Sine bar/plate "angle" gage blocks; looking for some additional info

[keeena]

I've had these gage blocks for a year or two as part an auction lot (they were in a tool chest/box I bought). They are a set of gage blocks with specific dimensions to achieve whole angles on a 5" sine bar/plate...basically they are cheater blocks so you don't have to do the math and then stack a set of typical gage blocks. Most of them cover 2 angles by having a slightly different lengths depending on orientation/axis; a couple cover 3 different angles.

Now that I can use them (recently bought my first sine bar/vise): I'm curious to learn a little more about them. How common are these and is there a specific name for them? I have never seen anything like them. I've searched for descriptions like "gage blocks for sine..." but I only find traditional gage blocks or the blocks with the physical angle geometry.

 

[Nutfarmer]

Probably shop made. They sure look nicely done and are a great idea

 

[keeena]

I considered that, but the way the angle markings are done (specifically: the darkening/bluing) made me lean towards manufactured. You certainly could be right though - no makers mark anywhere and the non-dimension side is very unfinished (not quite mill scale though)

 

[francist]

Numbers are all off kilter in one way or another and not spaced nicely in the recess, I’d go with the ‘shop made’ suggestion as well.

 

[mmcmdl]

Only rules you have to remember ......
The angle of the dangle is equal to or less than the heat of the meat .
The siney of the hiney is always greater than the mass of the a$$ .

This was taught in apprentice class year one . ( If I remember correctly )

 

[benmychree]

Very nice, would save a lot of wear and tear on the gage block sets. Off kilter numbering? the shop likely did not have a pantograph engraver.

 

[Dabbler]

What a great idea! I've never heard of them, but it makes such good sense.

They don't even have to be gauge block accurate; within a half thou for most angles is quite close enough for many circumstances.

 

[Bone Head]

I'll believe shop made; our tool department made a set for Q.C. inspection and another for me as calibration tech. Was real handy. I got curious and looked on Starret's website; nothing there. You would think they would offer something.