Rockler Hold Down Clamps

[Matt B]

Has anyone used these Rockler Hold Down Clamps with their Universal T-Track?????  The bench I will be installing these in has drawers, which makes installing the Kreg t track difficult.  Just curious if anybody has used this setup and how it compares to the Kreg t track and Kreg Bench Clamp.  The top is almost 1 1/2 thick so getting long screws into the track from above should suffice with holding it into place.

[ray vile]

Matt, I used them and like them alot, I also use them for holding my miter saw or any other bbench top tool to my bench, there is pictures of my bench on my page.

[Matt B]

My buddies Bench has the Kreg T Track and Kreg Bench Clamp.  I was hoping that those would do a sufficient job at maybe helping clamp for face frames and pocket holes?   

[Ken Darga]

Matt, 

T-tracks and hold-down clamps are very handy for assembling face frames, 

as well as so many other clamping tasks.

They're useful for unlimited clamping tasks.

I use them on my assembly benches as well as a variety of work tops, table saws, router tables, drill press,

and work stands, just to name a few.

One worktop has multiple tracks, for clamping around the top, as well as the center, 

to accommodate the Kreg clamps as well as Rockler clamps.

[Matt B]

Ken....Thanks for the reply.  I know that the tracks and clamps are extremely useful.  I was just curious (because I have used the Kreg setup) if someone had used both the Kreg and Rockler setup and how the Rockler compares to the kreg, EI. for assembling pocket hole face frames and such.

[Ken Darga]

The Kreg clamping track is stronger---

more clamping pressure can be applied, without distorting the channel.

[Matt B]

Ken....but I should be alight using the Rockler brand setup?

[Ken Darga]

Yes, Matt.

You'll be okay with the Rockler t-track---

however, clamping pressure from the top side is limited to light-med duty clamping pressure.

Over-loading will result in distortion of the t-track.

The t-track needs to be recessed in a grooved slot, to keep the vertical flanges from distorting outward.

The Rockler t-track is fastened to a base, with #6 flathead screws, the screw heads are inserted into the channel side, from the top down. 

The Kreg Klamp Trak 

http://www.kregtool.com/prodimages/klamptrakinstructions.pdf

is intended to be secured to a platform, with the bolt head fitting into the bottom slots with nuts on the underside of the base, OR

with screws inserted upward that engage with the nuts in the slots.

The bottom side of the track, features 2 tracks, for the secure clamping.

Locate a bolt 1'' from each end and spaced 4'' apart---

Fasteners in both tracks prevent torquing/twisting of the track when upward forces are applied to the top side of the track.

The trak can be installed on the top side of the work surface.

2 such tracks can be positioned at a right angle to form an work zone for perfect 90 degree joints.

ADVANTAGES:

Lots of advantages to using this clamp design.

can be recessed in a work surface (min 1 1/2'' thick wood)

higher clamping forces

track stays flat

no distortion

no slippage

no bulging of the track

no interference with sliding motion of the clamps on top side

accepts any Kreg Bench Klamp

when not in use, the Klamp can be removed to regain your perfectly flush work surface

Matt B said:

Ken....but I should be alight using the Rockler brand setup?