FirmWall Dovetail Gripper Rail

Fixed Dovetail Rail for OP1 Raw Stock Workholding

The Firmworx FirmWall Dovetail Gripper Rail is a fixed workholding rail designed for use with Firmworx M6 DualFlex 3mm Dovetail Gripper Clamps.

This version is built specifically for OP1 machining, raw stock holding, saw-cut blanks, and first-operation workholding where a secure mechanical grip is required.

Unlike the standard FirmWall, this version is not intended as a machinable soft-jaw rail. It is a dedicated dovetail / undercut gripping rail for holding material securely during first-operation machining.

Machined in-house by Firmworx in England, the rail is manufactured from high carbon steel and features a 3mm dovetail / undercut gripping profile.

When used with matching M6 DualFlex 3mm Dovetail Gripper Clamps, it creates a compact, high-density OP1 clamping system for fixture plates, pallets, tombstones, and production machining setups.

Designed for OP1 Raw Stock Holding

OP1 workholding is often the hardest stage of the job. Material can be saw-cut, uneven, inconsistent, or have no finished faces to locate from.

The 3mm dovetail / undercut gripping feature helps provide a positive mechanical hold on the material, reducing the risk of part lift or movement during machining.

This makes it ideal for:

• OP1 CNC milling

• Raw billet holding

• Saw-cut blank clamping

• First-operation machining

• Heavy roughing

• Facing operations

• Profiling

• Drilling and pocketing

• High-density production fixtures

Works with M6 DualFlex 3mm Dovetail Gripper Clamps

The FirmWall Dovetail Gripper Rail provides the fixed dovetail gripping side, while the M6 DualFlex 3mm Dovetail Gripper Clamp provides the opposing moving clamping force.

Together, they create a secure OP1 workholding setup that grips the material from both sides while keeping the top of the component clear for machining.

This setup is ideal for machining the first side of a component before transferring the part to an OP2 fixture, soft-jaw setup, or finishing operation.

3mm Dovetail / Undercut Grip

The rail features a 3mm dovetail / undercut gripping profile designed to help retain raw stock during cutting.

This provides a more positive hold than a plain vertical face, especially where the material may be subject to lifting forces during profiling, ramping, pocketing, drilling, or roughing.

The dovetail grip is particularly useful for holding material where marking is acceptable or where the gripped area will be machined away in a later operation.

High-Density Workholding

For smaller components, one FirmWall Dovetail Gripper Rail can support multiple clamping positions along its length.

A single 110mm long FirmWall rail can be used with up to 5 M6 DualFlex Clamps per side, giving up to 10 clamping positions from one FirmWall setup.

This allows users to build compact OP1 fixtures with minimal hardware, helping reduce fixture cost while increasing the number of parts per cycle.

Dimensions & Mounting Details

Located with a 12mm H7 Mounting Strip

The FirmWall Dovetail Gripper Rail includes a 12mm H7 toleranced mounting strip machined into the bottom face.

This allows the rail to be accurately located into a matching pocket or slot in the fixture plate, helping with repeatable positioning and alignment.

The rail is secured using standard M6 x 20mm cap head bolts, keeping the system simple, robust, and easy to maintain.

Key Benefits

Dedicated OP1 Workholding Rail

Designed specifically for raw stock, saw-cut blanks, and first-operation CNC machining.

3mm Dovetail Gripping Profile

The 3mm undercut helps provide a positive mechanical grip and reduces the risk of part lift during cutting.

Works with DualFlex Dovetail Gripper Clamps

Designed to pair with M6 DualFlex 3mm Dovetail Gripper Clamps for a complete OP1 clamping system.

High Carbon Steel Construction

Manufactured from high carbon steel for durability and reliable use in production fixtures.

Accurate Fixture Location

Located using a 12mm H7 mounting strip machined into the bottom of the rail.

Standard Mounting Hardware

Mounted using standard M6 x 20mm cap head bolts.

High-Density Fixture Layouts

Use one rail with multiple DualFlex clamps to hold several components in a compact footprint.

Clear Machining Access

The side-clamping design leaves the top face of the component accessible for machining.

Typical Applications

The FirmWall Dovetail Gripper Rail is suitable for:

• OP1 CNC milling

• Raw billet clamping

• Saw-cut blank holding

• First-operation workholding

• Heavy roughing

• Facing operations

• Drilling and pocketing

• High-density fixture plates

• Pallet systems

• Tombstone fixtures

• Aluminium blanks

• Mild steel blanks

• Stainless steel components

• Engineering plastic components

• Repeat batch machining

• Production workholding plates

Recommended Use

Use the FirmWall Dovetail Gripper Rail with matching M6 DualFlex 3mm Dovetail Gripper Clamps for OP1 raw stock workholding.

This setup is ideal when the first operation needs a secure mechanical grip while keeping the top of the workpiece open for machining.

For OP2 work, transfer the component into a smooth rail, soft-jaw DualFlex setup, or dedicated finished-part fixture where the machined profile can be located accurately with reduced marking.