Comments on: Dealmonger: Starrett 298 Key Seat Clamps $34

By: Coach James

Coach James — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 03:49:05 +0000

“…so you can scribe an accurate parallel line…”

Not trying to be a wiseguy, but parallel to what? Since you use the singular “line”, instead of two lines parallel to each other, do you mean parallel to the length of the pipe? If so, I’ve always had good results putting the pipe in a door frame and making a line.

By: someonesdad

someonesdad — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:34:51 +0000

I bought a pair of these 30+ years ago and have only used them a few times. In hindsight, the angle iron idea above is good; if you really need some keyseat clamps, file yourself a pair from a chunk of brass. The only hard part would be to match the nice clearance slots on the Starrett tool at the bottom of the slot for the rule.

By: fred

fred — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:26:59 +0000

Here is a less precise - but cheaper trick:

Use a piece of angle iron or angle aluminum of suitable dimension.
The 90 degree “V” side against the round stock - does a very good job of alignment.