Vee-notching device

A device is described for forming vee-notches in tensile test specimens comprising a vertically reciprocating, triangular, triple-edged cutting tool guided in a corresponding triangular slot. The specimen to be vee-notched is mounted on a carriage that is movable toward and away from the cutting tool. The specimen is precisely positioned on the carriage by tapered studs that extend into holes in the specimen and are used to expand spring collets against the wall of the holes.