guard clamp - Riverside Machine

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Oct 29, 2006
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I ordered one of the "Mikie's soldering fixture"s on the 1st of July but haven;t heard back from the shop. I called but it just rang.. I'm still waiting the email reply and I haven't seen a charge on my card...

mikie.jpg


Anyone know what's going on there?

Otherwise, any one know of another version for sale somewhere else? I saw a great version with a valve spring(?) somewhere.

Thanks
 
If you already ordered it, why do you need to find it somewhere else? I doubt Uncle Al will fail you.
 
Just a guess but they may be on vacation. Al has the machine shop besides making the knife stuff.
 
Look at it and you'll see that you could make one in about three minutes.
If you can make a knife, you can make that little clamp.
 
I have known Al for a long time. He is a honest man. As has been stated, he may be on vacation.
 
Uncle Al has always been good to do buisness with for me. I've bought a few of his fixtures, could have made them myself, but it was faster to just get them from Al. If he's on vacation or just swamped, you might want to build it yourself.
 
I've done a little business with RM in the past, and never had a problem. Quick shipping and good communication throughout the process.

If your card hasn't been charged, I wouldn't worry. As for making one yourself, it wouldn't be too hard, I'm sure, but it's not like they are asking for both nuts, either. By the time you factor in the time and materials to get one built...
 
I'm not concerned about the man's honesty, just wondered if someone knew if he's away or if the shop closed or something. The updates on his site look pretty old from what I saw.

As far as making it on my own, yes with this and other versions I know I could make one on my own if I had the tools. I could go out, spend about the same amount of $ in gas to get to the shop that has the proper tap and the machine bolts. That would take an afternoon that I barely have time for.. and hand filing the damn slot would take an hour I'd rather offer to other tasks...

Basically for the time and tools I have, spending $25 on a pre made is the most economical use of my time and resources.

I am a little tired of the sanctimonious tone of responses like this. Go flex your ego somewhere else. I'm not an idiot...

Look at it and you'll see that you could make one in about three minutes.
If you can make a knife, you can make that little clamp.
 
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Calm down Stuart. I think you are reading a little too much in this.

Tools needed are a drill, 1/4-20 tap and a file. I think Karl assumed as I did that you had at least those. Bolts that size can be bought at the local Home-Depot.

Just trying to help here.
 
I don't think I'm reading too much into this. His response is off topic and the exaggeration of "3 minutes" and "if you can make a knife you can make that little clamp" seem clearly, if unconsciously, snide retorts. At best it doesn't come close to sounding like "just trying to help here"

To assume I have the tools does not help. Instruction would have been a much kinder approach than reproach.

I'm not uncalm at all.. I have seen this kind of response before to others as well.. It sounds more like the poster is annoyed..

btw, the "local" home depot is a good 1/2 hour away from me... gas ain't cheap these days, nor is the d@mn 12% HST tax. :mad:
 
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This is basically a piece of steel with 6 tapped holes and a slot through it. Maybe it's just me but I think anyone who saw the knives you made would of course assume a few things.

I hope you hear from Al. If not drop me an email and we can work something out.
 
Easy Brother Branson, we're all friends here! I don't think anyone meant to come off sanctimonious, rather you're being encouraged to believe in yourself, and believe in Uncle Al too!
 
I'm just saying there's no reason to sit around and wait on the mail and wonder what Al is doing - just go make one.
One of the most helpful things you'll ever do for yourself is learn to make your own tools.
First thing a blacksmith apprentice does is make his own tongs and hammers.
Enjoy the day.
 
The only thing I think I'd learn making this myself is that I don't have enough tools. ;)

To just go make one would take up a whole day's allotment of "work time". Not something I chose to use on something like this. I'm not sitting around... I have tons of leather work and a new forge to play with.
But even more important, 2 great kids (2 and 4 years old) that I try to spend as much time as I can with.
Add a full time job and I have no extra time for sleep even.

So,,, I figure I've used about 20 extra minutes than I should have on this subject :p

Thanks for the tips on Al's place. I'll give him another call in a few days if I don't hear back. Good to know he's still at it though.
 
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