Why woodworkers LOVE cheap 1-2-3 blocks

Подписаться 916 тыс.

Просмотров 378 тыс.

50% 1

An old machinist tool has found a home in thousands of woodworking shops, and for good reason!
The cheap 1-2-3 blocks I use (Imperial or Metric)►
1-2-3 Blocks (With holes): lddy.no/vpij
1-2-3 Blocks (No holes): lddy.no/vpcq
Metric 1-2-3 Blocks: amzn.to/3r6Zemn
Smaller brass setup bars: amzn.to/3uHsaU1
(We may get a small commission if you use one of the above affiliate links.)
When you use this link to visit our sponsor, you support us►
Bora Saw Edge Guides: amzn.to/2XByXhw
(The NGX system is my favorite, the WTX version is 2nd best)
Subscribe (free) to Stumpy Nubs Woodworking Journal e-Magazine► www.stumpynubs....
Follow us on social media►
Instagram: / stumpynubs
Twitter: / stumpynubs
Facebook: / stumpy-nubs-woodworkin...

Хобби

Опубликовано:

3 окт 2024

Ссылка:

Скачать:

Готовим ссылку...

Добавить в:

Мой плейлист

Посмотреть позже

Комментарии : 432

@StumpyNubs 3 года назад

The cheap 1-2-3 blocks I use► 1-2-3 Blocks (With holes): lddy.no/vpij 1-2-3 Blocks (No holes): lddy.no/vpcq Metric 1-2-3 Blocks: amzn.to/3r6Zemn Smaller brass setup bars: amzn.to/3uHsaU1 (We may get a small commission if you use one of the above affiliate links.) When you use this link to visit our sponsor, you support us► Bora Saw Edge Guides: amzn.to/2XByXhw (The NGX system is my favorite, the WTX version is 2nd best) Subscribe (free) to Stumpy Nubs Woodworking Journal e-Magazine► www.stumpynubs.com/

@timothydillon6421 3 года назад

@@robertriesshozerlover4 princess auto?

@bobbystanley8580 3 года назад

Serious question: when you follow these links, you have to login to Amazon. Is there a way to give you credit and still go to their website and purchase like normal?

@StumpyNubs 3 года назад

@@bobbystanley8580 Anytime you go to Amazon by using one of our links we get credit for anything you purchase, not just the item we linked to. It's just a small amount, but we appreciate the support very much.

@jonrosenow5812 3 года назад

@@StumpyNubs Amazon states no solid ones available. Any other sources?

@StumpyNubs 3 года назад

@@jonrosenow5812 amzn.to/2MDrnSQ

@atteljas 3 года назад

I live in metric world and have sawn 1-2-3 block out of wood and its really handy.

@edheide7229 3 года назад

Wow, I`m seventy four years old and I just learned somthing new again. Never heard of this tool before.

@Docj69809 Месяц назад

Me too❤

@herbertliedel7019 3 года назад

My dad was a tool and die maker and I lucked out getting his toolbox. Use many of his machinist tools in my shop.

@TheLovelyMissBeans 3 года назад

I absolutely love my 1,2,3 blocks! They really are handy in the wood shop, and believe it or not, I've found them pretty handy for crafting and sewing as well!

@philwoodard5439 3 года назад

Highly recommend everyone own a set if these... cannot believe how useful they've become. Thanks James!

@danielcole8336 3 года назад

Dang... this 5 minute video cost me 22 dollars. 😬😬

@MrJzuz 3 года назад

And me 40 Euros.

@jamesfetherston1190 3 года назад

i didn't know what these were. Now my life cannot be complete without a set of them.

@davidfeinberg5599 3 года назад

I bought these with the smaller brass set years ago on your recommendation. They are one of the most used tools in my hobby shop now. Thank you again !!

@FrankP117 3 года назад

They're great, made my own set when I was in college for mechanical engineering. I was working as a co-op/intern for a company and the first semester on the job was spent in the tool shop(to learn manufacturing, inj molding, etc) and one of the projects was making your own set of 1-2-3 blocks. They are incredibly useful.

@roBLINDhood 3 года назад

You are such an effective teacher!

@Sadowsky46 3 года назад

I bought a set because they look cool. Never used them 🤣

@phlippretorius8644 3 года назад

Send it to me; I will use them on your behalf

@natesherrill6796 3 года назад

I've been around those for YEARS and never knew what they were really for. Thanks for solving so many questions in a wonderfully concise video. Great stuff.

