postioning vice, and it is well made, it does have its drawbacks. As Rex said it has limited movement and I find I have to move the whole vice anyway and then cannot keep the item centered. Also, the recentering mechanism on the positioning vice tends to stick and when try to adjust it the whole vice moves. This is espceially true when it is cold. I have taken it apart and cleaned it and regreased but after a while the same problem. Either purchase a good turntable or make one (I'm sure the plans from Andrew will be good to use, might want to make sure no one else is in the room when the swear words start flying). I'll be making one soon.

Kevin

Kevin Monahan
7/25/2007 10:24:58 AM

OK - so I spelled Vise wrong in my reponse. I guess poor spelling is just another vice on my list of many.

Kevin

Kevin Monahan
7/25/2007 10:26:07 AM

Wow Thanks for the fast responses. My email address is randj@bresnan.net. Vice a versa whater I am sure there is no points taken off for spelling thanks all!
Rick

Rick Russiff
7/25/2007 11:12:38 AM

i used to fiddle around with a woman from australia. she cussed, but it came out upside down! sounded good, though. the grs turntable is a few bucks, i admit- but it takes a lickin an keeps on tickin. at least mine does.

j.d. swartzfeger
8/8/2007 5:10:30 PM