This are some pictures of an experiment by Tom Brewer with Cerrobend to illustrate that an expanding fusible alloy is able to hold parts to be machined.

Tom said:

I used;
 1) 1 ingot of Cerrobend Alloy melting point 158f.
 2) Small sauce pan filled half way with water.
 3) Ceramic bake ware cup.
 4) 5/8" diameter round carbide shank.

I placed the Cerrobend into the ceramic bake ware, 
placed it near the center of the sauce pan, 
brought the water to a boil,
melted and stirred the Cerrobend,
took the bake ware out of the pan,
I placed the room temperature carbide shank into the bake
ware/Cerrobend standing up and left it to cool.

After cooling I grasped the carbide and lifted. I expected the shank
and Cerrobend would lift out together since the bake ware has a draft
angle but it did not, the three pieces are now one....LOL. Grab, pull,
twist, tap and they are still holding together.

Let stand a few hours no change, still holding.

Tom