Instructions

Look in any machine shop supply catalog and you will
find hold-down sets that consist of step blocks with
corresponding clamps that use T-nuts and studs. This
is a very practical way to solve one of the more difficult
problems that come up in the machine trades; that is,
clamping a part to the table. I am sorry I didn't get
around to manufacturing these sooner, but there was
always a more pressing problem to solve until now.
Not much is required in the way of instructions in order
to use these clamps. A few illustrations are included to
give you some tips. The biggest problem you can create
for yourself is overtightening the nut and damaging the
T-slots on your mill table. You have to realize that you
are stronger than your machine when you have both the
lever (wrench) and the screw working to your advantage
(or disadvantage).
In addition to the threaded studs we provide, 10-32
threaded stock can be purchased from most industrial
suppliers and cut to length if you need a longer piece.
We have also provided an extra, non-anodized section
of step block extrusion for you to cut up into smaller
step blocks and machine flat should you need them.
(See Figure 1.)
A nice feature of this set that you won't find even in
more expensive, full-size sets is the radiused nut and
washer. They allow the nut to pull the washer down flat
on the clamp even when it is slightly tilted. I appreciate
this kind of detail and felt our customers would too.
Joe Martin, President and Owner
Sherline Products Inc.
STEP BLOCK HOLD-DOWN SET
P/N 3013
7/24/00
SHERLINE PRODUCTS INC.  3235 Executive Ridge  Vista  California 92083-8527  FAX: [phone]
Toll Free Order Line: [phone]  International/Local/Tech. Assistance: [phone]  Internet: www.sherline.com
SHERLINE
PRODUCTS
INCORPORATED 1974
FIGURE 3—The blocks can
also be stacked as shown to
hold very tall parts. (A long
piece of 10-32 threaded stock
will be required.)
FIGURE 2—(A) Shows the correct way to hold a part.
The tip of the clamp should grip the part. (B) Shows the
wrong way, with the clamp angling upward and pushing
down on the edge of the part. (NOTE: The angles are
exagerated for illustration purposes. Keep the clamps
as close to level as possible in actual use.)
A
B
EXPLODED VIEW AND PART NUMBER LISTING
30138–10-32 x 1" stud (2)
30141–10-32 x 1.5" stud (2)
30142–10-32 x 2" stud (2)
30143–10-32 x 2.5" stud (2)
30144–10-32 x 3" stud (2)
30145–10-32 X 3.5" stud (2)
Step Block
30134 anodized (2)
30139 unanodized (1)
30136
Step block nut (2)
30137
Step block nut
washer (2)
30133
Extended
T-nut (2)
30561
Standard
T-nut (2)
(not shown)
30135
Step clamp (2)
FIGURE 1—(A) Shows a
block cut and milled to
two equal 10-step blocks.
(B) Shows a block cut
to a smaller 8-step
and larger 12-step
block.
A
B