Low profile side-clamps

[Shotgun]

I'm looking to clamp some plate directly to my table, so I'm looking at designs for low profile side clamping. Many of the designs appear to have a set screw that bears on the t-slot bottom and pushes a t-nut up against the T of the slot.

Low profile milling table workpiece clamps

Gallery showing various types of low profile clamps in use on the milling machine table.

www.homews.co.uk

Am I wrong to have a gut wrenching feeling that that is a quick to end up with a broken t-slot?

 

[talvare]

I have some the Mite-Bite low profile clamps and haven't had any problems. You should be fine as long as you don't let Bubba tighten the clamps.

Ted

 

[Mini Cooper S]

How is this any different than the T-nuts in a standard clamping kit? As talvare said, "Don't let Bubba tighten the clamps"

Richard

 

[Shotgun]

How is this any different than the T-nuts in a standard clamping kit? As talvare said, "Don't let Bubba tighten the clamps"

Richard

The t-nut pull up and pinch the t-slot arms between the nut and workpiece. One was is a clamp, the other is a spreader.

And the problem, you see, is that I AM Bubba.

It's ok, though. I took all these ideas, mashed them together, and came up with a design that will use my existing t-nuts, and all I have to do is drill some 1/2" bar and cut it on the bandsaw.

 

[C-Bag]

I was lucky to find 7 assorted Te-Co toe clamps in used condition on eBay for less than one clamp. I’ve also made some toe style dogs for the clamps to work against for my shaper.

 

[Winegrower]

I bought a set and made a set of the hex-cam type clamps. They are ok, work about half as well as I expected. You would have to be not only strong but pretty dumb to hurt a T-slot with these.

 

[jwmay]

I made one of the type the OP linked. It will mark the bottom of the t slot, but it works fine. If you read his book, he has many tips about how best to use them. He hasn't broken any t slots. I'd like to make the rest of them, but just never came up with the material. I find use of the one a much better solution than another clamp.