I was struggling with the best method to clamp small parts to the bed of the Mechmate.....this is my solution
The whole assembly can be screwed down to the milling bed, or held in place with c-clamps. The small item you wish to clamp is held in place with the cam locks shown in the picture.
Since it is made entirely from wood (except the bolts) your cutters will be safe if you have a mishap
On the bottom side you can see that holes were machined to the depth of the nut so the assembly sits flush on your cutting table. The holes are slightly smaller than the nut so they hold themselves in place....once pressed into the wood.