Small "set up" blocks?

[Ray Dunakin]

I have a couple of "1-2-3" steel set up blocks that have proved to be extremely useful, but I could really use some smaller blocks too. So far I haven't had any luck finding any via Google, Amazon, etc. Does anyone know where to get smaller metal blocks?

[ho henry]

Ray
      1.2.3. blocks can be purchased from a company named " Enco " for about $6.00 apiece, thier currently running a sale.

       If you can't locate the address on line i'll get it for you.

Henry

[lab-dad]

I have a few too, very useful.
I have often thought of getting a "set" of gauge blocks they can be found at the auction place and machine tool sites.
The new ones are kinda pricey but the used are not too bad.
By having a "set" you would have every dimension you'd ever want!
-Marty

[eTraxx]

@Ray. How about keystock? My local Ace Hardware has it up to about 1/2" sq x 2". Larger towns with a 'industrial supply' should have it up to 1" sq.

[Ray Dunakin]

"Key stock" sounds like it would do the trick. I'll have to see if our local Ace has it.

[ho henry]

Ray if you haven't been able to locate them, Micro Mark carries the 1/2" size

Henry

[Bexley]

Enco and other places will sell individual gage blocks.

Also, you may try contacting a local machine shop. Such an item would take even a poor machinist only a few minutes to make. The only real expense would likely be heat treating if you wanted hardened steel blocks. Though, if they make them from an oil-hardening steel, given the small size, they could probably torch treat them for you, which wouldn't cost much. Given what a short job it would be, they may even just do it "on the side" for a just few bucks. Especially, like I said, if heat treating wasn't important. I have several untreated blocks that I use for similar tasks, which I made by squaring up/grinding offcuts from other school machine shop projects. I don't think I put more than ten minutes into each block, and they're square/parallel to about .0005" or so.

[RichD]

I have a set of these from Rockler (in brass).. they get used both in the wood shop and the hobby room

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=16399&filter=brass%20square

[narrowgauger]

Hi Ray

suggest you look up 10-2-40 blocks from www.arceurotrade.co.uk they ship worldwide at excellent prices.

I recently got a set of 4 for about $22.00 plus a small amount for posting.

the 10-20-40 blocks are half the size of your current blocks in all dimensions.  Each alternative hole is tapped to enable them to be bolted together or mounted on the mill bed etc.

hope this assists.

have fun
Bernard

[finescalerr]

That is the kind of information that really does help. Thanks, Bernard. -- Russ