A palette for an automated machining system includes a body, a plurality of fasteners configured to apply a force laterally to body to fasten the body to a receiver in the automated machining system, and a soft jaw mechanism connected to the body. The soft jaw includes one or more locking blocks that are anchors for a floating block and wedge block that apply a force to hold a workpiece at a reproducible location between the one or more locking blocks. The floating block is configured to not engage with the body, workpiece, or wedge block beyond friction and/or compressive forces.