Looking for Fly Tying Vise stem holder for granite bases

[klinkhamer]

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.


bases.jpg

Thanks,
-Bill

[modocdan]

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

[Don_P]

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

[klinkhamer]

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

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.

[Betty Hiner]

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!

[klinkhamer]

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

[iaflyfisher]

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.

bushings.jpg DSCF7324.jpg

[Betty Hiner]

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.

[Betty Hiner]

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!

[klinkhamer]

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!