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  • Grtechguy

    July 8, 2010 9:48 a.m. Grtechguy SuperDork

    Trying to make better use of my tools and workbench surfaces.

    Question is: is there some sort of quick release fastener that I could use in lieu of bolts on my benchtop tools? I would find it ideal to be able to swap the sander, grinder, vice, etc.

    I'm not opposed to drilling holes through the bench if I can swap multiple tools securely. Is there something like a bicycle hub quick release that could be used?

    I should mention both work surfaces are 2 inches thick

    maybe something like this, but stronger/longer bolt?

  • John Brown

    July 8, 2010 10:01 a.m. John Brown SuperDork

    I use magnets.

  • cwh

    July 8, 2010 10:12 a.m. cwh SuperDork

    C clamps by the dozen.

  • stuart in mn

    July 8, 2010 10:23 a.m. stuart in mn SuperDork

    Some people mount their vise, grinder, etc. to the bench using a modified trailer hitch receiver. Pull a hitch pin and bam, it's off.

  • 81gtv6

    July 8, 2010 10:33 a.m. 81gtv6 HalfDork

    cwh wrote:

    C clamps by the dozen.

    That is what I do.

  • Ian F

    July 8, 2010 1:38 p.m. Ian F Dork

    There are a number of ways to do this and this is a common subject in the wood-working mags I get.

    The problem with straight c-clamps is sometimes the clamp gets in the way of tool function.

    The cheapest/easiest is to mount the tool in question to a piece of plywood. This usually allows the clamps to be placed away from the tool for better access. Another benefit is if you make the mounting plate the same size for all tools, then you can build a cabinet with slots for the plates to slide into when not in use (Craftsman sells a ready-made version of this idea).

    One option I like is threaded inserts and plastic knob-bolts. I had planned to use this method to mount my Strut-tamer to the work bench when needed.

    Another option with the pre-mounted plywood idea is to isntall a wood-working type vise to the front of your bench. and add bench dogs to the bench. Or just add a clamping cleat to the bottom of the plywood mounting plate.

  • Trans_Maro

    July 8, 2010 2:05 p.m. Trans_Maro Dork

    I use a piece of plywood 18" x 12" and a corresponding cutout with rabbeted edges in the tabletop.

    Each tool gets a base. Each base drops into the hole and stays put without clamps because the mount plate fits onto a recess.

    Shawn

  • NYG95GA

    July 8, 2010 2:43 p.m. NYG95GA SuperDork

    Trans_Maro wrote:

    I use a piece of plywood 18" x 12" and a corresponding cutout with rabbeted edges in the tabletop.

    Each tool gets a base. Each base drops into the hole and stays put without clamps because the mount plate fits onto a recess.

    Shawn

    I like that idea for smaller tools! My big vise and grinder I have bolted down because of the (ahem) unusually high pressure occasionally exerted on them.

    I've been using C-clamps for the lighter tools, but you've got me thinking about retiring them..

  • ditchdigger

    July 8, 2010 3:53 p.m. ditchdigger HalfDork

    The clamps you are looking for are toggle clamps made by de-sta-co

    http://destacoclampstore.com/

    Or there is the old woodworker standby the hold fast. These are driven into a drilled hole and wedge the item in place very securely. They are just tapped out with a hammer to reposition

  • shadetree30

    July 8, 2010 4:05 p.m. shadetree30 Reader

    NYG95GA wrote:

    I like that idea for smaller tools!

    That's what SHE said!

    Sorry...

  • slantvaliant

    July 8, 2010 5:00 p.m. slantvaliant HalfDork

    I'm thinking about trying a Lee Bench Plate for my presses. It might work for similarly-sized items.

  • jamscal

    July 8, 2010 7:11 p.m. jamscal Dork

    I do the receiver mounted tools, I have a bunch now:

    http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=893174&highlight=tool+build

  • Grtechguy

    July 9, 2010 7:09 a.m. Grtechguy SuperDork

    I'm liking the receiver mount idea. How does it affect storage of tools when not in use?

  • jamscal

    July 9, 2010 9:10 p.m. jamscal Dork

    Grtechguy wrote:

    I'm liking the receiver mount idea. How does it affect storage of tools when not in use?

    Depends on the tool.

    Most used tools say put, removed only for the lower use tools, which are in a cabinet, or on the floor (an old guy told me once that nothing ever fell off the floor) :)

    Some of them can be flipped 180*in the receiver to access the bench.

    Other benefit is they can work in the hitch of your truck/suv.

 
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