Parallels (engineering) - Uses

Uses

Parallels are used in machining operations, be it milling, drilling, turning or sometimes grinding. The most common use is to support work when it is in a vise or clamped to the machine bed. If a workpiece is too small to be machined in a vise without it being in contact with all three faces of the vice - parallels can be used either side to give clearance from the vise, and to give support from underneath to eliminate the workpiece being pushed down by the force of the cutting tool.

Parallels of different sizes can be used to support a workpiece that doesn't have a 'flat' surface underneath, or to give clearance when drilling in a vise to stop the drill damaging the vise. Parallels can also be used if the vise itself has a damaged face, which could cause the workpiece to be held insecurely.

Other uses include giving a raised surface when using t-slot clamps and for comparison with a surface or machined face to check the flatness.

• Parallels to raise workpiece

• Parallels with uneven workpiece