I'm digging up this old thread to see if drhulsey is still watching it... or maybe someone else can answer my question.
I'd really like to make this rack, and I was getting ready to order the Panavise clamps, but - where do you get the pieces on the end of the angled t-track that have the holes for the Panavise? I've never used t-track or a Panavise before, so this may be an embarrassingly obvious question...
And to make the angled t-track, did you just cut it with a miter saw, or can I find one pre-cut?
Thanks!
drhulsey wrote:This is my new cradle. I borrowed an idea from a picture Noel posted, using a Panavise 376 self-centering vise head on each end. Right now, it's mounted on a T track on the front edge of my bench, but could be made free-standing like my original. The Panavise clamps are about twice the cost of the quick grip type, but it does look less clunky. Length of chassis is not an issue, and it is sturdy.
Obviously, you can get by with a couple of wooden blocks, but where's the fun in that
I don's use mine either. It always seems to be in the way. Dr. Hulsey's looks nice, but it looks like it has major blockage factor when trying to get to the work bench. I think I'd be bumping into that thing all day. Now if it was mounted to the back of the bench I wouldn't be blocked by it and it wouldn't eat my bench top...hmmm
It's a tough thing, they are very handy for most ampliers sometimes you run into an oldly placed external component that makes it hard to secure the amp safely. I had to rebuild my layout and elevate my test equipment to over come being blocked by the amp cradle while working.
it's handy to have an angle sometimes but most amps can be supported with a couple blocks of wood. if you are worried about scratches wrap them in tape.
collinsamps wrote:I've had two different styles and they both collect dust these days. For me personally they are more of a hassle than an asset.
That funny, we made like 3 of them for the shop and nobody uses them as well. They are nice but take up room on the bench
Yes, they do take up space. I got the cradle first and then designed the bench. Included a solder fume removal system too. But even with the extra space its tempting to let the bench get cluttered and not use the cradle.
I force myself to clean up after every build as I like to put the amp at an angle. It works nicer for me personally.
Made most of the parts from alu and ss steel . I cut the alu parts on a table saw ss parts was made on metal-lathe. The plastic handles is from a office chair and a metal pipe .Got the idea from some pics poster on the hofman board years ago. Made it from parts I had laying around home and at work.
I'll tell you all my secrets, but I lie about my past.
