|
|
Post by parfive on Mar 28, 2007 1:35:14 GMT -5
Here's a simple slab grabber that can't slip in the vise because it is the vise. Just two pieces of plastic, or composite lumber. The bottom one laying flat, the top one on edge. The 1/2" holes in the top piece are slotted so the piece can also rotate to help grab irregular shapes. I had the luxury of using a Bridgeport milling machine to drill all the holes, so it was quick, effortless, and accurate. All the 1/4-20 holes were tapped with a drill so that was quick and easy too. This thing holds like a pit bull. That piece of lace started out about 5" thick on the first cut, with all the weight of a 14" drop saw on it. Rich  ADMIN EDIT - repaired broken images, original code below --------------------
[IMG]http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a390/parfive/Slabgrabber.jpg[/IMG]
|
|
stefan
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
|
Post by stefan on Mar 28, 2007 10:37:58 GMT -5
Now that is cool!!!!
|
|
|
|
Post by sandsman1 on Aug 27, 2007 10:46:25 GMT -5
wow howed i miss that --- very nice idea rich
|
|
Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,492
|
Post by Sabre52 on Aug 27, 2007 11:21:24 GMT -5
Awesome idea! I have a commercially made slab grabber that works on that same bolt head holding principal. Did lose a blade once when the edge of the rock being held chipped loose on the last cut. I really like it for slabbing nodule halves though. Seems perfect for that....Mel
|
|
|
|
Post by rockds on Aug 27, 2007 12:44:27 GMT -5
Thanks Mel for finding this one. I knew it was out here but I couldn't find it. Rich, you have saved me some mula, thanks you.
Robert
|
|
firewalker45
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since August 2006
Posts: 929
|
Post by firewalker45 on Aug 28, 2007 8:24:06 GMT -5
Great idea Rich! Thanks for shaaring. Daniel
|
|
|
|
Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Aug 29, 2007 0:41:31 GMT -5
good Idea I will have to try that
Thanks for Sharing
Jack
Yorkshire UK
|
|
|
|
Post by Tonyterner on Aug 29, 2007 10:22:07 GMT -5
That's a really good idea. I may have to try and use that idea to make something for teh WF.
|
|
|
|
Post by ladyt on Sept 5, 2007 15:54:27 GMT -5
ok, so are the screws what holds the rock?
Tonja
|
|
|
|
Post by parfive on Sept 12, 2007 22:20:40 GMT -5
Tonja - Yes, the edges of the flat-head screws get a good bite on the rock.
Rich
|
|
adrian65
Cave Dweller
Arch to golden memories and to great friends.
Member since February 2007
Posts: 10,790
|
Post by adrian65 on Sept 12, 2007 22:50:08 GMT -5
Thanks, Rich, great idea!
Adrian
|
|
|
|
Post by deb193redux on Mar 30, 2008 16:34:13 GMT -5
Just saw this. Really nice. Thanks.
|
|
|
|
Post by Woodyrock on Mar 31, 2008 1:49:50 GMT -5
For a better bite, you can make wee cuts for the screw heads to lock into using your trim saw, or a Foredom tool. I have been doing that for the commercial slab grabber I have for some of the more difficult pieces. Being frugal, I do this one. Mine was way too expensive even with the nice discount I got from the shop, but I do like it
Woody
|
|
Brent
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since June 2007
Posts: 84
|
Post by Brent on Mar 31, 2008 22:34:21 GMT -5
I would like to make one, but can't find out where to where to buy the plastic blocks, any help will be appreciated.
|
|
lapidopterix
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2008
Posts: 216
|
Post by lapidopterix on Mar 31, 2008 22:47:43 GMT -5
I think you can get that composite lumber at Home Depot. Just buy one board and cut it up.
|
|
49er
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since February 2008
Posts: 753
|
Post by 49er on Apr 3, 2008 18:32:16 GMT -5
Been looking for a good slab grabber. Last time I did a search, there where none available.
Thanks for the post.
|
|
lparker
fully equipped rock polisher
Still doing too much for being retired!
Member since March 2008
Posts: 1,202
|
Post by lparker on Apr 25, 2008 15:42:06 GMT -5
Would the composite board have too much flex if it was laying down. Set up as pictured, I don't think my Lortone 12" saw would cut any closer than if I just used the vise that came with it. If the board laid down, the vertical hole could be offset so the board extends an inch or so past the vise table.
Thanks for the idea,
Lee
|
|
rocksnot
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2011
Posts: 7
|
Post by rocksnot on Mar 15, 2011 14:07:00 GMT -5
Oooooo I like it and it looks like something that is inexpensive to boot. I dunno if the hardware store carries plastic, or composite lumber that is that thick? I shall have to go shopping and find out. TYVM
|
|
metalartz
having dreams about rocks
Member since January 2011
Posts: 69
|
Post by metalartz on Mar 15, 2011 14:48:32 GMT -5
I like it, like I have some scrap aluminum that might work.
|
|
|
|
Post by parfive on Mar 15, 2011 15:52:31 GMT -5
|
|
