Handier Hold-Down
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I take delight in making jigs and fixtures. Since they’re wood, I don’t have to worry if they contact a bit or blade accidentally. I can just make another one. As a result, I have several hold-downs that I use on sleds, jigs, and at the drill press.
My problem with any hold-down is keeping it out of the way while I fit a workpiece in place or fine-tune its position. Gravity works against me (in so many ways). I went to the hardware store for inspiration. While wandering the hardware aisle, I gathered up a small handful of parts that solves the problem.
A spring, washer, and a knurled nut positioned below the hold-down keep it suspended while I maneuver parts. Another knurled nut and washer keep the threaded stem vertical while making it easy to slide in the T-track. -Joe Smith, Austin, Texas
