Bits & Clamps

This forum is for users to post tips and tricks they have found useful while working with VCarve Pro
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Rcnewcomb
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Bits & Clamps

Post by Rcnewcomb »

Be sure to use good quality carbide bits to leave a shiny finish in your clamps when you accidentally hit them.
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ClampsIMG_2686.jpg
- Randall Newcomb
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Re: Bits & Clamps

Post by highpockets »

laughing emoticon.png
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Re: Bits & Clamps

Post by FixitMike »

And, of course, the same for those who have an aluminum T-slot table. (Don't ask.)
Good judgement comes from experience.
Experience comes from bad judgement.

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Re: Bits & Clamps

Post by Bob Jr »

It's like Red Green always said: "If it ain't broke, you're not tryin' hard enough".
"Be accurate."
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Re: Bits & Clamps

Post by scottp55 »

Feeds and Speeds are important also...
I got chatter marks when I tried to unclamp my piece(before carving) with the bit at 3IPS Jog. :oops:
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TORCH FINISH TESTING.jpg
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Re: Bits & Clamps

Post by Phil »

Randall's tip of the week. :)
Rcnewcomb wrote:
Sun Nov 22, 2020 1:04 am
Be sure to use good quality carbide bits to leave a shiny finish in your clamps when you accidentally hit them.

Phil

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Re: Bits & Clamps

Post by Tailmaker »

It is like battle scars, kind of a badge of honor...
DSC02208.JPG
That said, over the years I have learned not to be too skimpy with my blanks and leave a reasonable margin around the machining area for clamping. At the end that is cheaper in terms of broken bits, wasted time and spoiled lumber.
Puzzle, Finger Joint, Maze and Guilloche freeware at https://fabrikisto.com/tailmaker-software/

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Re: Bits & Clamps

Post by SteveNelson46 »

I seldom use clamps. Most of the time I screw the workpiece to the spoilboard. Then there is the issue of running into the screw head. Not saying that I've done it but I do have a nice collection of headless screws.
Steve

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Re: Bits & Clamps

Post by Rcnewcomb »

Then there is the issue of running into the screw head. Not saying that I've done it but I do have a nice collection of headless screws.
I'm always amazed at how a 5 cent screw can efficiently destroy a $60 bit. :shock:
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Re: Bits & Clamps

Post by jfederer »

I made 4 clamps from scrap walnut. Even though I haven't scrapped a cutter for a while, I came close to losing a collet nut.. see burn mark on third clamp. I use drywall screws to screw them to the spoilboard. Usually I just screw down the workpiece if there's enough clearance and use the clamps when I'm not sure about clearance.I now have a spare collet nut, just in case!
.
WoodClamps.jpg
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Re: Bits & Clamps

Post by jfederer »

Bob Jr wrote:
Sun Nov 22, 2020 5:22 am
It's like Red Green always said: "If it ain't broke, you're not tryin' hard enough".
I think my wife considers me "handy"... Inside Canadian joke. Great to see a Red Green reference here!
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Re: Bits & Clamps

Post by Aussie »

I don’t use clamps very often, most of the time double sided tape, poly nails or a jig.
Over the last 2 years I have broken 2 bits... both hitting clamps and totally my fault.
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Phil
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Re: Bits & Clamps

Post by Phil »

Bob Jr wrote:
Sun Nov 22, 2020 5:22 am
It's like Red Green always said: "If it ain't broke, you're not tryin' hard enough".
I've seen Red Green live a couple of times. He is hilarious.

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Re: Bits & Clamps

Post by jay pieper »

come on guys---Red Green would of used duct tape not clamps

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Re: Bits & Clamps

Post by adze_cnc »

The corollary would be: "I fit doesn't fit, you haven't hit it hard enough".

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