Built in clap on benchtop

[charbar]

Anyone done something like this? Finally got fed up pressing balljoints into a steering knuckle yesterday and decided I need something like this to hold awkward shaped things that don't work in a vise very well.

I was thinking basically an upside down 'L' with a threaded rod at the end that can be screwed down to clamp things between it and the bench top.

Square tubing through the bench top protruding a few inches. Make the 'L' out of tubing that will fit inside tubing on bench. Multiple holes for height adjust and be able to turn it in 90* increments, just stick a pin through the holes to hold it. Make sense?

Any cool ideas anyone has? I hate to dive into something "semi permanent" without seeing a few examples. Nothing worse than doing something and then seeing something better!

 

[rsanter]

How about a pipe vice

 

[RTM]

I think I have one like that for a woodworking bench.


Googling Sjoberg holdfasts clamp might find something you can use.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H2B6RZ2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Another similar one

https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/sho...essories/31149-veritas-hold-down?item=05G1401

 

[HenryAZ]

What about this Pony hold down clamp? I've been using them for years. The bench top is counter-bored for the bolt hardware, so it sits flush when not in use. To use, reach underneath and push the bolt up to engage the slot in the clamp itself. My one workbench with a wood top has 3 bolts set into it for positioning the clamp various places. It is good for hold down in the middle of the top, out of reach of C-clamps you could use near the edge of the top.