I decided on a slightly different version, which works really well. McMaster-Carr 8683A21 Two simple .187 holes .500x.500 in from the edge of the punch clamp ( they are mild steel and not hardened ) there is a boss on the end that limits the depth a .187 hole is about .0005 interference fit, just tap in with a small hammer, they fit snug and stay there. This allows the material clamp to move away from the punch and makes changing out punches fast and easy - especially with the 16” long extreme goose-neck which I use often. There is enough clearance between the punch, the ram and the clamp for the boss. Roughly 4lbs of pressure each to give clearance to install the punch.
The other mod is 3D printed spacers that keep the clamp in the upper most position - this keeps you from having to lift both the punch and the clamp at the same time, and effectively removes the slot in the clamp. ( again super helpful when installing 16” long goodeneck punch ) Here is the dxf file if anyone wants to print a set of these up. I tried to load the 3mf file, but that is not supported it seems, so here is the dxf instead.
I saw the cam lock type handles - It does seem like it would be a bit faster and easier to actuate them, but I wondered if the handle grip itself would stay in vertical or side position if it were not locked down? If it would not stay in position when not locked, it would definitely get in the way. That is one thing I like about these 5634K26 - they have index serrations on them so you can keep them in any timed location. Most of the chino press brakes have cam lock type quick change tooling now, but they have a notch in punch to hold it in place until they are locking, and they are really really nice to use. The handle is 90 deg indexed all the time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90l-Q3GUcXM&pp=ygUgcHJlc3MgYnJha2UgcXVpY2sgY2hhbmdlIHRvb2xpbmc%3D
wow those look nice! I think the Mcmaster ones could be held in any position with some lock tight unless I am missing something. I might order one to try and see how it works.
I guess as things wear you would need to tighten things up some so maybe lock tight might not be the best bet
