Introduction
We needed a frame clamp that we could use when doing frames on solid pieces. This is our
solution and we will be refining the design as we go.
All the measurements are for the one we built, for example we used a 20mm thick piece of
Aluminium only because we had it in a drawer this could be made using 25mm square stock
it could also be made using wood and a t nut but would need scaling up to allow for the flex
in the wood
If you are converting this to imperial measurements please substitute the drill, bolt, nut and
tap sizes accordingly.
Material List
● 4 Lengths of 4mm thick Steel 25mm wide 360mm long
● 4 pieces of hardwood or Ply 80mm x 60mm x 20mm
● 4 pieces of aluminium 25mm x 25mm x 20mm
● 2 pieces of aluminium 60mm x 25mm x 20mm
● 8 M5 countersink bolts 10mm long
● 4 M6 Bolts 30mm long
● 4 M6 nuts
● 4 Penny Washers
● 1 length M10 Threaded rod 400mm long
● 3 or 4 M10 Nuts
● 1 M10 Washer
Essential Tools to make this Version.
1 x Tap and die set
Method.
Steel Arms
Cut the steel to your desired length in our case 360mm,
Mark a line down the centre of the steel and mark for the holes at 15mm spacing
Drill the two holes indicated on drawing 1 5mm diameter and countersink
Drill the remaining holes 6 mm diameter
Round the ends of the arms if you wish
Support blocks
The support blocks are simple to make in our case they are 25mm x 25mm x 20 mm
Find and mark the centre and drill a 3.3 mm hole then thread the holeusing a M5 tap
Clamping blocks
The two blocks are 60mm x 25mm x 20mm
First mark a centre line lengthways on the top and front face
On the top face measure in 10mm from each end and mark on the centre line
Drill the two marks 3.3 mm and then thread the hole using a M5 Tap
On the front face measure 30mm from the end and mark it
On one clamp Drill the mark 8.5 mm and thread the hole using a M10 x 1.5 tap
On the second clamp drill out the hole to 10mm.
Threaded rod
Cut a length of 10mm threaded rod to 400mm long
On our version we welded a nut on one end of the rod, but you could just use two nuts and
tighten them together.
The remaining two nuts can be wound down the thread to any point you desire place the
washer on the rod last before assembly.
Jaws
The jaws were made from 20mm thick beech but can be made from any hardwood, plywood
or even solid plastic
They measure 60mm x 80mm x 20mm
Assembly.
To assemble the jig, push the clamp that has the 10mm hole in it over the threaded rod and
screw the rod into the second clamp.
Screw the arm supports to the steel bar using the M5 Countersink bolts
Screw the arms to the clamps again using the M5 Countersink Bolts
Lastly attach the jaws to the arms using the M6 bolts , penny washers and nuts
Do not over tighten the jaws as they need to swivel a little when clamping
