The picture below shows a simple clamping solution for a fixture I am building. Modify an inexpensive C-clamp by cutting off the anvil with a hack saw, facing with a mill or file and tapping some mounting holes. Cheap clamp frames are cast iron which is easy to work. The clamp is an Adjustable #1420-C, $2.26 from Home Depot.
Derek Moran
That's really cool, Derek - a prime example of thinking "outside the box". What is the fixture you're making? From the look of this one part, I bet it's going to be something really useful!
Typical Derek innovation. Now, what is the fixture for?
You come up with some really interesting solutions. I loved the hinger mod too. Another cool idea.
Hi Randy,
This is a fixture for the router to enable me to true the edges of sheet stock and dimension sticks cut from sheet. As you know, the edges of sheet stock are rarely straight or square. Likewise, long parts cut from sheet stock often bow as internal stresses are relieved.
My usual procedure is to rough-cut long parts and allow 24 hours for the stresses to resolve. Then I'll cut/sand the part to its finished shape and hope the part doesn't bow more.
With this new fixture I'll be able to immobilize the rough-cut part. I'll then run the fixture down a fence on the router table, cutting a straight and square edge on the part. This technique is more effective than a jointer because balsa tends to deflect when you press it to the machine bed. The lengthwise clamp eliminates deflection.
The modified C-clamps from the first post apply pressure to each end of a vertical clamping beam to hold the stock in place on the bed of the fixture. I'm prepared to add a third clamp (the deep-throat variety) to the center of the box, if required, to get even clamping pressure along the length of the part.
Derek
Looks like this fixture could also be used to laminate narrow sheets into strips, like LE? Ted Fancher once posted that bandsawing strips from sheets doesn't create bowed parts, like knife cuts do.
Steve
Steve,
That's been my experience. Bandsawed parts don't have the same tendency to bow that parts cut with a knife do. Still, a very cool solution to the issue.