Clarke CL500M Machine Block Options

This topic has 5 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 20 April 2026 at 22:39 by conncur1708.

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20 April 2026 at 12:20 #845179
conncur1708
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@conncur1708
Hi All

I’ve had my CL500M for a few years now but never really used the milling machine as much as I’d like, so I’m looking at some upgrades to make it better to use. The main thing I’m looking at is a machine block / riser block. Obviously as the machine is discontinued I’m not able to find one new anywhere, and there currently don’t seem to be any second hand ones for sale. My question is, are there any alternatives from the one that Clarke made specifically for this machine?

I’ve found this one on Ebay which looks to be around the right size, but I can’t work out if I’d be able to mount it. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/267513846637?_ul=GB&rb_itemId=267513846637&rb_pgeo=GB&var=0&ff=11&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5339059258&toolid=10044&customid=CjwKCAjwnZfPBhAGEiwAzg-VzJP7B5jBtqNR7znMeCVbbybyJ4FGtsnmOnyADjqS41Q4LmgKUNVIFhoCBNMQAvD_BwE&gclid=CjwKCAjwnZfPBhAGEiwAzg-VzJP7B5jBtqNR7znMeCVbbybyJ4FGtsnmOnyADjqS41Q4LmgKUNVIFhoCBNMQAvD_BwE&wbraid=CkEKCQjw-pHPBhClARIwAI92vqMRiX9RGAZHWJNaHknNAJJmsuBqwT7Q2nD6u7VuknC_yKC46Yu_JxGe2YZNGgLGqw&gbraid=0AAAAADA7Q_J7l7t8m8vbtez8XFxyZcn-J&adtype=pla&loc_physical_ms=9046506&loc_interest_ms=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20506529270&gbraid=0AAAAADA7Q_J7l7t8m8vbtez8XFxyZcn-J

There’s a few other options floating about but similarly I’m not sure about the compatability as none of them are made for this machine.

Does anyone have any advice for me on this? I’ve seen previous threads asking similar but none for a few years so I figured I’d start this one!

Any help here would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all!
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20 April 2026 at 12:28 #845186
JasonB
Moderator
@jasonb
Have a look at Chester, they do the lathe under a different name and list the block for it.

Mounting Block
20 April 2026 at 13:15 #845193
Bazyle
Participant
@bazyle
You might also consider using two large angle plates bolted together that would give you some height and angle options, though you would have more trouble setting it plain flat.
20 April 2026 at 14:28 #845200
john halfpenny
Participant
@johnhalfpenny52803
I think almost anything will do provided it can be anchored to the bed, it gives sufficient height, and (if you need it) there is a means of mounting your milling vice.
20 April 2026 at 15:31 #845208
noel shelley
Participant
@noelshelley55608
I don’t know the dimensions you need but I can give you a length of heavy box section, 100 x 100 x 6mm wall that would be sturdy enough if it will do the job. A welded steel fabrication would be the easy way to go otherwise. Noel.
20 April 2026 at 22:39 #845253
conncur1708
Participant
@conncur1708
You absolute legend! Thanks for this, I have no idea why that place never showed up on any of my searches but looks like lots of useful stuff there. It’s not that far from me either so I might go for a visit when they have the blocks back in stock..
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