Small part fixture

Looking for some input on how I might fixture this part for the second op on the back side. I would like to machine one surface then turn over and face off, then fixture to finish.

I have made a lot of similar parts machining both sides, then machining the part "out of" the stock. However this method leaves a little "hook" than needs cleaned up by hand, plus the machining is never as clean as I would like. This way ends up leaving chatter marks on the part in the area leading up to the part coming loose from the stock.

I've never worked in a machine shop so I haven't seen any cleaver fixturing ideas or systems, I'm just winging it.

Any ideas?

Part is about 1.25" tall.

http://i550.photobucket.com/albums/i...ps1ce4d0dd.jpg

Use soft aluminum jaws in a vise and cut out the female of your part. Start with stock that is about 0.125" oversize in thickness and then overcut your part height into the stock. Be sure to cut away the extra on the corners. Then place your part into the soft jaws to face off and finish as needed.

Where is the cheapest place to get soft jaws?

But some aluminum bar stock and make your own.

yea that's what I was thinking, I found some on ebay for $18, but they will only make a few minutes to make.

For low quantity parts I machine my holding jigs out of hardwood, or just about any scrap that comes to hand.
Often machining the female shape, adding a handsaw slit and crushing in the machine vice.
Some are drilled, tapped and screwed, then the saw cut added.
Old red gum from fence post is just great.

If you have two vises lined up adjacent to each other you can make very quick and simple custom jaws just using some short pieces of bar. Grip a peice in the left vise long enough to reach across the other vise; that is your fixed jaw. A short piece in front of it in the right vise becomes the moving jaw. The pictures in the links show the idea; very quick, very simple and even practical for a one off part.

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/attach...6&d=1262330175

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/attach...7&d=1262330175

That's neat!!

Thats interesting Geof, thanks.