The clamping mechanism is used in an automated tooling machine to secure and hold an elongated workpiece for processing. The machine includes a frame, automated router assembly and a conveyer table. The workpiece is supported on the conveyer table and secured by the clamping mechanism between a fixed clamp rail and a moving clamp rail. The moving clamp rail is supported above the conveyer table by a plurality of arms and articulated by two linkage members pivotally connecting the arms to the frame beneath the conveyer table. The linkage members of the clamping mechanism allows the moving clamp rail to traverse laterally over the conveyer table at substantially the same height above the conveyer table as the height of the fixed clamping rail.