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Vacuum Clamps

Using Vacuum Clamps

If you have a vacuum system in your shop the potential for clamping is limited by your imagination. Whether home made or purchased, these little devices can save you a ton of time. These clamps, combined with a foot controlled on / off switch makes clamping project parts a breeze. Instant clamping ability is achieved with these bases. Your clamping techniques will be taken to new heights.

Reproducing parts is easilly achieved by creating your own woodworking patterns and jigs using plastics or plywood. We use these patterns and jigs to produce multiple parts in a fraction of the time it used to take. The homemade jig shown on the left is fitted with a quick connect fitting that allows convenient hook up to the vacuum source. The two pictures  on the right are views of the same jig, which was made from 3/4" plywood. Notice this jig has gaskets on both sides. This permits us to place the jig over a hole on the workbench which has a nylon vacuum hose attached to it and to a control manifold at the end of the bench. Using this jig we can make dozens of replacement inserts for our drill press. The jig is the exact size of the insert opening on our drill press table. Using rough cut 1/4" M.D.F. blanks, we place the blank on the jig, step on the foot pedal and using a router with a pattern following bit, make duplicates in seconds per peice. The hole in the center allows the vacuum to pass through the jig and pull down the M.D.F., clamping it instantly. By stepping on the foot pedal again, the part is instantly released.

The jig shown on the left below is used to clamp parts to the bench top. Used for for sanding, biscuit joining or any machining is simpified. The middle one will hold parts at a perfect right angle while you drill it and add the screws. The jig on the right is a straight edge that can be used for any number of purposes.

Router Table Foot Pedal
Get hand-free on and off operation of any bench top power tool up to 15 amps! Router Table Foot Pedal

Double Sided V-Clamp Vacuum Clamps

Clamp parts from the bottom side so you can rout, sand, saw or carve with no obstructions on the face of your workpiece. These little industrial- strength workhorses use a tiny amount of compressed air to generate a huge amount of clamping force, up to 330 pounds. Works great vertically for edge work, or horizontally for surface work. There are no moving parts, meaning they’ll provide years of trouble-free service. Made from lightweight, durable injection-moulded nylon. Has vacuum on both faces, allowing you to move the clamp around on the bench and resecure as needed. Each clamp includes a 40" length of transparent air supply line, two 22" rubber seals, and two Quick-Fit connectors. Accessories also available: use the Tee Connector to string several clamps together for large pieces! Tall Seal is slightly taller and softer for use with rough lumber and gently curving surfaces. On/Off Valve allows you to turn the vacuum on and off, and provides the perfect conversion to a standard air line. 6-1/4" square. Double Sided V-Clamp Vacuum Clamps

Single Sided V-Clamp Vacuum Clamps Clamp parts from the bottom side so you can rout, sand, saw or carve with no obstructions on the face of your workpiece. These little industrial- strength workhorses use a tiny amount of compressed air to generate a huge amount of clamping force, up to 330 pounds. Works great vertically for edge work, or horizontally for surface work. There are no moving parts, meaning they’ll provide years of trouble-free service. Made from lightweight, durable injection-moulded nylon. Includes 4 mounting tabs so it can be bolted to the work surface. Each clamp includes a 40" length of transparent air supply line, two 22" rubber seals, and two Quick-Fit connectors. Accessories also available: use the Tee Connector to string several clamps together for large pieces! Tall Seal is slightly taller and softer for use with rough lumber and gently curving surfaces. On/Off Valve allows you to turn the vacuum on and off, and provides the perfect conversion to a standard air line. 6-1/4" square. Single Sided V-Clamp Vacuum Clamps

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Written by: Lee A. Jesberger  © 2006

Inventor of Ezee-Feed systems  ®

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