When making my welding table I drilled holes in the top to allow the vise to be bolted-down anywhere on the table. The holes also allow me to mount items like the Table-Top Band Saw Mount (Previously Posted) as-well-as these customized Vise-Grip type clamps.
When welding items together it is very helpful to be able to clamp items in the center of the table as-well-as the sides of the table. Therefore, I cut the ends off of several inexpensive ‘Swivel Pad’ vice-grip type clamps purchased for $5 from ‘Harbor-Freight Tools‘ and welded them to some scrap metal 1″ square tubing.
Prior to welding the cut-off clamps to the 1" Square tubing, I drilled a 1/2" hole completely through the tubing and then welded a 1/2" nut over the top hole.
Then used the same type of 1/2" Threaded Rod (That can be purchased from LOWES or Home Depot) for mounting the portable band saw on the welding table to hold these customized metal clamps on the table top.
By stacking scrap metal blocks (with holes drilled in them) under the clamps, I can easily clamp items of different heights by using a 1/2" nut threaded under the tabletop.
I have already had the opportunity to use these on a project that required a full length 24″ Threaded Rod to hold a very tall item on the table.
I have lots of extra clamps when needed and while very simple to make - so far - they have worked great!
CHEERS!!
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