Cheap and Quick Parallel Springs 3D Printed

[jjr2001]

This is a quick 3D print that will save time and nerves.
My parallels are always needing to be "hand reset" to the vise jaws.
Well no more...These little springs work wonders on the milling vise parallels.
Cheers, JR

[Toolmaker51]

This is a quick 3D print that will save time and nerves.
My parallels are always needing to be "hand reset" to the vise jaws.
Well no more...These little springs work wonders on the milling vise parallels.
Cheers, JR

I do similarly, with steel strapping tape, sometimes a ''V'', other instances a ''U'', even a rolled circle works. An additional recommendation, use shorter height parallels outboard of those at needed height; for chip and burr clearance.

[DIYer]

Thanks jjr2001! We've added your Parallel Springs to our Miscellaneous category,
as well as to your builder page: jjr2001's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Parallel Springs by jjr2001

tags: spring

[jjr2001]

Great tip Toolmaker51, the strapping material made of steel is certainly worth saving.

Here are a few more of my older springs that I use on the mill.

First picture is of course just--- well---- Springs! They work good, just don't let them spring off into the shop!!
Next are some I made from an old quill return spring that I removed from my small mill that I did not need.
Last is the one I made from an extra long feeler gage of .012". Just bend them around a piece of round bar.

Cheers, JR

[mklotz]

Strapping tape works well. Also, a drop of oil on the parallel will cause it to adhere to the vise jaw.

[DIYer]

Thanks jjr2001! We've added your Parallel Spring to our Miscellaneous category,
as well as to your builder page: jjr2001's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Parallel Spring by jjr2001

tags: vise, spring

[jjr2001]

Oil, I never thought of that but that is a great idea.
In the same category would be a thin smear of grease.
I keep a small tube of lithium white grease on the bench and that would be quick and easy.

There must be some more methods out there?
Cheers, JR