Hold Down Clamps

[kolias]

Any ideas about hold down clamps for a CNC Router machine?

[tjstamp]

what kind of table do you have?

[kolias]

Here is a photo of the table top. For now I have these 2 pieces which will hold a piece in place but wondering if there is any better idea.

The slots on the table will take any std. T-Slot bolt, and the table top is 3/4" plywood

[Jeff_Birt]

I really like the A2Z toggle clamps. They have a wide clamping range and are available in several sizes so you can get the size that fits your machine and clamping jobs. Take a look at: http://www.soigeneris.com/A2Z_Milling_Clamps-details.aspx (my website). I use them all the time and love them.

[kolias]

That's a good alternative Jeff but kind of expensive since its a very good quality

Another alternative I had in mind is like the attached picture but they are out of stock until April. I used them on my 1st CNC and they worked very good

http://www.busybeetools.com/products/HOLD-DOWN-FOR-B238424%7B47%7D36.html

Perhaps other members may come up with more ideas

[ger21]

I use cam clamps, similar to these.
http://www.vectric.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=8491&hilit=cam+clamps

[kolias]

Very good idea Gerry, I like that

Thanks

[HimyKabibble]

That's a good alternative Jeff but kind of expensive since its a very good quality

Another alternative I had in mind is like the attached picture but they are out of stock until April. I used them on my 1st CNC and they worked very good

http://www.busybeetools.com/products/HOLD-DOWN-FOR-B238424%7B47%7D36.html

Perhaps other members may come up with more ideas

You can get that style of clamp for a few $ each from almost anywhere that sells woodworking supplies.  Rockler.com is one good source.

Regards,
Ray L.

[kolias]

Didn't know that Rockler has them, now I saw them and a good price for 2

Thanks

[Jeff_Birt]

That's a good alternative Jeff but kind of expensive since its a very good quality

Another alternative I had in mind is like the attached picture but they are out of stock until April. I used them on my 1st CNC and they worked very good

http://www.busybeetools.com/products/HOLD-DOWN-FOR-B238424%7B47%7D36.html

I'm not a big fan of having big knobs that always seem to be in the way. You can make some really inexpensive clamps from aluminum angle with a hole drilled through on side. They are inexpensive but not very flexible. I use them at times where there is a chance that the tool may hit the clamp and there are no other good options. Since they are aluminum and cheap you can cut right through them with no worries.