Back to basics...a Finger Plate

[V 45]

Not sure where else to put this.... but I just finished my version of the finger plate. Most of the design came from watching a Click spring video on his finger plate. I didn't put the cross hole jig in the V groove as he did. I may at a later date. It should work great holding all sorts of little parts. The base is 5/8" 1018 steel as is the finger in 1/4". The studs are 1/4-20 all thread. The knobs are of brass with my first attempt at knurling. Not that great but functional. I also made a washer for under the hold down knob from 303 stainless steel so the brass doesn't wear to much rubbing in the finger slot..
 Thanks again,
  V 45

[Don1966]

Nice job Dave and I am sure you will find it useful. Looks better then mine. I did a build log on mine here..http://www.modelenginemaker.com/index.php/topic,1311.0.html

[V 45]

Thanks Don ! Your finger plate looks great. I don't have a "V" cutter so I used a 1/2" end mill. I had the 3 1/2" steel plate clamped to a angle plate (new acquisition from Cabin Fever) at 45 degrees. Used my 45 degree angle block I made for the scaled hoglet. Cutting down and across with each progressive pass to form the V. The same angle plate was used to cut the angles on the finger plate but it was clamped to the underside. The finger is also 3 1/2" long. It worked like a champ. It didn't look like it would but held up and no chatter. Haven't figured out the knurling completely yet. Another new toy from Cabin Fever. I picked up a scissor type tool.

[Don1966]

The knurling looks great Dave you must of done something right. The scissor knurling is to my option the best. The V looks great and you should be able to clamp small stock to drill it.

Don

[Dave Otto]

Very nice!

I watched the video on Click Spring a while back and thought what a useful tool.

Thanks for sharing,
Dave

[b.lindsey]

Dave, that looks great. I have had one of those on my to do list for a while now, just have to wait  for it to make it to the top of the list!!  Well done though and I am sure you will find it a handy addition to your tools.

I have moved the topic here where it seems to fit better. Nothing has been changed in the posts however.

Bill

[zeeprogrammer]

That looks quality Dave.

I remember some earlier threads on finger plates...maybe the earlier forum.
Quite useful.

[V 45]

No worries Bill like I said wasn't sure where to put it. Thank you.
Thanks Don
Thanks Zee

Kinda stuck with the gears from my one and only ongoing build.... tools are always a welcome addition !! Looking for something else to make now. Glad you all survived the snow storm !! We accumulated 32 inches !!!

[philjoe5]

Nice work Dave.  It looks like a handy functional tool and you finished it off nicely,

Cheers,
Phil

[jschoenly]

Those ClickSpring videos are mesmerizing!  Fun to watch him create!  Nice work on your finger plate!

[b.lindsey]

I had a chance to watch this one this morning, they are very well done !!

Bill

[mklotz]

Don't forget that your finger plate, perhaps with the addition of another finger, can be used to hold short stock in the vise on the horizontal bandsaw.   With the V-groove it's already set up to handle round stock.

[V 45]

Thanks again everyone.

Marv...good idea about the bandsaw. I really didn't think about using it there.