Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: kolias on February 16, 2011, 08:17:53 AM

Title: Hold Down Clamps
Post by: kolias on February 16, 2011, 08:17:53 AM

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

Title: Re: Hold Down Clamps
Post by: tjstamp on February 16, 2011, 12:00:40 PM

what kind of table do you have?

Title: Re: Hold Down Clamps
Post by: kolias on February 16, 2011, 12:29:56 PM

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

Title: Re: Hold Down Clamps
Post by: Jeff_Birt on February 16, 2011, 01:24:02 PM

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 (http://www.soigeneris.com/A2Z_Milling_Clamps-details.aspx) (my website). I use them all the time and love them.

Title: Re: Hold Down Clamps
Post by: kolias on February 16, 2011, 01:50:39 PM

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

Title: Re: Hold Down Clamps
Post by: ger21 on February 16, 2011, 07:59:41 PM

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

Title: Re: Hold Down Clamps
Post by: kolias on February 16, 2011, 08:37:36 PM

Very good idea Gerry, I like that

Thanks

Title: Re: Hold Down Clamps
Post by: HimyKabibble on February 16, 2011, 10:34:22 PM

Quote from: kolias on February 16, 2011, 01:50:39 PM

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.

Title: Re: Hold Down Clamps
Post by: kolias on February 16, 2011, 11:17:18 PM

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

Thanks

Title: Re: Hold Down Clamps
Post by: Jeff_Birt on February 17, 2011, 07:17:49 AM

Quote

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.

Title: Re: Hold Down Clamps
Post by: FCWC on February 18, 2011, 09:00:56 PM

So my table is setup and running now.
Wandering if any of you made your T slot tables?
After building table, software, and accessories I didn't have the $ to buy T slot's so I was going to use shelf pegs. Insert where needed in pre drilled holes.  Said holes are 1" apart with odd rows offset 1".
BUT I like the idea of being able to hold the piece down and not just from sliding around.

If so How did you make your T slot tables?

Title: Re: Hold Down Clamps
Post by: kolias on February 18, 2011, 09:27:30 PM

Here are some photos of my T-Slots

On the bottom I used 1/4" thick MDF and at the top I used 3/4" plywood

The bolt is standard 1/4-20 carriage bolt

Title: Re: Hold Down Clamps
Post by: larryc on February 18, 2011, 10:30:11 PM

Why dont you make you own clamps I was looking at buying some didnt have the money Then in the v carve pro forum someone put a posting on making clamps   All it was was a 3/4 inch board the clamp is 2 inches wide about 4 inches long  make one step 1/3 the thickness then another step with a 1/4 inch left. This will leave 3 steps one 3/4 inch thick one1/2 inch thick one 1/4 inch thick. I set up the cutter to cut 5 wide on the board  put a few rows and in 20 minutes I had 30 clamps made at a few cents each. Oh I had to put a hole in them to put a screw threw to clamp them to the table top. bolt head soldered or brazed to a washer with both sides flattend will make a T bolt.Put a wing nut on the top  Simple and looks like they were bought.

Title: Re: Hold Down Clamps
Post by: kolias on February 18, 2011, 11:09:38 PM

A good tip Larry, thanks

Title: Re: Hold Down Clamps
Post by: FCWC on February 19, 2011, 03:58:13 PM

Thanks kolias - wish I done that from the get go.
I will put it on my 2 Do list.

Along with the DIY clamps.