Low profile CNC clamp

This low profile CNC

The unique feature of this design is that it uses two 5mm stainless steel rods that improves holding power.

Two 37mm long rods extend beyond the top plate and provide load directly from the back of the washer to the back of the clamping surface. Loads don't go thru the plastic top plate. The clamp is held down using two cap screws giving it extra rigidity. Most other similar designs have only a rear hold down screw.

This clamp is designed around ¼-20 socket head cap screws.

Three screws may be used. Two to clamp it to fixed points (as pictured) or in a T track and one additional screw to lock the wood in place. The locking screw and rear screws should use a washer.

I printed this in PETG at 50% and it works great. its helpful to run a tap thru the main threads after printing. Size the locking screw to make full thread engagement when clamped but not too long as it will intersect the front hold down screw. You must load the front cap screw before assembling the 5mm rods but you can tighten or remove the clamp when not under load. I'd recommend using opposing and fixed stop block just to make sure the part is square to the machine. The clamp only has about ¼" travel so it must be on a track of something that can be positioned (as shown in the photo).