Edge routing clamping fixture

[rmwarren]

I needed a jig/fixture to clamp stock that left the top totally clear and to let me route the edge without any obstructions, & I wanted the edge of the stock needed to overhang the fixture. After fiddling around a bit I came up with a simple jig using a piece of 80/20 (what else?) and a couple 1.5" squares of 1/4" plate. The key to the whole thing is that everything is below the top of the stock so nothing obstructs the router.

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The 2 small squares of AL attach the the 80/20 with tee nuts/cap screws. At the right end there is a block of AL that is threaded and a handle to put pressure on the AL square. Both squares are beveled to give them a little bite into the end of the stock. The left square is adjusted by sliding it to fit the stock length.

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The right square is left slightly loose on the 80/20, the handle is tightened to press it against the stock, and then the cap screw is snugged down to lock it in place.

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Shown here I can route the edge of narrow stock with a slot cutter & nothing gets in the way. It takes less than a minute to swap out pieces of stock.

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More fun with 80/20...  [big grin]

RMW

 

[Roseland]

Nice idea.

I've several of the clamp guides sold by Axminster here in the UK (http://www.axminster.co.uk/progrip-progrip-back-to-back-clamping-adaptors-prod802860/) which can be used back to back.  They are also sold by Peachtree in the USA (http://www.ptreeusa.com/edge_clamps.htm).

Given I already have the clamps the back-to-back adapters seem an inexpensive way to achieve the same result.

Thanks for the idea.

Andrew

 

[rmwarren]

Andrew,

Seeing the Peachtree stuff was kind of a "duh" moment for me, I used to have one of the those clamps and totally forgot that they were available. Back when I had it (no idea where it got to...) I never had a use for it so it just hung on the wall.

Thanks for pointing them out.

RMW

 

[ScotF]

Love seeing your jigs, Richard.  Very ingenious.  Thanks for posting this type of thing.  I think your design has used for jigsaws too.

Scot

 

[Slappy]

I gotta get more 8020  [doh]

 

[rmwarren]

I gotta get more 8020  [doh]

Yup - it's like an erector set for old guys, fun stuff, and you can never have too much.

RMW