Step Clamps

[suds]

Wondered if any of you fellas use step clamps and how it's worked for you?  Seems like it could work on a MFT table as well as drill press etc.

 

[Bob D.]

Not really sure what you mean by step clamps.

I have some step blocks that I use when clamping tall items to my DP table.
They are in 1/2 inch increments. from 1/2 up to 2-1/2 inches and made
from some scraps of red oak about 2 inches wide.

 

[suds]

Step clamps are metal "stairstepped" blocks that mate with a metal bar that is attached to a threaded rod which will go under a table and the bar is tightened and presses down on whatever is being clamped.  Machinists use them and are used frequently on drill press tables. Very handy and stout. Ill see if i can post a picture of being used on a mft table.

 

[nclemmons]

I have step clamps on my milling machine.  They are handy for those types of uses, but I personally think there  are better options for the MFT...

Take a look at these - they are excellent and come with a 20mm post.

Easy to slip in a hole and tighten down with no need for under-table adjustment.
http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.aspx?p=70684&cat=1,43838,70865

Another option - this one uses the MFT clamp knobs from underneath -
http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.aspx?p=70864&cat=1,43838,70865

Another option - I have an older Jorgensen version of this one which is no longer available, but still really useful with great holding pressure.  You use a knob with a ground carriage bolt through a dowel to center it in the hole of the MFT -
https://www.amazon.com/Woodstock-D4...?ie=UTF8&qid=1493344992&sr=8-12&keywords=hold+down+clamps

 

[Bob D.]

I have a pair of those Jorgensen clamps too. I use them on the drill press mostly but they will work on my bench, my old B&D Workmate, or the MFT. Funny but my Workmate from the early 80s has 20mm holes, not 3/4". All my Festool clamping kit fits snugly and anything 3/4" is loose.

 

[Vondawg]

I really get a lot of use out of the Kreg automaxx bench clamps they auto adjust to the thickness of anything. Two are on a track and two on individual Senaca 20mm adapters (lee valley) to be able to move them around on the mft

 

[suds]

I too have most of these clamps but saw a video of these clamps being used by Alan on AskWoodman on his drill press. I must be a nut for clamps but I've often read that we can't ever have enough clamps!!