CNC Router Clamps in 2023: CNC Clamps

The work of clamping a material is the primary and essential part of machining operations, irrespective of whether or not it is done on Computerized Numerical Controls or the conventional machine tools, you should always consider the CNC router clamps for your project.

Hold down clamps play an important role in proper clamping, aligning, and setting up the stock since it can highly influence the production, typically for those parts with shorter cycle times. 

This approach is quite common, particularly in mass production of technological pallets which take care of the workpieces that allow parallelizing clamp processing, alignment and machining itself. Now let’s check out some of the top router clamps which otherwise are also called hold down clamps.

Product Name

Size

Special Features

BUY NOW

Expert's Choice

5-1/2" L X 1-1/8"

One Of The Best Clamping Action

All Rounder

12x11x2.5cm

Slides Easily Into T Track, Made From Aluminium

Value for Money

5-1/2" L X 1-1/8" W

Made From Premium Grade Anodized Aluminum


CNC Router Clamps

1. POWERTEC 71083 T-Track Hold-Down Clamp : Product Overall

POWERTEC 71083 T-Track Hold-Down Clamp

Powertec 71083 T-Track Clamp delivers a study and reliable solution to hold your T-slot or T-Track in the desired position. The clamp is designed in a way that it firmly slides into your universal T-slot/ T-Track assembly. The exceptionally designed premium lever shaped clamp arrangement along with its woodworking accessories provide an uncompared hold-down clamping feature.The clamp is made of premium quality anodized Aluminum. Its unique lever shape ensures optimal leverage added to workpiece accessibility. The ergonomically constructed 5 star knobs with non-marring clamping tips, and high-pressure clamping capacity are the other added features of this product.

PROS

CONS

  • The clamp knobs are heavy and large enough so that it can withstand much clamping pressure.

  • Fine construction of the clamp with heavy duty Aluminum followed by high quality rubber tips to protect the workpiece with some quality rubber pads to protect both the table surface and workpiece.

  • Some users have considered the T-bolts to be less sturdy and easily breaks off with a little twisting.


2. POWERTEC 71165 Aluminum Cam Clamp : Product under Budget

POWERTEC 71165 Aluminum Cam Clamp

Powertec 71165 Aluminium Cam Clamp consists of 2 vam levers, steel and rubber washers of two each, and 2 T-bolts of 3 inches. The tool is designed in such a way that you get the instant clamping and smooth release facility for woodworking fixtures and jigs. It is an ideal option to do high speed clamping followed by repetitive work.The 5/16 inch threaded insert, plus a cam-activated secure lock to facilitate instant lock and release for a seamless work progress.

The cam clamps are well-suited to hold down any clamping projects, or optimize the router, t-track, or drill press table fence. Other added assortment of applications include general purpose requirements of workshop, bench top operations, and many more.Interesting Read: Practical Ways to use clamps

The construction of the product includes quality die cast aluminum. The clamp finishing is ensured by a uniform blue anodized coating to withstand wear, and improve longevity for permanent usage.

PROS

CONS

  • Perfectly suited to replace the twist knobs used for holding objects into position along the T-Track profile.

  • Generates upward pressure by cam or lever action.

  • The metal or rubber washers do not deliver a smoother surface for levering. Plus, the ¼ inch bolts allow unnecessary tilt.

  • It is a delicate clamping system between too tight and loose.

  • Thicker rubber washers provide more tolerance, or perhaps lesser cam action.

  • The metal washers are quite tight. So, you may require to use a lubricant or go for a nylon washer to reduce the stictional force.


3. INCRA Build-It Hold Down Clamp : Premium Choice

INCRA Build-It Hold Down Clamp

Incra Build-It Hold Down Clamp works perfectly with all types of T-Track accessories and components manufactured by the same company. It perfectly holds the work material in place for flawless and consistent routing outputs. The pivoted construction of the clamp allows hassle free clamping. Lastly, the product components are constructed with sturdy Aluminum metal. 

PROS

CONS

  • It is a quality hold down clamp and ideal for CNC router applications.

