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+-- Thread: Table Top Clamps Part Duex (/showthread.php?tid=7361425)
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Table Top Clamps Part Duex - lincmercguy - 03-07-2021
I never really found a product I liked for clamping things to the middle of my workbench. I think the closest was the Kreg vise-grip style clamps that fit into a slot, but they're expensive and can't go very high. So I decided to try to make something instead. I have one of the Peachtree heavy-duty t-tracks in my bench that accepts 3/8" bolt heads (quite handy, by the way), and I do have a couple of the hold downs with the rubber foot that fit that. They are fine for holding something into place, but not great for clamping for a specific alignment. (my use case was the technique for domino tenons mid-case).
So I bought a very cheap set of track-clamps, but the part that fits into the track was too narrow to reliably stay centered in the t-track. So I did this instead. I'll buy a couple of better track clamps and do the same just so I have more than two. I also may get a couple more tracks for the bench.
And yes, my welding is not great. I need more practice, but then again, I need more time to practice.
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RE: Table Top Clamps Part Duex - barryvabeach - 03-07-2021
Nice work, and seems like it will work well.
RE: Table Top Clamps Part Duex - stav - 03-07-2021
Nice. Even mediocre welding skills are better than none at all.
RE: Table Top Clamps Part Duex - Bozz - 03-08-2021
(03-07-2021, 02:07 PM)lincmercguy Wrote: Looks like you have a good idea. You might also check out the Matchfit microjig. I might try one for giggles.
RE: Table Top Clamps Part Duex - Stwood_ - 03-08-2021
Nice work around.
Deep reach are available also, as long as your bench isn't super thick.
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RE: Table Top Clamps Part Duex - lincmercguy - 03-08-2021
"Looks like you have a good idea. You might also check out the Matchfit microjig"
Looks neat. I'm not sure if that would work for me since my top is bargain plywood with a layer of hardboard on the top.
RE: Table Top Clamps Part Duex - lincmercguy - 03-08-2021
"Deep reach are available also, as long as your bench isn't super thick."
The problem with those is that the top is directly on top of cabinet style drawers. I have enough overhang to clamp to the edge. Maybe I should have built the style with space between the top and storage underneath, but I build this when I was stuck in a very small garage.
RE: Table Top Clamps Part Duex - Cooler - 03-09-2021
I made a MFT style bench top with 3/4" diameter holes on 4" spacing on the surface.
By grinding off the retaining cross-pin on these Harbor Freight clamps I am able to separate the ratchets and re-attache them and feed them through the holes. These are light duty clamps but they hold pieces in place quite securely.
The 6" version only costs $3.00 each. I have an older version and instead of a cross-pin they had a pressed in "bump" which I ground off. I'm sure that the cross pin is easily removed.
![[Image: 64154_I.jpg]](https://shop.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/6/4/64154_I.jpg)
RE: Table Top Clamps Part Duex - lincmercguy - 03-09-2021
Do you reach underneath to reattach? I saw a few styles of clamps that would fit through a 3/4 hole and secure from the bottom. My bench is cabinet style, so they wouldn't work for me.
RE: Table Top Clamps Part Duex - Stwood_ - 03-09-2021
(03-08-2021, 06:49 PM)lincmercguy Wrote: "Deep reach are available also, as long as your bench isn't super thick."
The problem with those is that the top is directly on top of cabinet style drawers. I have enough overhang to clamp to the edge. Maybe I should have built the style with space between the top and storage underneath, but I build this when I was stuck in a very small garage.
Could you block the top upwards, say 4"? That may make it too high to work on though.