So today I picked up a free piece of stone (not granite) from a building supply place. It's roughly rectangular about 10x7". I'd like to make a pedestal for my vise and move away from the c-clamp. But what I have is perfectly functional so I'm not looking to spend a lot to upgrade.
The only commercially available vice clamps seem to be from The Granite Fly as mentioned above.
The problem is, my vice is an API Spartan tying vice which uses a 5/16 rod shaft.
So, should I contact granite fly and ask for a custom size vice clamp?
I was thinking it might be better to have a custom made shaft out of standard 3/8" cold rolled steel rod from Home Depot. I figured I could search for someone to match the fitting from my current shaft along with tapping it and installing the tightening screw. Then I could use it with standard size accessories down the road or just order the standard base vice clamp from granite fly.
Also, what should I coat the stone with? If I put rubber feet on it, do I attach them first and then coat the bottom? Or do the feet get attached last?
Why not a piece brass or stainless round stock then drill a hole to accommodate the shaft. To fasten the shaft you could drill in at a 90 then tap for a decorative thumb screw.
If I were using polished granite like pictured I'd probably paint both the steel stock and screw black.
Ard, you make it sound so simple. I have some basic carpenter skills, but no metal working experience and no experience with a lathe.
Do you think it would be easier or cheaper to search out someone to make a custom vice clamp (to the 5/16 shaft size) rather than dealing with shipping etc. from Granite Fly? How hard is it to find a local machinest?
Thanks for any advice you might have.
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