bwarriner

I see that posts regarding saving money on clamps are pretty old. Does anyone know of a way to start a basic collection without breaking the bank? Any home made ideas would be appreciated. Also, i have seen the home depot collection and besides seeming pretty pricey, I wonder how good they are-- plastic contraptions. I have none right now, except a few C clamps (small); not enough to start a career in routing.
Thanks for any help.

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curiousgeorge

Hi, bwarriner. Everyone has that same question and there is no easy answer. Other than lucking out and finding some at garage sales, auctions, etc. I don't know of an economical way to do this. As for myself, I have bought a few of the cheap (chinese made) clamps from Harbor Freight. Most are serviceable, to a point, and don't break the bank. I have found they will do the job until you can buy the good ones, one at a time, to build up your collection. Maybe some one else has a suggestion. Hope this helps a little.

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George

If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem...

Mike

Beth, knowing what state you are in will make a big difference in recommendations. Here in MI Harbor freights ad's show their F style clamps all on sale for the next week or so. While not of the highest quality they are metal and will get the job done. Since the most expensive is under $6 for the sale they wont break the bank either.

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Mike

bobj3

Hi Beth

Just one more way to beat the high cost of clamps...

Pocket Hole Screws can be used in many projects,, then you don't need the tons of clamps the norm..e.g. tops,cabinets,drawers,boxes,etc. the list just goes on and on...most can be hidden or you can use the wood plugs,in most types of wood...platics,etc. the pocket hole screw is like a clamp but you don't need to remove it once the glue is setup and dry..
Then your clamps will just cost Penney's and you can keep them in a little box.
Once you buy a pocket hole jig for a little as 30.oo bucks or make one your over cost will drop like a rock..


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bwarriner

Thanks for the suggestions-- I am in CT (to answer Mike) and I will check out the web page of harbor freight if they have one. Now as for the pocket screws, I have seen some little kits for these neat looking little rigs. Do you have any recommendations on brand or type? I may try it out. Meanwhile, in order to clamp some temporary stuff for jigs and such I will start out modest.

curiousgeorge

Hi Beth. I have the small Kreg pocket hole jig and it works great. Kreg is the original one but there are many diffrent brands and styles available that will do just as good a job. Just search around on Woodcraft, Rockler, Peachtree, etc. to see what is available for the price you might like. I still think Harbor Freight is your best option for (afordable) starter clamps.

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George

If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem...

bobj3

Hi Beth

Here's some links

http://www.sommerfeldtools.com/item....ppj2&d=158&b=2
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw...s=kreg&x=0&y=0
OR
http://www.routerforums.com/jigs-fix...ter-table.html
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http://search.harborfreight.com/cpis...amps&Submit=Go

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bwarriner

thanks guys. I just got started with some harbor freight clamps. i got a few of the pipe clamps on sale (hard to tell the difference between those on sale and those regular price as they look the same) and a pipe threader. Dont know if i needed that, but i am not sure where i would find pipe that is threaded along the length.
thanks again.
beth

reikimaster

I like black iron pipe for pipe clamps. The galvanized pipe has a cleaner look to it, but the galvanize coating (zinc) does flake off and those little flakes can be awfully sharp. Lots of home centers have pipe already threaded on both ends in various lengths. 4 foot lengths is about all I buy and those are common and cheap. As has already been said, you can use a pipe coupler to put 2 of the lengths of pipe together and have a longer clamp. I have found that you will probably want to protect your work from the pipe itself in many cases. I have gotten black marks on stuff from the black iron pipe.

I just got some chinese clamps off ebay. They are 30" clamps ("F" type bar clamps) and while they aren't great clamps, they are "these will do for now" clamps.

bobj3

Just a note about the pipe and pipe clamps Beth

Pickup some BLACK pipe ( 1/2" pipe will do the trick ) , I don't how many pair you got but if you buy pipe that is 4ft.6ft,8ft,10ft,12ft long and then take your hack saw/pipe cutter and cut it in 1/2 you will have a pair of each size...most of the time it's threaded on both ends,, from HD,Lowes,Ace Hardware, etc.

Then b/4 you slide and screw the clamps in place make some blocks to fit the clamps, this will keep the nasty marks off the wood and you can make the blocks just a bit taller than the clamps and this will hold the clamps up off the work bench and they will stand up so you can crank them up will out removing skin from your kuckles,you can also buy the push on plastic type but you can make your own quick and easy with some scrap 2 x 4 stock...
( block=2 x 4 x 6" long with a hole on one end and use your router to put in a slot b/4 you cut them to size..so they side over the clamps/pipe..

Plus if you hang them over a window it will help keep the bad guys out
But you still get the light from the outside..
see snapshot below..

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