Face Clamp Attachment (Get the Most Out of Your Clamps)

For this instructable, I am making a simple face clamp attachment.

Ever had trouble with holding a piece of wood trim to the face of a subject? I'm sure many of us have been there. This clamp attachment is a cool way to fix this issue. This is designed to fit a typical bar clamp, by attaching it and tightening the knob.

Here is a list of materials I used

(1) Steel Square Tube [2.5 inch x 1 inch x 1/16 inch] (local home center)

(1) 5/16 Threaded Rod http://amzn.to/2BI4AeR

(4) Washers, (2 Large = top and bottom) (2 = inside the swivel pad )

Jig Kit (has knob and threaded insert) http://amzn.to/2z5JR1p

Gorilla Glue http://amzn.to/2BR8rbN

You can also find my work here:
Youtube >> HERE
Instagram >> HERE
MY Digital Plans >> HERE

First, I took a center punch and placed a mark on the metal tube. Then drilled out a half-inch hole. Be sure to keep the bit straight, you want to go all the way through the tube and exit the other side.

Next, notch out a slot for the clamp to rest. You can use a hacksaw to cut out the slot then file it down to clean out the rough edge.

Take a piece of wood and drive it into the metal tube. You can add a bit of epoxy or gorilla glue to secure it inside the tube.

As shown in the picture, cut out the piece of wood where the metal is notched out.

Drill out a hole where the threaded insert will be installed. This insert will play the key role in holding down the workpiece.

Another hole will be drilled on the side. This hole's purpose is to lock the attachment the clamp bar. A threaded insert will also be installed.

With my grinder locked in place, I used it to cut a grove into to the rod.

Take a washer that has a small enough hole to keep the washer in the grove. You'll want to cut the washer then pry it open. Place it in the grove and then close the washer.

I made a handle on the lathe, and drilled a hole it. Then, I used a piece of threaded rod to create threads in the handle.

To make the pad, I used a Forstner bit to remove about a 1/2-inch of material. Next, I took a hole saw that was slightly bigger. Drill out the entire hole. Then cut this down to 1 inch in length.

Put the rod through the wooden pad. The washer on the threaded rod should be inside wood pad. Then add adhesive around the lip of the pad. Put a washer at the end of the threaded rod. This hole should be smaller so the rod can not exit. Now, take the final washer and attached it to the bottom of the wood pad. It's also a good idea to attach a washer on the top side of the pad. Ideally, you'll want to sandwich the wooden pad in between.

I then added a 1-inch felts pad to the washer, which would protect your subjects surface.

Add gorilla glue or epoxy and screw the handle on the rod. Then, put the rod on.

The attachment is a great way to hold down your work when you need to attach a subject to a face, whether it's horizontal or vertical. See the photos to see it in action.

Thanks for checking this out. I hope you find it to be useful!

You can also find me here:

YouTube >> HERE
Instagram >> HERE
MY Digital Plans >> HERE