Need help - clamping sets

[jmcbroom]

I need a clamping set - not because I have a mill (don't want to spring that heart attack on the wife yet), but because I could use them with my drill press, band saw and future welding table (an idea from here).

The welding table and horizontal bandsaw I can drill and tap for whatever I need, I'm more interested in what will work with the drill press. I have the 17" Craftsman, and from what I can gather by looking at pictures of mill tables, it doesn't have "t-slots", just slots that are 5/8" wide.

Will mill clamps not work on this table? If they will, what size clamp set should I be looking for?

[PTSchram]

Will mill clamps not work on this table? If they will, what size clamp set should I be looking for?

Yes, it will just be slightly less convenient that T-slots, versus grooves in the table.

Size? When you look them up in the tool catalogs, you will see a chart of the dimensions of the blocks that fit into the T-slots. In your case, you'll want to size them to fit the slots in your table. You'll see what I mean when you look them up.

[1TON73K5]

I prefer TICO clamp sets myself.

[jmcbroom]

Yes, it will just be slightly less convenient that T-slots, versus grooves in the table.

Size? When you look them up in the tool catalogs, you will see a chart of the dimensions of the blocks that fit into the T-slots. In your case, you'll want to size them to fit the slots in your table. You'll see what I mean when you look them up.

Excellent....

As for size, I can see how they work based on how they look - the wide end of the bolt fits into the slot in the table. Now, when I'm looking these up, when they say "for 5/8" t-slot", is that 5/8" the wide parts of the t-slot or the size of the "smaller slot" (for lack of better terms.

In other words, since the slots on my drill press table (not t-slots mind you) are 5/8" across, will a 5/8" set work or do I need the next size bigger?


Edit: NEvermind, I think I got it - looks like the 5/8" t-slot set has a t-slot width of 1", which should work just fine..

Thanks, I know it was a stupid question :0

[guidolyons]

Cheepo HF set ain't too bad: $35

423146


Or... for $150-$200

Enco has TE-CO, Gibraltar, etc

[fj40guy]

Dont overlook the vise grip clamps that drop down through the slot.

Went to look for a supplier for a photo can not find it.
similiar to:
http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNSRIT?PMPXNO=20568037&PMT4NO=58676919



Sigh my 1916 drill press.... smooth table. Coolant moat, but no way to clamp things. I use a drill press vise, or a board with a 2x4 screwed to the top of it. (work item against the 2x4 to prevent it from spinning).

[kooters94yj]

Dont overlook the vise grip clamps that drop down through the slot.

Went to look for a supplier for a photo can not find it.
similiar to:
http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNSRIT?PMPXNO=20568037&PMT4NO=58676919



Sigh my 1916 drill press.... smooth table. Coolant moat, but no way to clamp things. I use a drill press vise, or a board with a 2x4 screwed to the top of it. (work item against the 2x4 to prevent it from spinning).


They sell those at HF.

[JeffHPK5]

Te-Co USA 1/2" set is for sale from Enco for $112... I bought the same set on sale at J&L Supply for $89 last year.

Don't buy the cheap import crap , the poor quality and fit will drive you crazy when your attempting to use it.

I just recently sold a new Te-Co set here for $60 ... so deals are around.

[randii]

You can definitely use T-nuts inserted into the bottom of the slots -- not quite as easy as T-nuts in an appropriate groove, but when tightened into tension, it can allow a pretty sturdy fixture!

This works on drill presses, cut-off saws, band-saws, and etc. This is a sweet way to build up sturdy set-ups.

Randii