dognose Posted June 26, 2015 Share Posted June 26, 2015 I just purchased an off brand platen table with 1 1/2" holes and was wondering if anyone has some ideas for clamping? There seem to be plenty of clamps for the Acorn style 1 3/4" but have yet to come across ones to fit mine. Any pics would be appreciated if you fabricated your own. So far, the quickest solution I could come up with is using the "Pony" style pipe clamps or forging the hammer in hold down types. Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmoothBore Posted June 26, 2015 Share Posted June 26, 2015 The "Bessey" type clamps, usually have the bushing pinned on the end of the upright.It would seem a simple matter to change out the bushing, ... or turn it down. . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quarry Dog Posted June 26, 2015 Share Posted June 26, 2015 Stronghand's version of the Bessey clamps have a retainer clip on the end that you just push on and can slide the screw part off. Perhaps you could make a swage for that cross section and figure out something like a "T-bolt" that works for your platten. Maybe a wedge lock could work? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Coke Posted June 26, 2015 Share Posted June 26, 2015 Greetings Dognose, Time for ol Jim to chime in. A simple solution to lock in the uprights for use with a pony clamp.. Just pop them in the hole a sharp pull upward .. Slide the square tube down and insert the lock pin .. Forge on and make beautiful thingsJim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted June 26, 2015 Share Posted June 26, 2015 Another standard is the good old hold fast made to scale and long enough you can knock them free from underneath.Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will. K. Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 Not exactly clamping but I remember a post a few years ago on the NWBA forum where they talked about using cheap tubing expanders for locking things in the square holes in a platen table. I looked around and the thread was titled "Platen table tricks" http://blacksmith.org/forum/tools-trade/platen-table-trick/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DSW Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 You can also steal the old dogs and wedges idea used on wood working benches. You'd just need two drop in dogs ( I'd probably make them from heavy 1 1/2" tube with a heavy plate on top to wedge against and keep it from dropping thru, and some sort of wedge to drive to lock things together. The other thing I've seen done is to use the same basic idea of those milling machine clamp sets. This works best where you can still reach under and position a plate with nut, or threaded plate to take all thread or a bolt to secure the clamping bars to the work and steps. I have seen "toggles" done like Jim shows made with heavy all thread and a swing plate at the bottom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arftist Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 Make a set of gooseneck hold downs. they will do for 99% of your clamping needs.Google "goose neck hold downs" for a picture and description. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billyO Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 or forging the hammer in hold down types. Thanks in advance. Sounds like this is the consensus, and what I'd suggest as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.