Material Handling: Rockler Armor Auto-Pro auto-adjust clamps
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Rockler Woodworking and Hardware has launched an extensive line of auto-adjust clamps and accessories from Armor Tools that reduce setup times and provide maximum clamping versatility.
The Armor Auto-Pro line includes hold-down and inline toggle clamps — including two groundbreaking models that secure in traditional workbench dog holes and in perforated worktables — as well as face clamps that will be available in July. All feature Armor's patented auto-adjust technology, which maintains consistent clamping pressure without the need for time-consuming recalibration when switching between workpieces of different thicknesses.
“With other clamps, you have to stop and adjust the clamp arm every time the material thickness changes,” said Scott Baumeister, category manager for clamps at Rockler. “These clamps self-adjust for faster setups and easy repeatability.”
Clamping pressure can be dialed in from 25 lbs. to as much as 550 lbs. (on some models) by simply turning an integrated adjustment screw — but once set, the pressure remains consistent regardless of workpiece thickness. On the toggle clamps, the clamping capacity can be fine-tuned by adjusting the clamp foot.
The Auto-Pro toggle clamps are ideal for use with jigs and shop fixtures, and they're available in inline styles, which deliver horizontal clamping pressure, and hold-down styles, which provide vertical holding. They come in different sizes, with a horizontal, angled or vertical mounting base to cover a full range of clamping applications. Prices range from $24.99 to $26.99.
The Auto-Pro Dog Clamps secure in 3/4" dog holes and are available in either inline or hold-down style. The hold-down version, priced at $37.99, comes with a 7-1⁄2" spiral dog peg that allows the clamp to extend up to 5-1⁄2" above the surface. The inline style has a 3-1⁄2" adjustment range and is priced at $33.99.
Broadening the application of these innovative clamps are the 4", 8" and 14" long aluminum fences that secure in bench dog holes and 4" and 12" brackets with dog holes that can be mounted to the side or top of a workbench or table. The fences, priced from $14.99 to $19.99, feature a 1-1⁄4" face on one side to support taller workpieces and a 5/8" face on the other to allow clearance for sanders and planes. When mounted to the side of the bench, the brackets allow the hold-down dog clamp to function like a vise. The brackets are $19.99 and $34.99, respectively.
The Auto-Pro face clamps will be available in four sizes, providing one-handed face clamping in a variety of applications. They will range in price from $19.99 to $34.99.