  • Provides a positive clamping pressure.

  • The clamp bolt is pretty long while holding a workpiece of a size of even two inch on the table.

  • The only possible improvement is to make the area of the bolt head a bit larger, thereby allowing more area on the table's T-slot.

  • The ends of the clamp are not rubber-coated.


Other Great Picks

4. Mini Deluxe Hold-Down Clamp

Mini Deluxe Hold-Down Clamp

Mini Deluxe Hold-Down Clamp is a compact advanced version of the company. It is well suited for smaller work surfaces, like the shop-made jigs and benchtop router tables. The clamps edges are covered with rubber pads so as to get smooth and pre-finished woodworking results.

The hold-down comes with one 4-star knob nut, a washer, and three 5/16 T-bolts that are compatible with T-tracks on router tables, drill presses, and others. The clamp is 3-1/2 long and 3/4 wide, crafted with sturdy anodized Aluminum. The product is capable of clamping material of width rated between 2 and 1/2 inch. The rubber pads ensure a firm grip and also protects the work material from marks and disputes. 

PROS

CONS

  • The clamp is fantastic and suitable for daily consistent application.

  • Quicker and easier to set up the whole system.

  • The rubber tips prevent the work material from being marred, and allow a better hold on the material.

  • No disposition of the workpiece even under high routing forces.

  • Only for the woodworking projects or for routing lighter materials. 


5. Powermatic PM-HD CNC Hold Down Clamp

Powermatic PM-HD CNC Hold Down Clamp

Powermatic PM-HD CNC Clamp comes with two sets of hold downs to secure the workpiece to the desired position on the CNC table. Added to that, it consists of a lengthy Aluminium arm of length 5-¼ inch and width 1-⅛ inch along with 5/16 T-bolt. 

PROS

CONS

  • It is a T-track hold down clamp with perfect workpiece clamping capacity.

  • No such setback has been received from the user-end yet. 


6. Hold Down Clamp by Clear Style

Hold Down Clamp by Clear Style

Powertec 71160 Universal T-Track Clamps come with one 48 inch stepped T-Track frame, two 5-½ inch and one 1-⅛ inch hold-down clamps ensuring rigid support and dynamically in benchtop applications.Delivers beefy, solid clamping grip for work jobs of width rated between 2 and ½ inch in your stepped T-Track frames.

The handy tightening 5-star clamp twist knob ensures neutral adjustability. The clamping hold is more enhanced by the heavy rubber clamping-pads and won’t damage stock.Precision-machined three t-bolts of ½ inch and five washers 5/16 are included in the package. Lastly, the Aluminum-based construction of the T-Track frame ensures highest durability for long-term use. 

PROS

CONS

  • The accessories that come with this clamp work well with other powertec items. The parts align and fit perfectly with the other related products of the same company.

  • Overall, the clamp is easy to install and use.

  • The 5-start clamp knob promotes adjustability and rubber-based clamping pads improve the clamp hold.

  • You must delicately handle the clamp bolts. Else, they may break.

  • The screws do not come with the product package. So, you will have to purchase them separately.


7. POWERTEC 71169 Universal T-Track Clamps

POWERTEC 71169 48-Inch Universal T-Track with 2 Hold-Down Clamps

Powertec 71160 Universal T-Track Clamps come with one 48 inch stepped T-Track frame, two 5-½ inch and one 1-⅛ inch hold-down clamps ensuring rigid support and dynamically in benchtop applications.Delivers beefy, solid clamping grip for work jobs of width rated between 2 and ½ inch in your stepped T-Track frames. The handy tightening 5-star clamp twist knob ensures neutral adjustability. The clamping hold is more enhanced by the heavy rubber clamping-pads and won’t damage stock.Precision-machined three t-bolts of ½ inch and five washers 5/16 are included in the package. Lastly, the Aluminum-based construction of the T-Track frame ensures highest durability for long-term use. 

PROS

CONS

  • The accessories that come with this clamp work well with other powertec items. The parts align and fit perfectly with the other related products of the same company.

  • Overall, the clamp is easy to install and use.

