Engraving ball clamps

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Leobennet

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Hi,
I'm thinking of buying an engraving block, though living in the uk it seems hard to find one that isn't an expensive grs one, I don't mind paying a little postage internationally,
Wondered which types are good to look at,
Thanks a bunch if anyone has any thoughts :)
 
JJ Roberts

JJ Roberts

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Leo,If you are going to engrave with H&C you can get away with a small compact bench vise mounted to a pedestal. J.J.
 
diandwill

diandwill

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http://www.engraverscafe.com/showth...mport-ball-vise-to-get-started&highlight=vise
http://www.bsaxton.com/stuff/ballvise.pdf

There are several different styles you can make yourself. Sam posted one using a large mixing bowl, weighted at the bottom with lead tire weights, filled with olaster of paris and a final layer with bolts, allowing a small machinists vice to be mounted, all spinning on a sealed truck wheel bearing.

You should be able to make a heavy, multi duty vise for under $100 US with materials available in the UK. They aren't as pretty as a machined vise, but are very usable.
 
Sam

Sam

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Leobennet said:
Hi,
I'm thinking of buying an engraving block, though living in the uk it seems hard to find one that isn't an expensive grs one, I don't mind paying a little postage internationally,
Wondered which types are good to look at,
Thanks a bunch if anyone has any thoughts :)
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, postage on an engraving vise will probably be very high due to their weight. There are many engravers in the UK and I'd think you can find a used one if you really search. Maybe try the Hand Engravers Society of Great Britain. I think I have the name right.
 
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monk

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look in the tips section. there's quite a few ways to skin this cat. amongst them, a common bowling ball. cut in half. ugly as hell, but they do work. if using a scope, cutting the ball to the correct height, along with whatever you put on top-- you can achieve a sort of parfocal effect:: the orientation of the ball will remain in good focus, assuming the part is flat.
 
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