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These fence clamps were inspired by a Youtube video I saw last week. Unfortunately, I do not remember who made the video. I have been needing a set of fence clamps for a while for my sacrificial fence but was hesitant to spend 20 plus dollars on something I knew I could make much cheaper. I am currently working on a project that my current set up would not allow me to do what I needed to do. It also gave me a chance to work on my dovetails, and they still need some work. LOL

I started out with a square u-bolt, 4×5x3/8", and cut it in half and used a file to clean up the burs. A 3/8" washer and wing nut are the only other hardware. I used some scrap walnut and hard maple I had lying around the shop. The angles on the outside body of the clamps is the same as the 1:7 dovetail angle I used. 2 coats of BLO and they are good to go. They hold the fence secure but I didn't have a chance to use them yet. Ran out of shop time. All told I spent a whopping $6.50 on the whole project.

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3,498 Posts
Great idea, Jeff! Using U-bolt halves was pretty smart thinking. BTW, your dovetails look fine to me.

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Great Idea! I could use a few of these and it would give me a chance to work on my dovetails. Thanks.
 

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Nice! Thanks for posting this. I see a couple of these in my future.
 

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Great job! I may steal your idea that you stole.
 

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168 Posts
So excellent! I am making some today! I needed some last night and ended up just using some small clamps that got in the way.

Side question for you. I have a Rigid 4512 (looks like what you have) and have failed twice making a zero clearance insert because of how shallow the leveling screw ledges are. By the time I hog out enough to keep it level it gets weak in those areas. What material/method did you use there?

Also, nice dovetails IMO. I am going to use this project for just the same practice.
 

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great idea, one which i will try to duplicate.

Tks,
 

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was about to go to the hardware store toady and see if I could come up with something and by something I mean waste a few hours looking like a creep in a store, so thanks jeff1984 and LJ for so many good ideas
 

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kocgolf, yes I do have a Rigid r4512. The inserts are made from 1/2" mdf and finished with several coats of lacquer and wax. I have made the one in the photo and three others for the dado stack without any problems. I made a template to make more in the future as well.



 

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Nice job and a whole lot better looking than the store bought kind.
 

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Very nice job. I need a set myself. I like the dovetails especially.
 

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They look great…. but I thought that's what the T-slots in the aluminum extrusion were for :^)
 
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