I was watching the wood whisperer online and he gave the advice to wax the knurled edge of bar clamps and besseys to prevent glue from building there. which it has on some of mine.
What is the best way to deal with glue buildup on clamps? (I can clean up my older clamps but I just bought 8 new besseys, (2) 12×24 picture framing kits. 100 dollars a piece. That brings the cost for the 12’s down to about 25 dollars each).
Some one said here that wax wont affect finishing if it gets on raw wood unless the wax contains silicon.
So I can wax my clamps possibly get wax on the bare wood and not have to worry about stain or polyurethane in particular adhereing to the wood?
Thanks.
Webby
Edited 8/5/2008 2:12 pm ET by webby
Replies
If you are using steel clamps just let the glue dry and peel it off before the next use. If you're like the vast majority of people you probably use half again as much glue as you really need which creates a needless mess.
If you're using wood clamps wax and buff them and don't worry about goobing up the finish later on. You'll have no problems, I guarantee it.
The worst piece of woodworking advice in the last umpteen years is this almost universal practice of slathering glue until it puddles up practically everywhere after a little clamp pressure is applied.
The glue builds up in those little spaces pretty good. I'm not an 'over glue-er' but I still managed to get an impressive amount on there over time. Surprisingly it really sticks too.
I used a dremel with a wire brush to knock off the dried glue then applied a bit of paste wax. Haven't had any problems since. Nor have I had any problems with finishing. Considering the amount of surfaces with wax on the in the shop (table saw, jointer, etc) I think the clamps are the least of the problem.
I use wax paper between the wood and the clamps. I bought four rolls cheap years ago thinking I would go through it pretty quickly. That was ten years ago (at least) and just finished the first roll a couple months ago. It makes great kindling in the wood stove too.
Regards,
Mack
"Close enough for government work=measured with a micrometer, marked with chalk and cut with an axe"
Okay, I just always figured wax would cause alot of problems with bare wood. I will give it a try with my new clamps.
Thanks everyone.Webby
Webby,
Many of us wax the tables of our machines and soles of our planes. No problemo.Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
Right, I hadn't thought about that.
ThanksWebby
>> I can wax my clamps possibly get wax on the bare wood and not have to worry about stain or polyurethane in particular adhereing to the wood?
No, oil based stain and oil based finishes will still stick to waxed surfaces. The mineral spirit thinner is a solvent for wax.
Waxing the bars will greatly assist in removing water based adhesives.
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