Dan Gonzales
Member
- Messages
- 511
- Location
- Whittier, CA, USA
I never liked having the clamps standing proud of the face when using a sacrificial table saw fence. I liked the pretty blue Rockler fence clamps, but I realized I almost always used three clamps to make sure the board didn't bow out. So I decided to make my own set of three.
I made a set for myself from some old clamps. Then I made some sets for my brother and dad. The cost for each set using the Bessey Mighty Mini bar clamp and 3/8"x5" cap screws from Lowes was $18, the same cost as the set of two from Rockler. I considered using round steel bar stock but it seemed too mild for my preference.
Cut the cap and thread off the screws.
Remove the fixed jaw from clamp. I used a Dremel type cutoff blade to cut a slot and then a cold chisel to split the pot metal of the clamp jaw.
Weld the screw rod to the clamp bar and grind/file the welds to clean it up.
Paint.
Here they are in use.
The photograph angle makes it look like the middle clamp is in danger of getting hit by the blade, but it isn't.
Cheers,
Dan Gonzales
───────────
Whittier, CA
I made a set for myself from some old clamps. Then I made some sets for my brother and dad. The cost for each set using the Bessey Mighty Mini bar clamp and 3/8"x5" cap screws from Lowes was $18, the same cost as the set of two from Rockler. I considered using round steel bar stock but it seemed too mild for my preference.
Cut the cap and thread off the screws.
Remove the fixed jaw from clamp. I used a Dremel type cutoff blade to cut a slot and then a cold chisel to split the pot metal of the clamp jaw.
Weld the screw rod to the clamp bar and grind/file the welds to clean it up.
Paint.
Here they are in use.
The photograph angle makes it look like the middle clamp is in danger of getting hit by the blade, but it isn't.
Cheers,
Dan Gonzales
───────────
Whittier, CA
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