Locking T Track Clamp Thumb Turn Handle
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A couple of years ago, there wasn't much to differentiate Rockler's T-track products from other brands'. They had T-track channels, other brands had T-track channels. They offered DIY jig hardware, other brands offered the same. You get the picture.
Now, the landscape is very different. Rockler has been regularly adding new T-track products to their catalog, with useful and appealing designs.
Rockler just came out with a new Auto-Lock T-track hold down clamp, and this seemed like a good time to talk about some of their other recent T-track accessories.
Rockler Auto-Lock Hold Down Clamp
Auto-adjusting and locking toggle clamps aren't new innovations – you can find similar clamps from Bessey – but Rockler's seem to be a little more refined. For instance, instead of a 6pt hex nut for clamping pad positioning, there's a knurled thumbscrew for easy adjustments.
Using this clamp is simple. Once you have your clamping arm and clamping pressure adjusted, lift the toggle lever to release clamping pressure, and press down on it to apply clamping pressure.
The new Auto-Lock hold down clamp (54280) can be used with workpieces from 0″ to 2-3/4″ thick. Clamping pressure is maintained regardless of workpiece thickness. Should you wish to change the clamping force, which can be adjusted from 5 to 250 pounds of pressure, simply turn the adjustment screw with a screwdriver.
The clamp can be locked to T-track using a large hand knob, and can be used with Rockler's T-track table, universal t-tracks, or any other t-track that can accept 5/16″ T-headed bolts.
It looks like the clamp can be easily adjusted so that you can rotate the clamp at any angle before locking it down to the T-track channel.
You could use these clamps for any number of operations, and they seem particularly suited for drill press and jig operations. The clamping foot has a ball joint, and so it is always kept in full contact with workpieces regardless of thickness.
Price: $30
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Rockler Auto-Lock Clamp
Rockler's Auto-Lock T-track clamp (58616) is similar to the hold down clamp, but provides horizontal clamping pressure.
You can use these clamps for glue-up jigs, and for holding workpieces against work stops for sanding, planing, or even certain routing operations.
The adjustment range is about 3-1/2″, and a V-shaped notch at the center of the clamping foot helps it to fit outside corners and irregularly shaped workpieces.
Clamping pressure can be adjusted from 10 to 500 pounds.
Price: $30
Buy Now(via Rockler)
Rockler Auto-Lock Clamp Mounting Bracket
If you want to use these clamps but don't have a T-track setup, that's okay – Rockler also offers handy mounting brackets. These brackets are mounted to worksurfaces using 4 screws, and the protruding flange provides a resting surface for the T-track clamps' base-mounted rubber pads to help eliminate slippage.
If you want greater adjustability, you could also embed a 2″ or longer section of T-track into your benchtop.
Price: $10 each
Buy Now(via Rockler)
Locking T Track Clamp Thumb Turn Handle
Source: https://toolguyd.com/rockler-auto-locking-t-track-clamps/