Rotor V-block fixture and method

A mechanism for retaining an elongated work piece in a fixed orientation during a machining process on diversely positioned surfaces falling on multiple work piece axes, said mechanism comprising:

• a plurality of discrete body portions, each body portion having an upper surface with an elongated V-shaped groove formed therein, a planar lower surface spaced from said upper surface, and a through passage extending between said upper and lower surfaces;
• a plurality of discrete fastener portions, wherein at least one of said plurality of discrete fastener portions is associated with each of said body portions, each fastener portion including an elongated shaft disposed within an associated through passage, said elongated shaft having an upper end emerging within said V-shaped groove and configured to engage a work piece aligned therewith and a lower end extending below and to abut said lower surface and to maintain said elongated shaft under tensile loading,
• at least one body portion including a longitudinal opening externally exposing an adjustable abutment feature carried on the lower end of said elongated shaft, the longitudinal opening including an open first end and at an open second end, the second end being opposite to and substantially aligned with the first end, the body portion including a first external face and a second external face, the first end opening to the first external face, the second end opening the second external face, the adjustable abutment feature being accessible for adjustment through the open first end or the open second end, whereby the tensile loading of said elongated shaft can be varied insitu using a tool inserted into the open first end or the open second end;
• and
• a planar machining table for adjustably securing each of said plurality of said body portions in a spaced-apart relationship wherein the V-shaped groove of said plurality of discrete body portions are in axial alignment.

A method for retaining a work piece in a fixed orientation during a machining process on diversely positioned surfaces falling on multiple work piece axes, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a body portion of a V-block fixture having an upper surface with an elongated V-shaped groove formed therein, a planar lower surface spaced from said upper surface, and a through passage extending between said upper and lower surfaces, and a longitudinal opening including an open first end and at an open second end, the second end being opposite to and substantially aligned with the first end, the body portion including a first external face and a second external face, the first end opening to the first external face, the second end opening the second external face;
• providing a fastener portion of a V-block fixture including an elongated shaft disposed within said through passage, said elongated shaft having an upper end emerging within said V-shaped groove and configured to engage a work piece aligned therewith and a lower end extending below and configured to abut said lower surface and to maintain said elongated shaft under tensile loading;
• providing a work piece with an outwardly opening recess formed therein;
• aligning said work piece with said V-shaped groove;
• aligning said outwardly opening recess with the upper end of said elongated shaft;
• and
• extending the upper end of said elongated shaft within said outwardly opening recess to engage said work piece and to establish tensile loading of said shaft, the longitudinal opening externally exposing an adjustable abutment feature carried on the lower end of said elongated shaft, the adjustable abutment feature being accessible for adjustment through the open first end or the open second end, whereby the tensile loading of said elongated shaft can be varied insitu using a tool inserted into the open first end or the open second end.