Shop-Made Bench Top Clamp for Easy Workholding
You can never have enough clamps in the shop. But sometimes, a conventional clamp just gets in the way — especially when you're sanding or hand planing a board on your workbench.
I needed a quick, convenient way to secure a workpiece to the top of my bench without having a bulky clamp sticking up above the surface. So I came up with this shop-made bench top clamp based on a commercially available design.
The clamp works with the existing dog holes in my workbench. Its low profile keeps the workpiece accessible, and it's easy to install, adjust, and remove.
Make the Bench Top Clamp
The base of the clamp has two dowel pins that fit into a matching pair of holes in the benchtop.
These holes are positioned opposite a bench dog, allowing the clamp to hold the workpiece against the dog.
Drill a hole through the edge of the clamp base and install a threaded insert.
A long bolt threads into the insert and provides the clamping pressure.
The clamp head is attached to the bolt using washers and lock nuts. The important detail is to leave the connection loose enough that the clamp head can rotate freely as you tighten the bolt.
Clamp Workpieces for Sanding and Planing
To use the clamp, slip the dowel pins into the matching holes in your workbench.
Position the workpiece between the clamp and a bench dog, then turn the bolt to tighten the clamp against the board.
I keep a ratchet wrench nearby to make adjustments quick and easy.
Because the clamp sits low against the benchtop, it stays out of the way while sanding or hand planing.
And when I'm finished, the whole assembly lifts out of the dog holes and stores conveniently beneath the bench.
It's a simple workbench accessory that makes everyday workholding a little easier.
Build a Traditional Woodworking Workbench
A good workbench is more than a sturdy surface. With bench dog holes, a reliable vise, and a few shop-made accessories like this clamp, it becomes one of the most versatile tools in your workshop.
Our Traditional Workbench woodworking plan includes the detailed drawings and step-by-step instructions you need to build a sturdy bench designed for years of woodworking.
GET THE TRADITIONAL WORKBENCH PLANS → A Solid Foundation for Better Workholding