@MattMuirhead 3 года назад

I use mine all the time - most recently for tramming my CNC router - I was able to get it dialed in surprisingly good with a set of these. Surfaced the spoilboard and then used these under the router mount and adjusted the gantry as needed - re surfaced the spoilboard and I was good to go!

@Gatsby1923 3 года назад

I made a set when I was learning to be a machinist and they are super handy in the shop. Glad I'm not alone.

@johnholz394 2 года назад

Done. Just ordered a pair using the link you provided. Thank you!

@SpicySteve-tz2so 3 года назад

I come from a manufacturing background of nearly 30 years. I have been involved in pattern making, prototype sheet metal working, and several specialty areas of injection mold building including design and machining. I recently (in the last 5 years) started doing woodworking, mainly wood flags. 1-2-3 blocks are extremely useful in any setting that requires accuracy and repeatability. They aren't just for machinists anymore! Thank you RU-vid for suggesting this channel. You have another subscriber because if it!

@jaycoyle2504 2 года назад

I know this video is a year old, but made a purchase. I let them know your video is the reason why. And I subscribed.

@Grantherum 3 года назад

As a machinist... I can say, 1-2-3 blocks are truly handy devices. They really can be used by any crafts person that needs to hold, space, jig... or whatnot some project or pieces to that project. Glad to see that you have found them useful. The "setup blocks" as they were originally called, also come in quite a few more sizes than 1-2-3 as well. Like say 2-4-6 blocks. Quite a bit heavier, but if you need them, they are quite useful.

@justindtackett 3 года назад

We use them at work for measuring our metal parts we stamp out. . I love the versatility.

@ajhieb 3 года назад

I bought 4 after watching your first video a few years ago and I've used them for countless tasks. They really are extraordinarily handy.

@bound2thefloor1 3 года назад

When I saw these, I was like aren't they for machinist? But I just ordered a set after seeing what they can be used for.

@Johnnybananass-_ 3 года назад

just bought a set im a guitar repair setup and these make perfect sense and could find numerous uses in the shop

@thegoodfight365 2 года назад

Finally, 👍🏾. Thanks for sharing your knowledge of tools and woodworking over the years.

@robertthomas6544 3 года назад

Got a couple of sets and love them. As a new subscriber now I have a bunch of “Cool Tools”. Had to slow down to get the wife a Mother’s Day gift. Always something 🤣.

@rchydrozz751 3 года назад

I bought the cheap set a year or so ago. They work fine for what I need them for. Wish I would of bought them decades ago.

@steveg3802 3 года назад

Just purchased 2 metric sets on the back of this. 10x20x40mm and 20x40x80mm looking forward to trying them out!

@edwardwilson990 3 года назад

I've applied many of my machinist tools and techniques successfully to woodworking.

@MrMaacin05 3 года назад

I use these daily on the CMM Machine. One super useful thing is that it is also an incremental height gauge. Thread a bolt into one of the slots and measure the distance from the base to the bottom of the fastener. You now have fractions of 1, 2, and 3” to set your height (table saw blade for example) to.

@TimEpperson 2 года назад

Thanks for the tip. I have these at 3 of my work areas. And they make great pencil holders when not in use. 😂

@professorjim6874 3 года назад

I'm a retired toolmaker/community college professor (getting ready to retire at that too,) and in all this time never thought to bring my 1-2-3 blocks blocks down to my wood shop. Calipers, micrometers, and machinist quality combination square, sure, but 1-2-3 blocks? Good call. Thanks for the video.

@badandymk3 3 года назад

I totally bought a set based on that previous video. I use them all the time.

@davealber2444 2 года назад

Great to see the dill press tips as I'm working on my bench top drill press! Great to learn about the 1-2-3 blocks, also. Even at 70, it's great to learn!! Thank you.

@davedujour1 3 года назад

I use my 1-2-3 blocks as weights and squares when cutting & gluing my cheap customer foam core storage solutions for board games. They're very versatile in many types of projects!

@medievalhamster 3 года назад

As a hobby machinist and woodworker, I have found myself using these for woodworking far more often than for machining, Good stuff, Stumpy.

@mikedixon8741 3 года назад

I've seen them in videos made in shops but never seen them in use until now. Pretty awesome how useful they would be.

@mechanoid5739 3 года назад

I used to use these a lot in the toolroom. Particularly useful on the surface grinder.

