VS600: Adding Attachment Points

[Ned]

Tool needed:

• Torx T15 driver

Parts:

• M6 square nuts, 6x1 DIN 557
• M8 square nuts, 8x1.25 DIN 557

.
It's easy to add nuts in the channels of the VS600 jig, giving clean and sturdy attachment points for accessories.  The VS600 is not modified by this change.

Procedure:

• Support the VS600 so that the black end caps are not touching the bench surface.  50mm (2 inch) elevation is sufficient.
• Open all three lever handles fully.
• At each end, remove 4 Torx screws holding the black end cap in place.
• Pull slightly on one end cap, and rotate to expose the front channels.
• In the upper channel, place several M6 nuts, flat surface toward the front.  I removed the two stops to install 2 nuts to the left, 4 between, and 2 to the right of the stops.
• In the lower channel, place several M8 nuts, flat surface toward the front.  I placed 4 in, next to the clamping stud.
• Rotate the black end cap to expose the rear channel.  Place several M8 nuts, flat surface up, in the channel.  I used 4.
• Replace the end cap.  This is necessary because you need all the slack on the other end now.
• On the other end of the jig, pull slightly on the end cap and rotate to expose the front channels.
• You installed all of the M6 nuts from the other end.
• Place several M8 nuts in the lower channel, flat su...you know by now.
• Rotate the end cap to expose the rear channel.
• Place several M8 nuts in the rear channel.
• Reassemble the VS600, using 4 screws at each end.

[attachimg=1] [attachimg=2]

 

[Brice Burrell]

Ned, forgive my ignorance, why would one want to have attachment on the VS600? I don't have this tool so I have no clue.

 

[Ned]

I knew this would be the first question.  I just knew it. 

I think the VS600, as delivered without any templates, is simply a big right-angle clamp.  I've been thinking about it that way, and mulling over some other uses for it.

In the mean time, publishing this basic research may stimulate someone else.

For instance, Doug Anders liked some of the features of this:
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Probably the most important information in my first post is that you don't have to tear the whole jig apart to add the nuts.

Ned

 

[dgage]

I am building an MFT and I have been having a heck of a time finding bolts/nuts that fit the MFT rails snugly.  While an 8mm nut (Borg) seems to work, I could also see it rotating if torqued.  Is there any place locally to find the M6 nuts you refer to?  Thanks.

David

 

[Ned]

David,

Note that I'm using square, not hex, nuts.  No problem with rotation in the channel.

I don't know where "locally" might be for you, but McMaster-Carr ships anywhere in the US.  There's no minimum order, and their range of products is vast.

I think McMaster will ship to Canada, but I'd think a Canadian source would be cheaper because of transborder shipping costs.

While you're ordering, get a 1m length each of M6 and M8 threaded rod.  Very handy to have around.

Ned