Ring clamps are an underrated tool. They are cheap, effective and can make the world of difference. If you have ever drilled into your thumb, caught your self with a graver or sanded away your finger prints you will know how important holding work safely can be. And they can be used for any piece - not just rings.
It also makes a huge difference to the quality of your work. If your workpiece is held safely and securely any process you are carrying out will be more controlled, more efficient and more effective. If you don't already use clamps and work holders this will totally change your life
At NJS, among other types of work holding vices and clamps, we have three different types of ring clamps. And each one is useful in different ways. All made from wood and sometimes with jaws lined with leather or felt, these clamps will hold rings and other things securely as you work on them and each one does it in a different.
Side Screw Ring Clamp / Wedge and Hinge Ring Clamp
Side screw clamps have brass or steel screw on one side which opens the jaws of the clamp. The opening allows you to place the ring flat inside so you can work on a portion of the outer edge. Often used if you have a decorative element or setting on the top of the ring. The ring shank can be placed in the clamp allowing you easy access to the top.
A wedge and hinge clamp hold the ring in the same position, but instead of being secured by a screw, a wedge of wood is pushed into the bottom of the clamp, forcing the jaws to close around the ring.
Screw End Ring Clamp
A screw end ring clamp holds the ring from the inside and so is brilliantly useful if you want to be able to work around the whole circumference of the ring. A screw at the end of the clamp moves three little jaws in and out so you can place the ring around them and then use the screw to push the jaws out against the ring to hold it securely.
Lever Ring Clamp
We love a lever clamp to hold rings when we want to give some love and care to the inside. This clamp looks like a big clothes peg. It have two concave hollows on the inside of the jaws which hold a ring comfortably allowing you to get inside with a file, sanding stick or rotary tool with out getting too close to your finger tips. The ring is held in place by the pressure from your hand but you could use an elastic band or some masking tape to hold the clamp shut if need be.
In the workshop we have also found ring clamps brilliant for students who struggle to comfortably grip small things so if you have limited hand mobility they might be a game changer for you. You can even put the whole ring clamp into another vice to make it even more secure.
Whichever clamps you use and whatever you use them for, make sure you always follow good health and safety process and wear all the appropriate PPE to keep your self safe and happy in the workshop.