@larrymuse6628 3 года назад

I bought mine after seeing your cool tools. Use them all the time!

@ccadama 3 года назад

@Stumpy Nubs. Thanks James for today's lesson. Hope you, your staff, and your families stay safe and well.

@tompritch56 3 года назад

Working most of my life in Tool and Die business, 1-2-3 blocks are very common. Those who went through the apprentice program had to make a pair as part of their classes. Great video.

@JohnReall 3 года назад

That's were I got mine. 46 years in the machine shop at Smith & Wesson.

@heystarfish100 3 года назад

I recently bought a pair of these on your recommendation James because I saw value in having them in my shop. They just arrived and thanks again for this timely video. I can’t wait to deploy them.

@timothybarry 3 года назад

I bought a set after seeing them in your earlier Cool Tools video. They're really handy to have around! Lately I've been using them to make some t-shaped half laps for a loft bed project. Set the table saw fence to 3" exactly to rip down the tenon piece, then use the block to align my router jig to cut the cheeks of the morticed piece to match. Perfectly snug, quick, and repeatable!

@rayzugar4776 3 года назад

The holes without threads are used for putting ground dowls into. They accurately lock the blocks together, leaving a dowl proud it can also be used as a stop if used in a machine vice.

@reiniertl 3 года назад

Yet, they should be larger than threaded ones so you can also bolt blocks together. And non threaded holes in high quality blocks are reamed, some cheap stuff do not have the right tolerances for precision dowels.

@stylincarrie1 2 года назад

These things are great. I'm using them for scratch-build modeling at 1/35 scale. They're so versatile, you can use them for lining up an X-acto cut to make bricks at 13 rows per inch in XPS foam all the way to machining precision engine parts.

@leester9487 Год назад

Thank you for clearly and concisely describing the to us.

@crankstonshnord6591 3 года назад

My dad got me a set of these for Christmas, and one thing I've used them for that you didn't mention is aligning project pieces (granted it's pretty situational). In particular, I've been using them for when I need pieces parallel to but offset from an edge.

@krazykeltic8103 3 года назад

1-2-3 blocks were normally the first alignment tool or jig a machinist used to make in his apprenticeship. My father's blocks that he made in the late the 1940,s are still being used by my youngest brother

@imikewillrockyou 3 года назад

I was an aerospace machinist for almost 20 years, and we do use 123 blocks. But in the CNC world not as often as the old timers did running manual machines. Today they are mostly used in rough inspection setups, like if you have to repeatedly check a dimension with a plunge dial on a granite plate, you might use a 123 block to insure the part is square when taking the measurement. Or if your part is 3.25' tall you could zero the gage on the 123 block and expect your part to measure 0.25 taller.

@melkc345 3 года назад

That was as simple as 1-2-3. Thanks. Jim

@charlesxix 3 года назад

I can remember having to make this sort of thing when I was an apprentice in the UK aerospace industry, we also had to scrape them. 😰🤯

@JOSEPH-vs2gc 3 года назад

how long is that process?, just curious.

@charlesxix 3 года назад

@@JOSEPH-vs2gc It was over 50 years ago so I can't remember exactly but I would guess over a week. we also went to college one day a week and to theory lessons. I can't remember what had for lunch yesterday 🤔

@user443 3 года назад

Recently received some 123 blocks. Perfect timing for helping me do a restoration of a ~70 year old bandsaw. Continually useful tool.

@davegallup3883 3 года назад

I think it was FWW that had the suggestion of using these along with fence clamps (the kind with a right-angle bent bar at the end) to quickly and easily secure the en-hole-inated 1-2-3 to the fence as an offset. Like in this video but clamped. I've tried it a couple times and it works great.

@FSStudios2 3 года назад

Yup! That’s exactly what I do with them. Almost every day I’m in the shop and I need to use the fence to set a distance that’s larger than my cross cut sled stops.

@FunDumb 3 года назад

Why am I constantly intrigued by 🔧🔨.

@garybarchas4984 3 года назад

I've been thinking about those since I saw the tutorial you did years ago. Now that I'm setting up a shop perhaps I might get some. Sure looks handy.

