Interesting 3-2-1 Blocks. MEW May 2026 refers

[GreensandsParticipant @greensands]

<p style=”text-align: left;”>The May 2026 issue of MEW illustrates shows on page 37, Photo 37 a 3-jaw chuck set-up including use of 3-2-1 blocks of an interesting shape and size which I have not come across before. Does anyone know of a UK source for these blocks?</p>

[Tony Pratt 1Participant @tonypratt1]

I’m intrigued, how about a picture?

Tony

[Andrew CrowParticipant @andrewcrow91475]

It was actually photo 37 on page 17 of the article written by Jason, so maybe he could enlighten you as to where they may be purchased.

Andy.

[WearyParticipant @weary]

Note: The picture in question is on page 17.

It forms part of an article by Jason Bellamy: jasonb of this parish.  I’m sure that a PM to him will elicit a response as to where he sourced the blocks should he not spot this thread.

Must add that they appear to be similar to the blocks that I have in a variety of sizes – but cannot recall where I sourced them from.

Phil

(& Andy Crow types faster than me!!)

 

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Did someone mention my name?

I have not got the mag yet but photo 37 shows me using three 10-20-40 metric blocks that were once available from ARC

I’m not seen another source for the various sizes ARC used to do but have not really looked as I have a reasonable selection that get used quite a lot as well as the traditional imperial 123 pair.

EDIT a quick look shows that Ausee do the blocks as they do a lot of items that ARC used to but postage to teh UK may make them a bit expensive

Stevenson's Metric Blocks 2pcs Set

[IanTParticipant @iant]

Yes, please come back Ketan!

[Nigel Graham 2Participant @nigelgraham2]

Jason, Ian –

They are available from RDG.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

As far as I am aware RDG only do a 25-50-75 not sure of hole sizes and threads but hopefully they have not copied inperail where the holes don’t clear the thread sizes.

The ARC were 10-20-40, 15-30-60 and 20-40-80 all with threads and clearance holes that work

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

Not fair mentioning something in the mag when my digi version is not available yet, let alone the printed one!
They sort of look like the holes are bigger – what are the specific differences? (Edit – re-read your post – metric 124.) It rather annoys me that the threads in mine are UNC rather than Whit or metric so my box of clamp bolts are all mixed. Just as well BA stopped quite small or that would be another mix.

[lukeama123Participant @lukeama123]

Hello,

I’m not sure if these are exactly what you’re looking for, but we do offer a 1-2-3 block set with screws, which you can view using the link below:

https://www.amadeal.co.uk/acatalog/Precision-1-2-3-Blocks-with-5pc-Screw-Set-AMA_AC_630_4000TD.html#SID=222

I hope this helps in your search.

Kind regards

Luke

Amadeal Ltd.

 

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

What is th eclearance siz eof teh other holes Luke, will they pass the 3/8″ bolts.

Most imperial blocks won’t allow the bots to pass through the plain holes so you can’t bolt them together like you can with the ARC ones.

[lukeama123Participant @lukeama123]

Hello Jason,

I have not measure one to check the clearance size but i did test the bolt in the plain holes and they do pass through.

Kind Regards

Luke

Amadeal Ltd

[DC31kParticipant @dc31k]

For the application shown, maybe we should note that three anything of the same size would suffice.

For their low cost, buying a set of parallels and cutting one of the pair in half would give three spacers.

For spacing things off the face of a chuck, this is a neat solution (also in an Oxtools video somewhere I think):

They can be trued up in place if required, just like soft jaws.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

For the operation shown the ability to easily move the blocks was an advantage as sods law says a fixed support will end up under a hole. The adjustables would be OK for just turning and won’t drop in the swarf tray like loose packing but I find in most cases two parallels will work OK to just position the work, it was the downwards force of the drill that is did not want upsetting the work.

[Nicholas FarrParticipant @nicholasfarr14254]

Hi, those blocks on page 17 are undoubtedly 10-20-40 metric blocks that Arc Euro sold, and I have six of them, along with six 15-30-60, and two 20-40-80 ones, and can be bolted together.

Like JasonB says, the normal imperial 1-2-3 blocks don’t allow the bolts that fit the threads, to pass through the plain holes, however, I got a pair of 1″-2″-3″ blocks from Chester UK, about 16 months ago that do allow the bolts to pass through all the plain holes, and the photo below shows one of them bolted to a normal 1-2-3 block, and they have the same five threaded holes as my imperial ones have.

Regards Nick.

[WearyParticipant @weary]

Rotagrip can supply 25 x 50 x 75 blocks with through clearance holes for M10.

Phil

 

 

[Nicholas FarrParticipant @nicholasfarr14254]

Hi Phil, that’s handy to know.

Regards Nick.

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