Homemade “wonder pup”

[morsa]

Wonder Dog and Wonder Pup are registered trademarks of bench clamps manufactured by Veritas (Veritas Tools - Workbench Accessories - Wonder Dogs® and Pups®), which are marketed by several woodworking tool companies.

Inspired by these clamps, after I made the http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/c...ench-dog-53495, several modifications were to follow:

1- The first change was the addition of a swivel handle. I used 3/8” (16 TPI) threaded rod, and hexagonal brass rod.








2- The second change was the addition of a rectangular aluminum head to the screw tip, in order to attach wooden cutouts, for clamping curved or irregular shapes.










3- Last change was to make the post with rolled steel, giving the final result of my homemade version of a “wonder pup”.















Regards, morsa.

[mklotz]

The hex brass handles create another option for you. Find a socket to fit the hex and you can drive the screw with your electric screwdriver.

Adaptors to drive sockets with your screwdriver are dead cheap...

Hex Drill Socket Driver Set 3 Pc

[morsa]

Thank you, mklotz. You're right; I have this 3/8” socket and the driver set, and surely works, assuming the handle is aligned with the threaded rod, but I guess it would be useful only if the threaded rods were long enough.
For these short clamps, with the extended handle, you can easily turn both the screw as the handle with your fingers until the head reaches the workpiece, then with the leverage given by the bent handle, you can apply the desired clamping pressure.

[morsa]

After I wrote last comment, I gave a try to the settings suggested by mklotz.



It really works!
It's much easier to turn the screw, although it works better near the edge of the bench than in the center. I must say I changed my mind and it's worth using these drill accessories.

Thanks again, mklotz.

[mklotz]

I'm glad it worked for you. You may find it easier to use in the middle of the bench if you put a universal adapter...

3 Pc Universal Joint Socket Adapter Set

between the socket and the screwdriver. This will allow you to hold the screwdriver at an angle above the bench surface while the socket and the clamp screw remain parallel to and close to the bench top.

[morsa]

That’s right. The problem in the center is the angle originated by the drill above the bench surface. I was thinking it could be solved with a simple extension (so the drill is out of the bench) or with a wobble extension bar (so it could swivel at an angle). I don’t have (I didn’t even know) these adapters, which for the mechanism of universal joint would surely allow a bigger angle than wobble extensions.
Thanks for all these wonderful ideas.

[mklotz]

That’s right. The problem in the center is the angle originated by the drill above the bench surface. I was thinking it could be solved with a simple extension (so the drill is out of the bench) or with a wobble extension bar (so it could swivel at an angle). I don’t have (I didn’t even know) these adapters, which for the mechanism of universal joint would surely allow a bigger angle than wobble extensions.
Thanks for all these wonderful ideas.

Or you can go first class and get a flexible socket extension...

eazypower 11 in. x 1/4 in. Hex Consumer Flex A Bit (1-Pack )-73609 - The Home Depot

[morsa]

That’s another brilliant idea, mklotz.
The good news is I have a 6” flexible extension; furthermore, today I did a try and it works perfectly:







A semi rigid ferrule helps stabilize the joint while driving the screw, and can slide to bend the handle, in order to apply manual clamping pressure. This arrangement is also useful for use with manual screwdriver.

The bad news is, if I have this item, why didn’t I think of that? (Please, don’t answer the question ).

[motorhead]

Just remember to set the clurch on your cordless drill to prevent over tightening! I have forgotten to do so and wound up either breaking things or leaving unwanted marks on projects.

[morsa]

Thanks for the tip motorhead. I mostly use the manual setting.