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OK, that's it. I'm giving all of you the "Finger"

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OccupantRJ

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May 15, 2009
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Eastern North Carolina
This is my tool creation that I named the "Finger" It is extremely handy for holding those hard to hold teetering metal pieces while tack welding. I built this over 30 years ago, so you know I hang onto my tools. It had rusted from the flood, so I blasted it and put a coat of cast iron color paint on it. The finger is adjustable in reach and rotation for those hard to hold applications. It is built of solid 1" X 1-1/2" hot rolled bar stock, and the weight is cantilevered into the finger tip to apply a surprising amount of pressure to hold parts steady.
The legs are 16" long, the finger is 20" long and 3/8" diameter, and the legs are spread 13" at the base. Weight is about 14 lbs. The wing bolt for adjustments is made from a buttonhead allen bolt with a side plate from a roller chain welded on for a finger grip. This thing is rather handy on a welding table, so make yourself one and enjoy.

RJ
 

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t100

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Sep 3, 2009
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6,101
I have one similar, used it for couple years, very effective. there's one at the shop made by Lincoln probably 30 years old.

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Stick

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Dec 12, 2007
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Alaska
At my work, we call them dumb birds, because they just stand around and hold stuff. I've got a few of these in assorted sizes in my toolbox for work. I usually end up welding bits and pieces onto them to give them a little personality, locknuts for eyes, ading wings, etc. My favorite one has a weight that slides up the main shaft to give it adjustable holding pressure, and the base swivels so it can lay flat in a toolbox drawer.
 
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OccupantRJ

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May 15, 2009
Messages
10,945
Location
Eastern North Carolina
Stick said:
At my work, we call them dumb birds, because they just stand around and hold stuff. I've got a few of these in assorted sizes in my toolbox for work. I usually end up welding bits and pieces onto them to give them a little personality, locknuts for eyes, ading wings, etc. My favorite one has a weight that slides up the main shaft to give it adjustable holding pressure, and the base swivels so it can lay flat in a toolbox drawer.
Click to expand...

My version will also swivel to lay flat if one desires, and it ends up being 1-3/4 inch high. I usually keep mine right on my welding table at home, because it's so handy.
 
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Nightshift

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Jan 13, 2005
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London, Ontario
That's a great tool. Been meaning to make something like this for a while now. I like your design ... it will be duplicated in my shop! Cheers, Bill
 
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RetroJim55

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Mar 13, 2009
Messages
67
Location
Abbottstown , Pa.
Now that is a great idea . I have used many things so far but your design is the best I have seen . With the adjuster so you can slide the rod in and out and at any angel really makes it a winner !
Thanks for giving me the ""Finger" !

Jim
 
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OccupantRJ

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It's doing it's job in the pics. If you note, on the table is a small piece of flat plate, with a short piece of keystock standing up on it. The downward pressure of the finger allows one to tack weld, braze, or solder the 2 pieces together while juggling all the things required to do so. Without something to hold things in place and aligned, it's a wigglefest, and will make you cuss.
 
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steel 35

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Feb 20, 2011
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Between the PNW and the Emerald Triangle
I had way to many projects when I found this site and with things like this sticking in my little mind I am overwhelmed :headscrat with the addition of trying to clean my shop after being disgraced by looking at a few, every time I clean a spot I find room for something else..........One of three jobs I got done today, and I had to work. Thanks for sharing. :thumbup:
 

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OccupantRJ

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May 15, 2009
Messages
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Location
Eastern North Carolina
steel 35 said:
I had way to many projects when I found this site and with things like this sticking in my little mind I am overwhelmed :headscrat with the addition of trying to clean my shop after being disgraced by looking at a few, every time I clean a spot I find room for something else..........One of three jobs I got done today, and I had to work. Thanks for sharing. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Steel, that looks great! Both classy and functional! Good work! OK, any others made one yet? If so, show it off!
 
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