Bench Clamps—sometimes called bench hold-down clamps—are specialised clamps designed to secure workpieces flat to the benchtop for accurate, safe machining and assembly. They anchor into bench-dog holes, T-slots or clamp to the bench edge, then apply downward pressure via a screw, cam or lever mechanism.
Key Characteristics:
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Hold-Down Mechanism: A foot or pad presses onto the workpiece, often driven by a screw, cam or lever for rapid clamping.
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Bench Mounting: Engages bench-dog holes, T-slot tracks or clamps to the bench edge, ensuring a solid anchor point.
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Low-Profile Design: Keeps the workpiece surface clear for routing, planing or marking.
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Adjustable Capacity: Accommodates varying stock thicknesses and bench-hole layouts.
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Robust Construction: Typically made from cast iron, steel or aluminium with corrosion-resistant finishes.
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Protective Pads: Nylon or rubber feet prevent marring of delicate surfaces.
Common Uses:
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Routing & Planing: Holding boards securely for edge profiling or flattening.
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Assembly & Glue-Ups: Clamping parts tightly in place during adhesive cure.
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Sanding & Filing: Preventing movement of small or thin workpieces under abrasive tools.
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Chiselling & Mortising: Stabilising stock when removing material for clean, precise cuts.
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Layout & Marking: Ensuring material remains stationary for accurate measuring and scribing.
