I’m new to this forum, so I thought I’d ask a question that has been bothering me the most lately. I’m building a 96″ long x 24 ” high storage/seating cabinet for my family room that will have alot of edge to edge glueing for the top.
I seem to remember from my 60’s high school shop class that clamps must be strong to hold level and not bend over a longer stretch (say 48″ width). If this is still true, are the rail-type clamps strong enough or should I use the 3/4″ pipe clamps?
Thanks!
Replies
I'll chime in with my own personal opinion.
Clamping doesn't need to be over-tight. That's first.
Second, you should have clamps underneath the boards being clamped as well as above. This should counteract any bending of pipe clamps.
Third, you can and probably should use some cauls to make sure the item being clamped stays flat.
All in all, my pipe clamps have served me well, using the above guidelines. And I've clamped pieces far wider than 48 inches.
John
You can definitely clamp this with pipe cramps. Just be careful to watch their bending - they will bend. Watch your piece. It will be as flat as you glue it up to be. This much gluing? - you may want to use something that gives you the glue set time that you'll need or dampen your glue surfaces prior to application of glue to slow the set time.
jdg
Thanks guys. I just remembered (from my shop teacher) that when clamping - "Don't allow the clamps to bow the wood"
I didn't remember clamping on both sides of the wood.
Also thanks for the tip on slowing the setup time - I'll use that.
I'm just glad to be back into wood - computers are fun but not nearly as satisfying.
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