Slab Grabber question

have one some what like this
www.idahorockshop.com/product_info.php?products_id=434&osCsid=800aacaacbf27bc52ed6c02b6c899337
both plates should use 2 screws set to best hold the stone. Mine has one plate that can move so that it will be able to adjust and clamp with two screws tightly on the stone.
might be that yours is a 3 screw clamp
hope someone has more, best info for you

Here's a similar slab grabber. Sorry, I don't have pics of it in use.



It tightens with the knurled shaft at the top. The shaft should also have a screwdriver slot for additional tightening. A word of caution. Check the tightness after each cut. I'm going to take mine apart and add a jamb nut to prevent loosening. These are oldies but goodies.
Just looking at the way yours is made, it was meant to bolt directly to the front jaw of your vice. Bill's made several variations of their slab grabber. In your second pic, the single hole on the side should line up with a hole in your front vice jaw. Possibly one of the screw holes that hold the wooden jaw pieces in place. You've got a real treasure there. Don't let anyone try to talk you out of it.

Not often do you see one today with all the 'parts'. You will find yourself using this one quite a bit. It will hod virtually anything that has at least one flat surface. Initially you will find it a wee bit frustrating to figure out which holes to use for a given size, but that will come. Mine has never worked it self loose, but slabs have spalled next to the screw heads, and caused them to loosen, so it is still a good practice to check the tightness after each cut.

Woody

They're great clamps once you figure them out. Too bad someone doesn't still make them.

Phil, these old slab grabbers were made of heavy cast aluminum. I don't think you'd want to pay what it would cost to have the molds made, the parts poured and all of the machining that needs to be done. If you know someone with a milling machine, one could certainly be built from billet aluminum or steel. The pics I posted are about 1-1/2 actual size. If you want, since mine isn't being used right now, I'd be happy to take it apart and post pics of all of the parts.

From all the reports Tony's grabbers work really well. He has medium and large ones in stock right now according to his web sight.
Jim

Have any of you seen or used one of these?


They are expensive but are a real awsome tool. Three sizes small, medium and large. The size is determinded by the size of your slab saw. The large is for a 24" or larger saw. The one I got to play with was a large and it held a little tiny rock and I could not remove it with pulling on it. When I get some extra $$$ I'm getting one.

They don't have a web page. They do have a order form and an email. I'm at work now so will get all that information posted here when I get home.

Another pdf.