Thread: Hold downs recommendations

McJings have similar, ask them if they have any in stock

I have a pair of those. They're great; and you can't have mine

I also have a Veritas hold down (Veritas Hold Down | Carbatec) which I also really like. It is super expensive now though

And I have the Veritas Surface Clamp (Veritas Surface Clamp | Carbatec). Not a lot cheaper than the hold down, and nowhere near as good!

I have been using Gramercy Hold fasts bought from HNT Gordon (Gramercy Hold fasts – HNT Gordon & Co. Classic Planemakers Australia). Quite happy with these.

The Gramercy holddowns sold by HNT Gordon in Australia are a treat. You may need to rough up with sandpaper. Nothing like an assertive bap rather than fiddling.

Originally Posted by Spyro

...., I mainly just need some hold down power. I was thinking a couple of those auto tool hold downs from timbecon....

Any alternatives or ideas for hold downs? if that makes a difference the top will be 45mm pine to keep the total weight somewhat reasonable. ...

I also recommend the Grammercy.

However, your proposed bench thickness of 45mm is towards the "too thin" end of the hold down spectrum. You may be disappointed.

On my assembly bench, with top 25mm thick MDF, I just use Quick Grip Clamps through the dog holes. Works very well, and much cheaper than hold downs.

Originally Posted by GraemeCook

I also recommend the Grammercy.

However, your proposed bench thickness of 45mm is towards the "too thin" end of the hold down spectrum. You may be disappointed.

On my assembly bench, with top 25mm thick MDF, I just use Quick Grip Clamps through the dog holes. Works very well, and much cheaper than hold downs.

Yeah I thought long and hard about going the 25mm route, but I was kinda looking for ways to add weight to (hopefully) gain some stability.
Then again you never know how the whole thing will behave until you actually build it. There's always a chance i might end up with a glorified picnic table

McJing also have a Grammercy-esque hold fast for $16: Bench Hold Fast

Haven't tried it but this is not a high tech tool!

Originally Posted by markharrison

McJing also have a Grammercy-esque hold fast for $16: Bench Hold Fast

Haven't tried it but this is not a high tech tool!

Beg to differ, Mark. The high tech is in the metalurgy of the spring steel in the hold fast. Mild steel won't work - don't ask how I know that.

Originally Posted by GraemeCook

Beg to differ, Mark. The high tech is in the metalurgy of the spring steel in the hold fast. Mild steel won't work - don't ask how I know that.

So you have tested the McJing item?

Originally Posted by markharrison

So you have tested the McJing item?

No. McJing is frequently good value for money.

The quip above was that I tried to make some hold fasts from some 3/4" steel rod. Total failure as it did not have the memory of spring steel. And my blacksmithing was less than rudimentary.

Mike Siemson may have the answer.......

Originally Posted by markharrison

McJing also have a Grammercy-esque hold fast for $16: Bench Hold Fast

Haven't tried it but this is not a high tech tool!

I haven't used those ones, but I have been using a couple of their $25 ones in my workbench for 6 years now - no problems at all - they do their job just fine (workbench is 45mm pine).

Originally Posted by michael_m

I haven't used those ones, but I have been using a couple of their $25 ones in my workbench for 6 years now - no problems at all - they do their job just fine (workbench is 45mm pine).

I have had a few of these McJing ones of this style. I only have one left now as the others have broken. Next time I will be getting the gramarcy ones.

There was a thread on hold downs some years ago and IIRC someone made some or had them made.