Shopsmith Forums

Has anyone used this clamping system from Kreg. I got this system and wondered if anyone has any good or bad comments. Go to http://www.kregtool.com/HeavyDuty-Bench ... dview.html to see the product.

Bob I have several of the Kregg clamps and one of their tables. I have 2 that I adapted to use in my bench by cutting 3/4 inch bolts off at the head and tapping them for a 5/16 rod to attach the clamps. They are my favorite bench accessories. Not sure I would like the large metal plate in the one you ordered but you may have a need for it.

rdewinter wrote:Has anyone used this clamping system from Kreg. I got this system and wondered if anyone has any good or bad comments. Go to http://www.kregtool.com/HeavyDuty-Bench ... dview.html to see the product.

I have one mounted to the top (recessed) of my work bench and love it. Very handy. I have the smaller plate though not the big one in your posting.

Jack
PPro

mbcabinetmaker wrote:Bob I have several of the Kregg clamps and one of their tables. I have 2 that I adapted to use in my bench by cutting 3/4 inch bolts off at the head and tapping them for a 5/16 rod to attach the clamps. They are my favorite bench accessories. Not sure I would like the large metal plate in the one you ordered but you may have a need for it.

Photos please

[quote="damagi"]Photos please ]
Der way I see it!;)

The 5/16" tapped hole allows bolting the clamp to the 3/4" rod which allows it to be inserted into a dog hole. . .

[quote="damagi"]Photos please ]



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The first clamps did not have the fancy soft grips. This is the original Kreg clamp table for face frames. It is way to small for that for my purposes but I bought it to clamp troublesome doors and to assemble drawers squarely.




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I also purchased an additional clamp rail. I use it on the MTF table to hold doors and panels while I sand them. Kregg is a very innovative company in my opinion and all their products are first class.

mbcabinetmaker wrote:Bob I have several of the Kregg clamps and one of their tables. I have 2 that I adapted to use in my bench by cutting 3/4 inch bolts off at the head and tapping them for a 5/16 rod to attach the clamps. They are my favorite bench accessories. Not sure I would like the large metal plate in the one you ordered but you may have a need for it.

MB...I like your adaptation of the clamp to use in a bench dog hole. Very clever.

I recessed the metal plate into my workbench with the thought of removing the plate and recessing it into a piece of 3/4" plywood to make it portable.

I would also like to recess a rail into my workbench to make the Klamp even more adjustable. I was thinking of using a piece of hardwood like white oak and making my own rail. Would that be strong enough to withstand the stress and pressure when applying the clamp to a workpiece?

Attached are pictures of the clamping system in my shop.

Bob I don't think it would be strong enough with the factory screw. If you change it to something with a larger head then it would work fine. I would want something with at least a 3/4" wide slot and 3/4" deep. On the other hand Kregg makes an aluminum track that you could just route a dado and screw it down. If you recess it just below the surface of you bench it should not pose a problem.

I was reminded today of a benefit of the clamp modification.




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These left over bolt heads are the best bench dogs I have in the shop.






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Ad the price was right.

MBCABINETMAKER, i also like the clamp conversion to use in the workbench 3/4" holes. Have you ever used traditional hold-downs and how does your Kreg conversion compare? I've never used either. I like the use of the leftover boltheads as dogs too.
What is the best bit to drill 3/4" holes in a workbench? I want to make one and i'm researching ideas/input from all members.