Replies

1. 
   RalphBarker | Dec 13, 2012 09:08pm | #1

   Clamp spacing

   For glue-ups of panels and countertops, I'd say 12" spacing would be toward the maximum spacing desired. Closer would be better. You can also spread the clamping force a bit by adding on-edge hardwood cauls between the clamps and the pieces being glued. 6-imch cauls are probably as wide as will be effective in that arrangement.

   This is one of the reasons behind the old saying, "A fella (or, gal) can't have too many clamps."  ;-)

2. 
   ricky | Dec 13, 2012 11:59pm | #2

   Clamp spacing
   I think I read this in a fww article but picture clamps in a typical edge to edge glue up. Now draw 45 degree lines radiating from each clamp pad. The 45 degree lines from adjacent clamps should intersect before hitting the nearest glue joint. Of course this would be impractical if you were gluing up narrow strips, but I find this method is apt for boards around 4" wide and up.

3. 
   oldusty | Dec 14, 2012 10:39am | #3

   Clamp positions

       Hi Stan ,

         The exact spacing may not be critical but having good even pressure is .

        For large glue ups I alternate  clamps under and over and in between , use them where you need them regardless of distance .

          more is better .

              good luck

                 regards dusty

4. 
   hammer1 | Dec 17, 2012 08:37am | #4

   You should make up some cauls which are nothing more than some straight boards, 1"x3"x24" would work in your case. You clamp the panel between opposing cauls. These keep your glue up straight and flat and align the boards to each other. This method will allow you to use less bar type clamps and you won't need to put them on both sides to keep the panel from bowing. You may need to physically move the boards a little bit for perfect line up, start at one end and tighten the bar/pipe clamps as you go. It helps not to use too much glue so it's dripping and making things slippery. Boards should be jointed so they fit each other perfectly, arranged so grain runs the same way, dry fit to check and get the clamps pre adjusted and ready to go. Then you just flip the boards on edge, apply glue, lay them down and start clamping up. Cauls are an important clamp up accessory for panels. Use a strip of wax paper between the cauls and the work so you don't glue them to the work. There are other types of cauls but some straight ones will be fine for this project.