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| 123 Blocks |
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| Rickard:
Hi I'm a Real Self Taught, guy and I got a ton of stupid questions first one is what's a 123 block for, and how do you use it. Do I need a set? |
| websterz:
123's, and their larger cousins 246's have many uses. One of the most common is fixturing parts up on a mill. They allow you to lift parts up off the table for drilling holes all the way through a part for example. Cheap imports are often not precise enough to use in applications where gauge blocks are better used. Some blocks have numerous 3/8" holes in them that aren't REALLY 3/8". Someone made one wrong and it was used as a template (so the story goes) , and through the trickle down effect there are now MILLIONS of blocks that are wrong. They are hardened so opening the holes is not much of an option. If they are out of square you can true them up on a surface grinder though. You need at least 2 sets. :poke: |
| kvom:
I've used mine as squares, as measures, as a vise stop offset, as big parallels, as a CNC tool setter, etc., etc. As stated above, a decent set is what you want for any precision. |
| TroyO:
Heh, I always wondered why the holes on my block aren't big enough to pass the 3/8ths threaded sections that screw in to it. :doh: I've got to believe (Well, hope..) that there is a better reason than "It's just made wrong", though... maybe? Machinists are smarter than that right? :) I have been tempted to try opening them up with a cobalt drill bit or something because it bugs me I can't use my "normal" T-Slot hardware on my 1,2,3s. |
| joshagrady:
Somebody on this (or possibly another) forum once posted an extremely clever trick for finding the degree of taper in a conic object. First place the jaws of your Vernier caliper flat along the 123 at the 2" height. Measure the taper from that position. Next, rotate the block to the 3" position, replace the calipers and remeasure. The difference between the two measurements is the taper per inch. Obvious and brilliant. Now I just wish I could remember to whom the credit for the trick is owed. |
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