Michael P Duncan

US Patent:

48365190, Jun 6, 1989

Filed:

Apr 4, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/177136

Inventors:

Michael J. Duncan - Middletown DE

International Classification:

B23G 302

US Classification:

269 91

Abstract:

An improved, inexpensive machinist's clamp apparatus for holding metal workpieces during milling, drilling, shaping or the like is provided. The improved clamp apparatus has a generally "U"-shaped holder removeably affixed to the rear end of a step clamp to be used in conjunction with a step block. Through the "U"-bend is threadingly inserted a thumbscrew having a resilient endpiece affixed thereon, such as a spring or a rubber pad. When the step clamp is adjusted to the desired height on the step block, the thumb-screw is advanced such that the resilient end thereof is forced into tight holding contact with the rear vertical face of the step block, resulting in a combination of step clamp, step block and holder which is rigidly attached so that, when a workpiece is removed, the step clamp does not fall away from the step block, thereby avoiding unnecessary time delays in re-setup. Also provided is a new step block base holder for affixing the step block to the work surface. The holder provides for longitudinal and rotational adjustment of the clamp apparatus with respect to the work surface.