Source for small metal cam clamps

[Nate Perkins]

Hi folks,

Anyone know where to get metal cam clamps in a small size (say #8 or #10 screw)?

Here is an example of a larger 1/4" one, from Lee Valley:

also sells the 1/4" one. I checked McMaster-Carr and Woodcraft and came up empty.

Thanks in advance, Nate

p.s. It's for a crazy project; a wooden Dobsonian telescope I have about half finished.

[J T]

Sat, Jan 22, 2005, 4:18pm (EST+5) n [e-mail] (Nate=A0Perkins) jumps up and calls out: Hi folks, Anyone know where to get metal cam clamps in a small size (say #8 or #10 screw)?

No idea, I make all my cam clamps from scratch, 100% wood. You might wanna try that. A LOT cheaper, and work fine.

JOAT Charity ain't giving people what you wants to give, it's giving people what they need to get.

- Albert

[JeffB]

I had the same problem - with the same search results. You buy the cam clamp, then get a piece of steel rod (~3/8"??) to replace the original cross nut, drill and tap any size hole you need, then cut to length. You can buy the 1/4-20 and

5/16-18 sizes in Rockler blue...

JeffB

[igor]

Could you just drill and tap the same cross nut -- 90 degrees from the existing hole? Just a thought. -- Igor

[Nate Perkins]

JeffB wrote in news:UbzId.74697$ [e-mail]:

Hi folks,

Many thanks for the replies.

My original message was badly worded in that what I am looking for are smaller clamp handles, to fit (presumably) smaller bolts. The 1/4" handles are about 3" long; I was looking for some that are maybe half that size. The clamps go in a pretty tight space.

Cheers, Nate

[Nate Perkins]

[e-mail] (J T) wrote in news:24241-41F2A006-38@storefull-

3156.bay.webtv.net:

Hi JOAT,

I've made larger cam clamps from scratch, but never one this small. I'll make a prototype and see how it goes.

Thanks, Nate

[Ba r r y]

Bicycle shops sell "quick releases" for axles and seat post binder bolts. They're metric, but are smaller and easily available.

Barry

[Nate Perkins]

Ba r r y wrote in news: [e-mail]:

Yes, that's it. Thank you!