Abstract: A modular workpiece holding system having a top portion of a baseplate member having at least one opposingly facing fixed wedge assembly and dynamic wedge assembly. The dynamic wedge assembly is operationally coupled to at least one spring and piston assembly adapted to draw the dynamic wedge assembly axially towards the baseplate member wherein the dynamic wedge assembly, when the workpiece holding system is in a resting state, imparts a transverse force onto a workpiece member, pressing the workpiece member against the fixed wedge assembly, securing the workpiece to the workpiece holding system. The spring member is releasable when one or more of a gas and hydraulic fluid used to push the dynamic wedge assembly outward is discharged from the spring and piston assembly cavity within the fixture base, whereupon the spring member is adapted to re-impart the traverse force of the resting state of the dynamic wedge assembly.