New table need ideas for holes/clamp system

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I am building a welding table using 1/2 inch steel plate, 30 by 60. Any ideas how best to add a surface clamping system? I have been thinking it would be nice to make / modify inexpensive clamps. I see some people drill 5/8 inch holes and use a friction clamping system. I'm not sure I need that kind of horsepower, but I'm up for any suggestions you all might offer up.
Reply:Simple nuts and bolts. Take a look at how stuff is fixed to mill tables and so on as what you can do ti "clamp" things down solid. A bunch of scrap for spacers and a few top plates with holes will get you started, or you can buy one of the cheap mill sets with the step blocks.Also do a search hear on dogs and wedges. Many of the guys simply weld the dog to the table top and then bust loose the tacks on the dogs and grind the table flat when done. I think Tozzi posted up a few real good examples of his set up a while back. I'll see if I can't dig up the thread.Edit:  Not the thread I was looking for, but it does show Tozzi's dogs plus a few others. I know there was several other threads on this subject but I need to look for better terms. "dogs wedges" didn't bring up the ones I was looking for.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=53927Last edited by DSW; 01-02-2012 at 06:20 PM..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I doubt if there is a simple universal clamping system that is going to hold down absolutely "anything".You probably need to accumulate a really interesting junk pile of assorted G clamps, vice grips, magnets, chain clamps, barbell weights, and various sized metric and imperial widgets.Cheers,  Tony._________________________________Transmig 310 + Argoshield LightOxy acetyleneOxy propanePrehistoric stick welder_________________________________
Reply:its kind of hard to argue with the slot that gets cut into the middle like whats on the portable table you can buy from millerbobs77vet/37ford4drEastwood digital TIG200HH190Lincoln Invertec 155sLincoln weldpak 100sears/craftsman (lincoln) 50a 240v buzz boxO/A rig Harris gaugesnexion cut 50 dxchicago electric (HF) 240v spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by 37ford4drits kind of hard to argue with the slot that gets cut into the middle like whats on the portable table you can buy from miller
Reply:Originally Posted by jbmprodsexcept that the table i just picked is 1.5" thick. my plasma won't cut it and i hate to think what a torch would do to the flat surface. i plan on drilling it using a mag drill and threading the holes.