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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteA drill-press hold-down helps secure a workpiece to the table and against a fence before drilling—particularly useful when a small piece is too far inside the clamp’s reach. WOOD Magazine’s “Helpful hold-downs,” updated April 9, 2024, describes a shop-made design using knobs, 1/4-inch all-thread rod and T-nuts. See the project and its full-size pattern for the design’s dimensions and layout.
What the hold-down does
The hold-down presses a workpiece securely to the drill-press table while a fence helps keep it positioned. This is useful for small workpieces that ordinary clamps may not reach because of limited jaw depth. The goal is stable workholding; a hold-down is not a guarantee against injury.
How WOOD Magazine’s shop-made design is arranged
The design uses knobs on 1/4-inch all-thread rod, with T-nuts fitted into holes in the drill-press table. Multiple holes on each side let the hold-down be positioned for different workpiece sizes. The source provides a full-size pattern and drawing; use those for the hole layout and dimensions rather than estimating them.
Materials and layout
- Knobs and 1/4-inch all-thread rod are the purchased components identified by WOOD Magazine; the article notes that woodworking catalogs carry knobs.
- The table needs multiple holes on each side, each fitted with a T-nut.
- Follow the project’s pattern and drawing for dimensions and placement: WOOD Magazine’s Helpful hold-downs project.
Using a hold-down around a drill bit
Before engaging the bit, secure the workpiece to the table and against the fence. WOOD Magazine specifically notes circle-cutter work as a situation where keeping fingers away from the cutter matters. The hold-down supports workholding, but it does not replace careful setup or make a drilling operation risk-free.
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Make one or choose a ready-made clamp?
A shop-made design can be arranged around the table holes and workpiece sizes shown in the pattern. A commercial drill-press hold-down clamp is another option, but compatibility depends on the actual table and clamp. Compare the choices on these points before buying or modifying a table:
- Mounting: Check how the clamp attaches and whether your table accepts that arrangement.
- Reach: Confirm that the jaw reaches the workpiece; this is especially important for small pieces set near a fence.
- Workpiece size and adjustability: Consider whether the clamp can be positioned for the sizes you drill.
- Table changes: The WOOD Magazine design calls for holes and T-nuts in the table. Check whether a ready-made clamp avoids that modification and whether it fits your table as supplied.
WOOD Magazine also points to a downloadable plan bundle for seven drill-press jigs, including Helpful Hold-Downs. Woodcraft’s listing states that materials are not included: Wood Magazine Downloadable Plan – Seven Drill-Press Jigs.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Quick-Set Hold Down Clamp: The drill press clamp offers quick, secure clamping with a fast lock-and-release mechanism, ideal for repetitive clamping tasks in drill press applications.
- 3.4 in. Throat, 3.3 in. Capacity: A 3.4 in. throat depth and 3.3 in. max clamping capacity give plenty of reach and opening for parts on the drill press table. The clamp weighs 1.9 lb.
- Mounts on Surfaces up to 1 in. Thick: Secure the clamp to any surface up to 1 in. (25.4 mm) thick with the 1/2-13 x 1.5 in. L (M12 x 38 mm) stud and convenient, ergonomic zinc plated knob.
- Crank Handle Control: Use the handy crank handle to increase torque, pre-set the pliers opening for repetitious clamping applications, and loosen the pliers before unlocking.
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Rank #4
- Made for T slot and T track setups: These hold down clamps are designed for compatible 8 mm, 10 mm, and 1/4 in T slot or T track systems used on drill presses, CNC routers, router tables, and fixture tables
- 4 pack for multi point clamping: The set includes 4 press plate clamps to help hold workpieces in place during light duty woodworking, routing, drilling, and fixture setup
- Arcuate press plate design: The curved clamp shape helps apply pressure across the workpiece while allowing quick positioning and adjustment during setup
- For workshop and CNC applications: Use as drill press clamps, CNC hold down clamps, router table hold downs, or general work holding clamps for jigs and fixtures
- Check slot fit and clamp range before buying: Maximum clamping width is about 1.97 in, so please confirm your table slot size, track type, and workpiece thickness before ordering
Rank #3
- Size:T-Track Clamps 6-3/8"L x 1-1/4"W x 3-19/32" H
- Package includes 2pcs hold down clamps for T-tracks; 2pcs 5/16-Inch-18 thread 3-1/2-Inch long T bolts; 2pcs washers; 2pcs 5/16-Inch-18 thread 5-star knobs.
- This clamp universal t-track system and Set is great for use with drill presses, table saws, jigs, vertical mills, panels, routers, CNC,and more
- Pretty color as Red surface oxidation, Aluminum alloy material not easy to rust. Precision extruded aluminum, durable and smooth to use, won’t warp or alter in shape.
- Pretty color as Red surface oxidation, Aluminum alloy material not easy to rust. Precision extruded aluminum, durable and smooth to use, won’t warp or alter in shape.
Rank #2
- Universal kit includes adapters for all T-Tracks and Miter Slots
- The non-marring base shoe prevents scratching and damage to your work table surface
- T-Bolt Sizes - 1/4in-20 , 13mm x 20mm, 23mm x 30mm, 30mm x 35mm
- Reduces track tear out
- 3in Bench Clamp included
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