I’ve long been a huge fan of 1-2-3 blocks and always have them around when doing a host of different projects. These blocks were originally made for use in machining, but have now spread into the worlds of woodworking, prototyping, modeling, and all sorts of other maker disciplines.
As the name implies, a 1-2-3 block is a precision-machined, hardened steel block in a 1-2-3 ratio. An Imperial block is a realiable 1″ x 2″ x 3″. There are also metric blocks in the 1-2-3 configuration, and blocks in other sizes, such as 2-4-6. Hdpe Plastic Sheet Roll
These blocks are ever-so-handy for quick measuring, aligning, holding parts for gluing/fastening, as shop weights, and countless other applications.
One of the features that few people outside of machining use are the holes drilled into the blocks. These are not just there to keep the overall weight down. They are threaded and non-threaded holes designed for attaching the blocks in various configurations (such as for making right-angle or T- jigs).
In this Stumpy Nubs video, James introduces a clever little hardware kit for easily attaching blocks — and attaching them with nothing proud of the blocks. As he points out, you can source these screws and through-hole fasteners yourself, but why not support the guy who came up with the idea for this kit?
That guy, Mike Taylor, sells a kit of 6 hex-head screws, sized for 1″, 2″, and 3″ attachment, 4 threaded through-hole dowels, a hex key, and a slotted driver head — all housed in a handy little plastic case.
I’m sold. I just bought a kit (only $10). Mike makes really high-quality blocks at a very affordable prize ($20/pair), too, so while I was at it, I snagged another pair of those. It always feels good to support a maker small business.
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