Grizzly Industrial Comb V-Block and Parallel Set Review

Let’s Dive into Grizzly Industrial Comb V-Block and Parallel Set

The Grizzly Industrial Comb V-Block and Parallel Set promises to be a versatile addition to any machinist’s or serious hobbyist’s workshop. Offered by Grizzly Industrial, this set aims to provide accurate and reliable workholding solutions for a variety of tasks. It’s designed for those who need precision in their machining operations, from drilling and milling to grinding and inspection.

My own journey to this set stemmed from a growing frustration with inconsistent workholding. I needed a system that would securely and accurately position round or oddly shaped objects for precision machining. Juggling shims and makeshift supports was becoming time-consuming and affecting the quality of my work.

Upon unboxing the Grizzly Industrial Comb V-Block and Parallel Set, I was immediately struck by the apparent heft and solid construction. The V-blocks and parallels felt substantial in hand, giving an initial impression of quality materials and careful machining. The pieces looked clean, precisely machined, and ready for action.

Compared to other workholding solutions I’ve used, such as individual V-blocks and adjustable parallels, this set seemed more comprehensive and organized. I considered a similar set from a different brand, but the Grizzly Industrial set offered a better price point and appeared to have comparable features. Ultimately, the perceived value and reputation of Grizzly Industrial swayed my decision.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The set looked impressive, but the true test would be in its performance and accuracy under real-world machining conditions. I was excited to see if the Grizzly Industrial Comb V-Block and Parallel Set could live up to its promise and streamline my workflow.


Real-World Testing: Putting Grizzly Industrial Comb V-Block and Parallel Set to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test involved using the Grizzly Industrial Comb V-Block and Parallel Set to precisely drill a cross-hole in a round steel shaft. This required accurate centering and secure clamping to prevent the shaft from rotating during the drilling process. I used the V-blocks to cradle the shaft and the parallels to ensure it was level in the milling vise.

The set performed admirably, even with cutting fluid splashing about. The V-blocks securely held the shaft, and the parallels provided a stable and level base. The hole was drilled accurately, precisely centered, and with minimal chatter.

The setup was intuitive, requiring very little time to understand the best configuration for my specific task. The various size parallels and V-blocks gave me options, making this a flexible system. I encountered no major issues during this initial use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Grizzly Industrial Comb V-Block and Parallel Set has proven to be a valuable asset in my workshop. It’s become my go-to solution for holding round stock, shafts, and other awkwardly shaped components. The set still performs reliably and hasn’t lost any of its initial precision.

The hardened steel construction has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, despite regular exposure to cutting fluids and metal chips. The pieces have retained their original flatness and parallelism, demonstrating their durability and quality.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning with a brush and solvent to remove debris. I apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust. The set has exceeded my expectations, outperforming makeshift workholding methods and providing a consistent and reliable solution for a variety of machining tasks.

Breaking Down the Features of Grizzly Industrial Comb V-Block and Parallel Set

Specifications

  • The Grizzly Industrial Comb V-Block and Parallel Set typically includes two matched V-blocks and a selection of parallel bars.

  • The V-blocks are usually constructed from hardened steel, offering excellent wear resistance and dimensional stability. They often feature a 90-degree V-groove for securely holding round or cylindrical workpieces.

  • Parallel bars are also made from hardened steel and are precision ground to a specific thickness.

  • They provide a reference surface for setting up workpieces in a vise or on a machine table, and ensuring accurate alignment. The sets typically include a range of parallel thicknesses to accommodate various workpiece sizes.

  • The hardness of the steel used in both the V-blocks and parallels is a critical specification. This determines the tool’s resistance to wear, scratching, and deformation, ensuring long-term accuracy and reliability.

  • The precision with which the V-blocks and parallels are ground is equally important. The closer the tolerances, the more accurate the workholding and the better the final machining results.

Performance & Functionality

The Grizzly Industrial Comb V-Block and Parallel Set excels at providing accurate and repeatable workholding. The V-blocks securely cradle round stock, while the parallels provide a stable and level base for various machining operations. This greatly improves accuracy.

The strengths of this set lie in its versatility and ease of use. The range of parallel thicknesses allows for quick and easy setup of a wide variety of workpieces. A weakness is the lack of included clamping.

The set largely meets expectations. The set does provide accurate workholding, provided the user knows how to apply proper clamping techniques to secure the workpiece.

Design & Ergonomics

The Grizzly Industrial Comb V-Block and Parallel Set is designed with functionality in mind. The hardened steel construction gives the impression of durability and long-term reliability. The weight of the pieces contributes to stability and reduces vibration during machining.

The simple design is easy to understand. It makes the setup process quick and intuitive.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the hardened steel construction, the Grizzly Industrial Comb V-Block and Parallel Set should provide many years of service. The wear-resistant material minimizes the risk of deformation and loss of accuracy. Proper maintenance is essential for longevity.

Regular cleaning and light lubrication will prevent rust and corrosion. Light maintenance is easy to perform.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Grizzly Industrial Comb V-Block and Parallel Set typically doesn’t come with extensive accessories. However, a fitted storage case can be a welcome addition for organization and protection. The most useful accessory would be clamps that are designed to work in conjunction with V-blocks, as these provide the required holding force.

The set’s compatibility with standard machining vises and clamping systems allows for extensive customization. The user is largely able to customize their setup to their needs.

Pros and Cons of Grizzly Industrial Comb V-Block and Parallel Set

Pros

  • Provides accurate and repeatable workholding for round stock.
  • Versatile due to the range of parallel thicknesses included.
  • Durable hardened steel construction ensures long-term reliability.
  • Simple and intuitive design allows for quick setup.
  • Improved machining accuracy and reduced vibration.

Cons

  • Lack of included clamps means you’ll need to purchase those separately.
  • The set may be overkill for those who only occasionally work with round stock.


Who Should Buy Grizzly Industrial Comb V-Block and Parallel Set?

The Grizzly Industrial Comb V-Block and Parallel Set is perfect for machinists, toolmakers, and serious hobbyists who require accurate and repeatable workholding for round stock. It’s ideal for those performing drilling, milling, grinding, and inspection operations. Those who regularly work with cylindrical components or need to create precise cross-holes or slots will find this set invaluable.

This product might be overkill for casual DIYers or those who rarely work with round stock. If you only occasionally need to hold a round object, simpler and less expensive alternatives may suffice. Those on a very tight budget might want to investigate cheaper options.

Must-have accessories include a high-quality machinist’s vise and a set of V-block clamps. A fitted storage case will also help keep the set organized and protected.

Conclusion on Grizzly Industrial Comb V-Block and Parallel Set

The Grizzly Industrial Comb V-Block and Parallel Set is a well-built and versatile workholding solution that delivers on its promise of accuracy and reliability. The hardened steel construction ensures durability, while the range of parallel thicknesses allows for quick and easy setup of a wide variety of workpieces. Its simple design makes it user-friendly, even for those new to precision machining.

At $145.99, the price is justified given the quality of materials and the improved accuracy and efficiency this set provides. While the lack of included clamps is a drawback, the overall value proposition remains strong.

I would personally recommend the Grizzly Industrial Comb V-Block and Parallel Set to anyone who regularly works with round stock and requires accurate and repeatable workholding. Upgrade your shop today!

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