Tricks for keeping parallels, Parallel

[Topper Machine]

I have used many techniques over the years, but pallet banding is still the best.

[mklotz]

Folks who don't have easy access to banding can try using ordinary foam cushioning. A few strips in integer inch widths will work nicely. Neither as durable or oil repellent as banding but sometimes easier to find or 'harvest' from the refuse pile.

[WmRMeyers]

I have used many techniques over the years, but pallet banding is still the best.

...will never find again...

I'm with you there bro. I did find one of the bags of rubber bands I bought, a few weeks ago. Stretch them and they disintegrate. Not much use like that!

Bill

[mklotz]

...will never find again...

I'm with you there bro. I did find one of the bags of rubber bands I bought, a few weeks ago. Stretch them and they disintegrate. Not much use like that!

Keep your rubber bands in an airtight container; they'll last longer although they remain a less-than-perfect choice for parallel retention.

I find that, in many applications, light bell wire is a better choice than a rubber band. Immune to oxygen or ultraviolet deterioration, adjust tension by twisting the connection a little tighter.

I'll offer one of the oldtimer's solutions that works well for me. A tiny dab of grease will 'glue' a parallel to the vise jaw. Easy to wipe off when no longer needed. A drop of oil will work as well in most cases.

[WmRMeyers]

Keep your rubber bands in an airtight container; they'll last longer although they remain a less-than-perfect choice for parallel retention.

I find that, in many applications, light bell wire is a better choice than a rubber band. Immune to oxygen or ultraviolet deterioration, adjust tension by twisting the connection a little tighter.

I'll offer one of the oldtimer's solutions that works well for me. A tiny dab of grease will 'glue' a parallel to the vise jaw. Easy to wipe off when no longer needed.

Bag I found was new and unopened, should (should, I say!) have been sealed. Dab of grease sounds like something I can figure out how to do, though!

Thanks, Marv!

Bill

[mdhatter3]

What about using magnets ? They should work too. But the metal chips will Stick to them.