Rare earth magnet holding jig, cutting machine, and cutting method

A jig for holding a rare earth magnet block in place when the block is cut in a transverse direction by a cutting machine having multiple cutting blades, comprising

• a platform on which the magnet block is rested, the platform having opposed sides in the transverse direction,
• a first holder disposed on one side of the platform and constructed integral with or separate from the platform, and
• a second holder disposed on the other side of the platform and constructed separate from the platform,
• wherein at least a top portion of the platform is provided with channels, at least upper portions of the first and second holders are comb-shaped to define digits and slits, the channels and the slits are aligned to together define guide paths for permitting entry of the cutting blades therein, the upper portions of the first and second holders are also configured as digitate hooks each having an inward projecting tip, the platform, first and second holders are assembled such that the hook tips of the first and second holders are in contact with an upper portion of the magnet block resting on the platform,
• said jig further comprising pusher means for pushing inward the first and second holders at their lower portions, the first and second holders being configured such that the tip of each digit of the hook of one holder is in pressure abutment with the magnet block at a higher level than the tip of each digit of the hook of the other holder for thereby holding the magnet block in place on the platform.