Workholder for machine tools

A work holder for use with a machine tool, of the type which includes;

• a work table having a generally horizontal planar table surface, a power driven cutter means extending vertically through the table surface and projecting a given elevation above the table surface, and an upstanding guide means disposed at right angles to the table surface, wherein the guide means is adjustable relative to said machine tool with an elongated guide surface means thereon, said work holder comprising;
• an elongated work holding frame having a bottom surface means for slidably supporting said frame on the table surface, said frame also including a follower surface for contacting the guide surface of a machine tool when in use to be guided therealong,
• work-piece clamping means mounted on said frame for clamping a work-piece to said frame so that the work piece will contact the table surface and an end surface of the work-piece is substantially flush with the follower surface,
• said clamping means including for directing lateral clamping forces against a work-piece in use, and wherein said clamping forces are directed substantially parallel to said bottom surface means,
• said follower surface being located along the longitudinal length of said frame on a side edge thereof and spaced a sufficient distance higher than said bottom surface means to define a recess means under said follower surface for a cutter of a machine tool when in use therewith, to limit a cut depth within said recess means and said clamping means having an edge surface spaced inward from said follower surface so as not to extend into said recess means,
• whereby when said work holder is in use with a machine tool, said frame may be slidably moved on a table surface and along a guide surface of the machine tool with said follower in contact with the guide surface and a work-piece may be held by said clamping means such that when said frame is slidably moved the work-piece comes into cutting contact with a cutter without interference between the cutter, said work holding frame and said clamping means.