Abstract: This disclosure depicts a novel method and apparatus for aligning and locating a die set in a press used in the manufacture of materials. In particular, this method and apparatus is intended for locating a die set with respect to a bolster plate or bed and with respect to a ram of a punch press for securely clamping the die set on the bolster and ram. The method comprises mating a keyway cut in a lower die plate with a corresponding key fixed on the bolster plate and hydraulically clamping the die set to the bolster plate and ram once mated. The hydraulic clamping is accomplished by moving a hydraulic clamp in a T-slot on the bolster plate until the clamp contacts a receiving area on the die set, and then activating the hydraulic clamp. The apparatus is disclosed for implementing the described method.