Clamps for T-Slots?

[Mike Shields]

I'm in the process of constructing my assembly/squaring/sanding table.

I'd like to add t-slots to increase the functionality of this table. However, my searching has not identified a single clamp that fits into a standard size 3/8 x 3/4 t-slot.

I know that a toggle type clamp can be made to work, but I was hoping for an off-the-shelf product.

Am I searching for something that does not exist?

[Tim Thomas]

Is this what you are looking for?

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=5739&filter=hold%20down

[Jason Whelehon]

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=20221&cs=3911&pcs=fam

[Tim Sproul]

If you use t-track that can accept a 5/16" bolt head, you can use Kreg's bench Klamp as is. You can also use Kreg's bench Klamp in a 1/4" t-slot but you'll either need to find a new bolt with the same thread size as the OEM but a smaller head or grind down the head so it fits into the slot of the smaller t-track.

FWIW, the Rockler t-track kit that comes with 4 feet of t-track and lots of knobs and bolts is 5/16 t-track and accepts the Kreg bench Klamp just fine. This Rockler t-track kit also goes on sale for 50% off frequently, making the kit cheaper than purchasing just a 4' length of t-track

[Mike Shields]

Is this what you are looking for?

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=5739&filter=hold%20down


http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=20221&cs=3911&pcs=fam

Those weren't there a minute ago!

Man, what a bonehead. I need a class on web surfing.

Thanks for the replies.

[Tim Thomas]

Those weren't there a minute ago!

Man, what a bonehead. I need a class on web surfing.

Thanks for the replies.


Ah, don't be so hard on yourself. :D I program computers for a living, and there are still days when they give me fits. The key to this search (for me anyway) was to use the term "hold down" and not "clamp". I got more direct hits when I used "hold down".

[Wayne Cannon]

Use care to anchor your T-track well when using these clamps; otherwise, they will pull the track up out of the slot. I use these and wound up having to epoxy my track into its dado slot to keep it from pulling up.

[Larry James]

Use care to anchor your T-track well when using these clamps; otherwise, they will pull the track up out of the slot. I use these and wound up having to epoxy my track into its dado slot to keep it from pulling up.

Epoxy, I'll try that - amazing how much upward pressure a hold down can exert. Machine screws with a washer and nut below the bench help, but whatever made me think those little wood screws would work.:o

Larry

[Don Brubaker]

Use care to anchor your T-track well when using these clamps; otherwise, they will pull the track up out of the slot. I use these and wound up having to epoxy my track into its dado slot to keep it from pulling up.
Look at Lee Valley's T-Track which has little "wings" on the bottom of the tracks to help prevent pull-out.

[Gary Curtis]

Mike, if you want something beefier than either the WoodCraft or Rockler clamps, go to Jointech here: http://www.jointech.com/optaccess.htm

I got a set of these for holding a board up on a horizontal router table. Weight was an issue. And as someone mentioned, the Lee Valley T-Tracks with wings give an extra margin of security.

Gary Curtis