Those bars are a huge shift in the process of how I do things.  Since I haven't really been doing batches of multiple blocks at a time, (mostly 1 at a time) this process speeds up the clamping and indicating processes.

I have to admit, I'm very confused as to what these hold downs are going to do...
 
Will be very curious to see some pictures/a video of them in production.
 
Cheers for the updates nateman_doo!

Acesi7
I have to admit, I'm very confused as to what these hold downs are going to do...
 
Will be very curious to see some pictures/a video of them in production.
 
Cheers for the updates nateman_doo!

To hold down the blocks during the milling process I assume.  Maybe once they are milled to a certain point the blocks could break away from the base due to less material holding them down vs. the pressure of the bit moving around.  Now that I've typed this out and looking back at the pics I think I may be getting confused as well.

leland74

Acesi7I have to admit, I'm very confused as to what these hold downs are going to do... Will be very curious to see some pictures/a video of them in production. Cheers for the updates nateman_doo!

To hold down the blocks during the milling process I assume.  Maybe once they are milled to a certain point the blocks could break away from the base due to less material holding them down vs. the pressure of the bit moving around.  Now that I've typed this out and looking back at the pics I think I may be getting confused as well.

I thought that too. However, this straps appear to run right through the middle of the blocks. You wouldn't be able to mill them with this in place...

But most of this is way out if my knowledge arena so I'll just wait to see how it all pans out. Hehe

Not to worry, as long as one of us knows whats going on ;)
 
Basically whats going on is this:

 
I laid out the outline of the block on the plate.  See how there 2 holes on each side of the outline?  Those are the "hold down" screws.  Take a look at this picture:

See how the block as 6 screws holding it down?  Its the same concept.  There are various methods to hold the piece of material you are working on.  Basically the strap is there to hold the cut sections of raw material in place, while I drill the 2 holes that will align with those holes in the plate.  Then some small screws go in and hold the work piece in position, and the strap plate comes off.  It is a once process item.  A process  being, a bit change, re-positioning of the work piece etc.  The strap only holds it while I drill those 2 holes in each separate block. 
 
With the As_rock blocks, instead of a strap, I drilled holes and used bolts w/washers to hold the raw material down:

 
Same concept.  Once the work piece is secure, holes drilled, bolts inserted, then the clamping method is removed and you have a block mounted.  Then just remove the excess material.  Just like Michelangelo (yea right) The sculpture is already there, you just have to remove the excess. ;)

nateman_doo
Not to worry, as long as one of us knows whats going on ;)
 
Same concept.  Once the work piece is secure, holes drilled, bolts inserted, then the clamping method is removed and you have a block mounted.  Then just remove the excess material.  Just like Michelangelo (yea right) The sculpture is already there, you just have to remove the excess. ;)

OK that makes so much more sense.  When I pictured a chunk of aluminum in my head for some reason I imagined a taller piece of jagged, wrinkly ore.

Gotcha, that makes sense, and this is why your the pro. :)
 
Enjoy your weekend mate. Speak again soon.

 
Coming along

Beautiful Work Nate, You've come a Long Way since the "Good Ol' Days"!

hallowen
Beautiful Work Nate, You've come a Long Way since the "Good Ol' Days"!

OMFG your ALIVE?!?