K-ONE

Traditional bench clamps ask for a lot of handle-cranking, tightening and re-positioning, especially when the workpiece is small. K-ONE is the maker's answer: a benchtop vise whose jaws can be driven forward at the press of a button, while retaining manual adjustment for millimeter-level positioning.

Two drive modes

In electric mode, according to the maker, holding the button closes the jaws steadily and quickly, stopping automatically once a set force is reached. It is pitched at larger pieces of wood or metal where speed matters more than fine precision. Manual mode covers precise positioning, and the maker suggests combining the two: clamp roughly under power, then finish by hand. The quiet motor is said to offer good linear accuracy and automatic force adjustment, identifying the load so that fragile glass and solid metal each receive appropriate pressure.

Gripping without marking

The maker describes a multi-point contact structure that wraps around the workpiece when closed, spreading force over a wider area than point-contact clamps and conforming to complex outlines. A flexible enveloping structure is said to prevent pressure concentration, so items such as ceramics, mirror-finished metal and irregular parts are held without slipping or leaving impressions. High-precision guide rails work with the motor system for smooth clamping.

Features and modules

• Interchangeable brass clamp modules for delicate items such as watch cases and camera lenses, swappable in seconds
• DIY alligator clip module with long, narrow serrated jaws for soft, small, slippery or irregular objects
• Magnifier module that attaches via a magnetic mount on the back
• Internal support clamp module that braces larger pieces from the inside out
• Universal ball-head mount for horizontal, vertical and tilted angles
• High-strength magnetic strips in the base to keep screws and small parts in place
• Built-in spirit level and integrated high-precision scale for measuring while positioning
• Built-in 10500mAh lithium battery

The maker says the frame is CNC-machined from solid metal rather than cast, with high-strength bolted connections and moving parts on precision rails. On battery life, the campaign claims several days of typical DIY use per charge.

Materials and sizes

K-ONE comes in two material versions. The aluminum alloy version uses aerospace-grade aluminum alloy, CNC-machined and anodized, aimed at frequent everyday bench use. The titanium version uses TC4 aerospace-grade titanium alloy, which the maker positions as both a tool and a collectible. Both are offered in black or silver, and in two clamping ranges: 55mm (2.17 in) and 100mm (3.94 in).