  • The 5-start clamp knob promotes adjustability and rubber-based clamping pads improve the clamp hold.

  • You must delicately handle the clamp bolts. Else, they may break.

  • The screws do not come with the product package. So, you will have to purchase them separately.


8. Hold Down Quick Acting M8 T-Slot T-Track Clamp

Hold Down Quick Acting M8 T-Slot T-Track Clamp

Hold Down Quick Acting M8 Clamp provides firm gripping performance in your T-Tracks. Maintains the clamping load around the flush-mounted T-Slot T-Track. The product flexibly adjusts into T-Track and instantly secures with the hand-knob turn.This clamp is generally used in the metalworking cum woodworking projects for holding the job and correctly positioning it.

So, it is a very dynamic type of clamp and also perfect for clamping fixture jigs and fixtures.The overall sturdy construction of the clamp with aluminum adds durability to the product. Added to that, it comes with 2 types of sliders to be able to conduct different mechanical works.Note: Before purchasing a clamp, make sure that it perfectly slides into your T-Track profile. Check out the size details of the same for your chosen option.

PROS

CONS

  • The clamp is large and sound.

  • Robust construction of the clamp makes it durable.

  • The handle and thread are typically M8 which means that the parts are not supported by the Rickler, WoodRiver, or Woodpeckers accessories T-slot accessories.

  • In order to make these units compatible with your Drill Press (DP), you need to get an M8 adapter that could fit into your DP table's T-slots.


9. POWERTEC 71439 T-Track Clamp Vice

POWERTEC 71439 T-Track Clamp Vice

The Powertec 71439 T-Track Clamp consists of T-Track screw vice hold down router clamps. The product is designed in a way that it fits any type of standard T-Track which is compatible with ¼ inch hex head bolts. This type of screw-based clamps will fit into the desired t-track and securely keep the workpiece by twisting the knob.It is a versatile device that works flawlessly to meet any array of applications, that include, drill press, router table, jig and saw assemblies. The holding capacity of the clamp is that it can hold woodworking stocks of thickness rated between 1/4 to 2 inches.

It is an almost universal model supporting the t-track models of incra, Kreg, Peachtree Mini and many others. This premium cum ergonomically designed clamp contains a steel-plated screw and foot with non-marring cap of soft plastic, coupled with anion-oxidized aluminum body followed by a round screw knob of size 1-½ inch. Get to know about the woodworking clamps

PROS

CONS

  • The item is made durable with anodized aluminium construction.

  • This clamp is easy to install and use.

  • No such negative response received from the customer-end yet.


10. POWERTEC 71012 Clamp

POWERTEC 71012 Drill Press Clamp

The POWERTEC 71012 Drill Press Clamp ensures a reliable strong grip that holds your machine workpiece in the required position of the jig setup. This useful CNC machine tool keeps away the bit from spinning and grabbing the workpiece workpiece. So, it improves the safety level of both the DIY hobbyists and professionals.

The concrete and firm grip of the clamp ensures you with an efficiently effective cum high-quality output of your woodworking projects. The clamp is entirely constructed with heavy duty steel to maintain the product durability.The clamp length is about 9 inches followed by 3 to ½ inch throat.

The product offers a flexible clamping-range which is suitable for conducting a wider range of CNC tasks. Overall, the clamp is convenient, secure, easy to use, and ultra-practical to an array of industrial applications. Lastly, if you are looking for a clamp to only work with smaller parts, and want to keep your fingers intact, then this product is for you. 

PROS

CONS

  • It is a lightweight stand table

  • It has space-saving design making it suitable to work with

  • It can be easily folded

  • It comes in easy installation procedure

  • Perfect value for money

  • There are no adjustable legs with this stand


Conclusion

If you are a serious woodworker then you will surely want to choose the CNC router clamps for your project. Most projects done by woodworkers or hobbyists are going to be intense considering how shaky things can get sometimes with the vibrations and so much of material being machined.

It is during these times that you are going to feel the need of getting a hold down clamp so that you can be assured that your project will have all the smooth lines you wanted it to have. 

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