@jasonbenjamin1464 3 года назад

they really are great. cheap too and accurate down to a few thou

@joelhollingsworth2374 3 года назад

That clearance hole problem sounds like a job for a helical thread insert: the right size could bring the threaded hole dimension down to something that would fit a bolt capable of passing the clearance holes. Looks like the brand-name ones run about $0.60 per piece, but there might be an even less formal option if you choose the right gauge of wire and wind it yourself.

@keithdavis4649 3 года назад

The trouble is the different pitches between the different size bolts that you want to use. Putting a heil-coil into a 3/8-16 tapped hole would give you perhaps a 5/16-16 thread, or even a 1/4-16 thread, but no one makes a 5/16-16 or 1/4-16 bolt. The common thread pitches are 5/16-18 (18 threads per inch) or 1/4-20 (20 threads per inch). So the heli-coil would start into the thread, but only go maybe just over one turn and then jam. I ran into that problem many years ago trying to repair a fixture with buggered up threads at a clamp point. I used a typical tap, not the heli-coil up-size-pitch tap. Taking the fixture to the weld shop to get the hole filled so I could drill and tap it out again was rather embarrassing.

@Greg8872 3 года назад

I remember that was one of the first projects we made when I went to school to be a machinist. First one was a fly cutter to make them.

@scotthenry3401 3 года назад

Same here, and a V-Block, plumb Bob and scratch gauge, but we weren't allowed to keep them, they got kept by the college and sent away to be graded as far as I remember.

@davevaness4172 3 года назад

I use one as a stop for on my cutting cradle. With an extra one, an extra clamp, and a feeler gauge I precise;t adjust the stop position.

@jxk7712 3 года назад

This guy can’t make it much easier. A great investment that will fit into my pouch and soon I’ll happenstance upon a couple more uses for this brilliantly simple tool.

@wilcoxtube 3 года назад

James - I needed this newfound motivation to use mine! I, indeed, was one of those viewers who bought a set after your Cool Tools segment. But then they have just been sitting around, given I have other tools that I use for the similar tasks. But I am going to bust them out now! I particularly like the notion of combining with other setup blocks. Thank you!!

@brianjosephs7947 3 года назад

I grew up in metal working. Now that I have a basement and do some wood working I love having things like 123 blocks, joe block sets, gage pins and calipers to help navigate measurement and setup.

@scottstorch4227 3 года назад

This was the first project I made in Machine Trades class in 1985. Wish I still had them.

@scottstorch4227 3 года назад

Congratulations on 500k.

@johnconklin9039 3 года назад

Couldn't agree more, been using mine for years.

@asbrand 3 года назад

I bought those same ones 3 years ago after watching your first video on them. Use 'em all the time.

@yveslegrand9826 3 года назад

Interesting ! And valuable information to me... : good job Good video quality and nice content : good job And last (but not least to me) your tone and speed of speech make understanding the comments real easy ...even for people not speaking English as a mother language.

@g.fortin3228 3 года назад

I had not thought of so many uses.. Mine will get used more now. thanks!

@jstep100 3 года назад

Nice tool! Think I’ll grab a couple myself.

@cerberus2881 3 года назад

I'm using these woodworking, based on an earlier video you did on them, bought your recommendation.

@andrewbrown8148 3 года назад

Great info, James~! I have a pair that mostly collect dust. You've reminded me how versatile they are for every day use. Thanks~!

@milt7348 3 года назад

I agree. Best money I spent in the shop.

@johnslaughter5475 3 года назад

I have them and love them. I use them most as stop blocks on my table saw. I had seen these being used but never bought them until I saw you showing them on Cool Tools #19. Thanks, James.

@railroad9000 3 года назад

I also have a set of 2-3-4 blocks. All can be used to hold plastic kit parts when gluing Or small wooden parts where a clamp might be too large.

@mikecollingsworth9166 3 года назад

Awesome clear concise and apt as to the value of and use to you in the shop/repeat build for good accurate joinery and measuring ... oh and there square as well!

@Warshipmodelsunderway 3 года назад

They are so handy, I use them in both woodworking, and model making. They are great for holding thin strips of wood upright while the glue dries for things like drawer dividers. I think I have 4 sets all told, but those solid ones look mighty tempting...

@randybartlett3042 3 года назад

My favorite use. After alignment and clamping, use a chisel to pare a precise 90 socket in a dovetail or to cleanup a mortise.

@waynestevenson9613 3 года назад

Subscribed! I like your style! Thanks for some incredible information my old eyes and ears have never heard!

