I’m always looking for smart ways to make use of space in my basement shop. After struggling with various clamp storage systems, I got the brainstorm I needed when I saw a golf-club display in a sporting-goods store.

While building the extension table on my tablesaw, I built a rack underneath for holding the clamps horizontally. Solid 2×4 legs hold plywood brackets notched for pipe and bar clamps of various sizes. By altering the direction of the clamps and stacking them in layers, I can store about 130 clamps. The largest ones are stored at the back of the saw. Shorter clamps sit at right angles to the long clamps. The system also provides storage for corner clamps and other specialty clamps.

This idea can be adapted to work with any type of extension table.

Jim Richey

Don Chickering, Framingham, MA

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Starrett 12-in. combination square

This accurate, robust, well-machined, easy-to-read combo square is as great as ever.

Buy at Amazon

Bessey EKH Trigger Clamps

Bessey EKH series quick-release trigger-style clamps are simple to use and maintain consistent pressure. Trigger clamps that perform the way you've always wished they would!

Buy at Amazon

Dustopper Pro

The Dustopper attaches to a five gallon bucket, and collects 99.9% of dust before it reaches the vacuum. This saves the life span of your disposable vacuum bags and filters.

Buy at Amazon