Looking for Fly Tying Vise stem holder for granite bases

I've built some fairly nice quartz and granite fly tying vise bases that I've trimmed out in oak and brazilian ipe, etc. I've donated a couple each year to our local TU chapter banquet as raffle prizes.
I've managed to acquire a few steel and brass collets for holding the vise stem from some local machinists, but I was wondering if anyone knew where I might buy these commercially?
Would be nice if I could find someone who knows where I can obtain the metal collets for these bases.
A lot of the granite bases I see for sale are also rough-looking chunks, but I can cut these to size with a good wet saw blade (really slow), Drill them out and then trim them in hardwood for a nice finished appearance.


Attachment 14418

Thanks,
-Bill

Hi Bill... As a machinist & metal fabricator, I got lots of stuff from these guys.... Good place to start, at least..... Dan
www.mscdirect.com

http://alaskahalibutlodge.com/thegra...y/vice-clamps/

http://alaskahalibutlodge.com/thegra...e-319x435.jpeg
http://alaskahalibutlodge.com/thegra...8-343x435.jpeg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Don_P

http://alaskahalibutlodge.com/thegra...y/vice-clamps/

http://alaskahalibutlodge.com/thegra...e-319x435.jpeg
http://alaskahalibutlodge.com/thegra...8-343x435.jpeg

---

Thx, I did find those earlier. But a little pricey. If I was making just one for myself, it'd be ok, but if making a bunch it would be too expensive. Cheers.

Haven't a clue about the collet, but the stand is really cool!!
I've seen bases made with the granite but un-edged ... just the raw rough broken edge, finished off with epoxy.

Dan, I had a ball cruising your "mscdirect" pages!

This might have some possibilities. Might be able to use a set screw coupling with a metal sleeve that's anchored into the base and into the bottom of the coupling using epoxy. Thx

I make my own holders using bronze bushings (3). It will still cost you about $20.00, perhaps less after looking at the site Betty provided.

Attachment 14419 Attachment 14420

http://www.thegranitefly.com is where I saw the "Natural" bases. I love them, but there's no way I can afford what he charges. He may give you a heads up as to where he gets his collets? Yes, that did end with a "?", because I don't know him, other than through his bases.

Credit where credit due ... Modocdan was the one who provided the "mcdirect" site. I just fond it really fun to visit! Things like that absolutely fascinate me!

Betty
Do you have a source for the granite? Because I have a source for the vise holders....me! Maybe we can cook up a deal?
Brad

Brad, there's a granite counter place not too far from here, but, I certainly haven't a clue as to what to use. And, the cost of shipping would be crazy. Should give it a visit sometime. You should give klinkhamer a note! He's got the granite and only needs the collet.

I typically visit Solid surface counter top businesses and ask if I can go dumpster diving for scraps. Sometimes they are willing to give me sample pieces, or if really exotic granite, I can buy precut samples.

I found some set screw collets and bronze bushings at local Ace Hardware store. I drilled out a test piece with a 7/16 bit and was able to fit the bushing in nicely. $12 for a new drill bit and ~$6 for the brass and bronze parts.
Thanks for all your ideas, folks!

Fantastic!! Keep us posted on how it all progresses!!

Attachment 14463
I found brass set screw rod collars with 1/2" ID and brass flanges with 3/8" ID and drilled\tapped out a hole in flange and a 1/2" hole into the granite and quartz bases I have and epoxied the unit in there.
Here's a sample.
Total cost ~$6 for parts for each set, plus $12 for a new 1/2" granite\masonry drill bit.

Very, very cool!! So to set the screw, you need a small screwdriver or a coin (to fit the slot and turn)?

Years ago,we make some vise bases from a masonry product. For the stems we used aluminum tubes that we drilled and threaded for thumb screws... They were epoxied into the base and worked very well.

I have set screws that use either hex key or a small screwdriver. Not enough space for a regular knob, but you probably won't be taking vise stem in\out that much anyway.

No to repeat myself, but .... that's really cool!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by klinkhamer

I have set screws that use either hex key or a small screwdriver. Not enough space for a regular knob, but you probably won't be taking vise stem in\out that much anyway.

---

Looks great. Did you drill and tap holes in both the outer and inner pieces?

The rod collars are already pre-drilled with a set screw. Just had to drill and thread into the brass tube and make sure it's lined up.

You guys inspired me.

I stopped by my local counter-top / monument shop and asked about a few broken scraps of slab marble they had laying around. They said, "take em", so I did.

Back home in my shop I made the arbor/collet out of some aluminum bar stock on my mini-lathe which fits into a recessed hole I drilled in the stone. Then the two were epoxied together. Some stick on felt pads on the underside to guard against scratches along with a few super strong hook grabbing neodymium magnets super-glued to the top and it's all good.

http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/k...psbrlhfa6h.jpg

http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/k...ps3nsp0cqv.jpg

Wow, so many talented people making submissions to this site! Thank you all. Adios Philip:D