Woodworking clamps

sts9fan · « **on:** 10 Nov 2010, 08:34 pm »

What kind do you use? I have to stupid cheap trigger ones from HD. They are "OK" but it is a pain to get them to clamp straight down. Any suggestions?

jtwrace · « **Reply #1 on:** 10 Nov 2010, 08:44 pm »

Since I'm "tweaky" I really like the real wood ones that I get from Woodworkers Warehouse.

Peter J · « **Reply #2 on:** 10 Nov 2010, 08:45 pm »

Depends on what you're looking to do and what your budget is. Tell me that and I'll give you specific recs.

I am

The Clamp Whisperer!

jtwrace · « **Reply #3 on:** 10 Nov 2010, 08:48 pm »

Quote from: Peter J on 10 Nov 2010, 08:45 pm

Depends on what you're looking to do

I'm pretty sure he wants to clamp stuff.

Peter J · « **Reply #4 on:** 10 Nov 2010, 08:49 pm »

Quote from: jtwrace on 10 Nov 2010, 08:48 pm

I'm pretty sure he wants to clamp stuff.

Ya think?

jtwrace · « **Reply #5 on:** 10 Nov 2010, 08:51 pm »

Quote from: Peter J on 10 Nov 2010, 08:49 pm

Ya think?

Yep. Almost certain!

Peter J · « **Reply #6 on:** 10 Nov 2010, 09:02 pm »

Here's a little assortment, can clamp many things in many ways, but not cheap.

sts9fan · « **Reply #7 on:** 10 Nov 2010, 11:11 pm »

I am using them for speaker cabs. I have a bitch of a time getting a nice 90 degrees without any lean.

mclsound · « **Reply #8 on:** 10 Nov 2010, 11:24 pm »

I Love my Bessels

Peter J · « **Reply #9 on:** 11 Nov 2010, 12:59 am »

Quote from: sts9fan on 10 Nov 2010, 11:11 pm

I am using them for speaker cabs. I have a bitch of a time getting a nice 90 degrees without any lean.

First things first. Keeping things square is much easier if you have a way to make consistent cuts at 90 degrees to the surface. That's probably either a table saw or a guided circular saw (skilsaw). Once that's done the best clamps to apply even pressure across the jaws are parallel jaw clamps. You could Google Bessey, Jorgensen, Jet and probably others. I've used Bessey and Jorgensen, of the two prefer Bessey, but they all work basically the same.
The downside? $$$

Jorgensen and others make various bar clamps, before I had parallel clamps, this is what I used all the time and it's still a viable and cost effective way to go. I have many of the type that go on 3/4" black iron pipe, but they also have square steel and I think aluminum. Google bar clamps and you'll get lots of hits.

Anything more specific, I'll do my best to answer.

TomS · « **Reply #10 on:** 11 Nov 2010, 01:05 am »

Yes, Bessey K-Body clamps rock, but I supplemented those good ones with Harbor Freight wood and bar clamps which seem to work just fine when more are needed.

Look at the plunging track saws if you want straight cuts without having to deal with table saw space - Festool, Dewalt, Makita, etc. I have a Festool TS55 that cuts much better than my Sears benchtop table saw ever did. Very expensive, but it's been worth it to me in easy setup, safety, and extremely accurate cuts.

pumpkinman · « **Reply #11 on:** 11 Nov 2010, 01:36 am »

Quote from: TomS on 11 Nov 2010, 01:05 am

Yes, Bessey K-Body clamps rock, but I supplemented those good ones with Harbor Freight wood and bar clamps which seem to work just fine when more are needed.

Look at the plunging track saws if you want straight cuts without having to deal with table saw space - Festool, Dewalt, Makita, etc. I have a Festool TS55 that cuts much better than my Sears benchtop table saw ever did. Very expensive, but it's been worth it to me in easy setup, safety, and extremely accurate cuts.

That saw is so cool http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwRvBNZRIek

sts9fan · « **Reply #12 on:** 11 Nov 2010, 01:57 am »

I have a poor mans Festool. The Eurekazone track system. It's pretty great and straight cuts are not an issue. I am still working on my precision but on my way. I will check out those clamps. Thanks.
Kris

Peter J · « **Reply #13 on:** 11 Nov 2010, 02:17 am »

Quote from: sts9fan on 11 Nov 2010, 01:57 am

I have a poor mans Festool. The Eurekazone track system. It's pretty great and straight cuts are not an issue. I am still working on my precision but on my way. I will check out those clamps. Thanks.
Kris

I have the EZ Smart as well. Festool makes some wonderfully elegant stuff, but you can get the same precision with the Easy. Doweling jig or biscuit cutter will help with alignment, and you might find use for a 18 ga nailer or stapler if you have a compressor or are looking to expand the arsenal.

It never ends

sts9fan · « **Reply #14 on:** 11 Nov 2010, 02:33 am »

I think the biscuit cutter could make speaker assembly much easier. Hmmmm

TomS · « **Reply #15 on:** 11 Nov 2010, 02:50 am »

Quote from: sts9fan on 11 Nov 2010, 02:33 am

I think the biscuit cutter could make speaker assembly much easier. Hmmmm

It definitely does. I bought this one on sale at Sears and it does the job just great

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00917539000P?mv=rr

nocrapman · « **Reply #16 on:** 11 Nov 2010, 03:27 am »

Whatever you buy... stick to one brand!
I bought a bunch of jet K-body on sale at Amazon, almost every month. I also got a good deal from acme tools on the same.
Woodriver from Woodcraft is pretty good too!
If you want to stick to bessey - Hartville tool can give you a decent discount... but they tend to pricier no matter where you purchase from.

nodiak · « **Reply #17 on:** 11 Nov 2010, 03:51 am »

face · « **Reply #18 on:** 11 Nov 2010, 05:15 am »

Quote from: mclsound on 10 Nov 2010, 11:24 pm

I Love my Bessels

+1!

face · « **Reply #19 on:** 11 Nov 2010, 05:18 am »

Quote from: sts9fan on 11 Nov 2010, 02:33 am

I think the biscuit cutter could make speaker assembly much easier. Hmmmm

You still need clamps.

To add to above, I have a Festool TS-55 also and it's an incredible too. Their routers are great too.