@KiranBhatWoodworking 3 года назад

I bought these a few years ago after watching your original video. I mostly use it for the purposes of alignment, squaring and setting the fence on different tools. I love using them! My only complaint is that they rust very easily. I don't have many tools in my shop that rust but all 4 of the 1-2-3 blocks have some level of rust.

@MrErViLi 3 года назад

Love mine. I have 3 sets. 2 regular with holes and 1 set that are magnetic.

@akbychoice 3 года назад

We had larger version 2-4-6 blocks for our bridgeport Mills.

@paulhunt598 3 года назад

I always use my machinist quality tools in the woodshop, dial calipers, squares, scales, inside and outside spring calipers, dividers, parallels, scribes, indicators, etc. But I have never used my 1-2-3 blocks. Thank you for the recommendation.

@dougshort9373 3 года назад

I’ve often wondered if I should buy a set of 1-2-3 blocks. After watching this informative video, I will be ordering a set today. Thanks!

@jakeb8856 3 года назад

I love my cheap 123 blocks. I don’t know how many times I have knocked mine off the workbench to the concrete, and they are still perfectly square.

@TheSalvatoreAmico 3 года назад

When I bought my 1-2-3 blocks I also bought, JW Winco Glass Filled Nylon Plastic Hand Knob, Threaded Stud, 3/8-16” Thread Size x 1” Thread Length, 1.97” Head Diameter (Pack of 1), that lets you pick them up very easily!

@pauloalvesdesouza7911 3 года назад

Oh boy another tool I didn't know that now I must have.

@karm65 3 года назад

you can use dows or alignment pins with an undersize nut and bolt or threaded rod to hold them together on the cheap set for better alignment. Flat Head Allen Socket Sleeve Nuts and Flat Head Allen Socket countersink bolts can be used for a low profile.

@maartos569 2 года назад

thanks for this video, i was wondering why the cheap blocks didnt connect

@HighGear7445 3 года назад

Toolmaker for over 45 yrs (retired) , most of us made our own as we could make them more accurate than most of the ones for sale. Like within .0001/.0002" of size and squareness. We had the machines and inspection equipment to make it happen.. Mine are 1x2x4 blocks heh heh

@chrisanderson1513 3 года назад

I saw the smaller gold blocks in a shop before, had no idea what they were. Good to know.

@andrewfredrick7017 3 года назад

love my 1,2,3 blocks, also add a set of thin and thick (1/2") parallels and some 2,4,6 blocks.

@olddawgdreaming5715 3 года назад

Thanks for sharing with us James, great information on the. 1-2-3 blocks they are valuable tools to have around your shop. Fred .👍👍👏🏻👏🏻🤔

@simonashley7 3 года назад

A really good informative video. Clearly explained and very well put together.

@cdgregOG 3 года назад

Very cool, didn’t even know these existed, thank you.

@douglasbrinkman5937 3 года назад

been using them for many years.

@mr.noneyabidness 3 года назад

I use them with my metal lathe all the time for set ups. Never even considered using them for half of the things you mentioned. The holes are for alignment pins, and bolts. They can be used with a Steven's table or similar.

@noelv1976 3 года назад

First time hearing about these blocks. Mind blown

@Youdontknowmelikeiknowyou 3 года назад

I've been using a old faded red ruler, it's my favorite

@lonnywalsh 3 года назад

Great video, thanks! I recently acquired some heavy steel blocks (~20lbs) that were machined square. I clamped wood to them at right angles while I drove pocket screws in place, it was quite handy. Now I'll have to get some of these smaller ones, they look very useful.

@AB-nu5we 3 года назад

123 blocks are great. Nice introduction to them. I've got the Brown & Sharpe's that come with screws to put them together. Really nice. Inexpensive versions are just fine too. Originally bought the Lee Valley version. Found it so handy, followed up with the B&S's. Also, the B&S's are a matched pair.

@tj5376 Год назад

Great information as always

@Richard-mz7qu 5 месяцев назад

Great explanation, thanks.

@janstaines5989 3 года назад

You could get a bolt that fits the thread and relieve a 1” section under the head, leaving thread on the end, that way you could thread the bolt through a threaded hole on a block and into a threaded hole on another. The relief near the head of the bolt would allow you to tighten the two blocks together.

@AggyLovesGames Год назад

I have 2 sets with the Taylor tools combining them to make a reliable edge guide for cross cutting with my circular saw since I don't own a table saw yet