Clamps

One of the first things you should know is that the primary cause of joint failure is over clamping, as in applying too much pressure on the glue. That fact should have some impact on what you buy.

Aluminum beam clamps are nice in lengths from about 36" to 60" because at that length the steel bar clamps start getting heavy and hard to manhandle. You can't put a lot of pressure on a joint with them but that doesn't matter that often because (go back and read the above paragraph).

To do kitchen drawers or glue to the edge of countertops you'll need some 30" clamps. 24" won't be long enough most of the time. I find 24" to be a bit of a bastardized size and you wouldn't automatically think that.

Pipe clamps are handy and not particularly expensive. They will put a lot of pressure on something and if you use pipe threaded on both ends you can use pipe couplers to join the pipes together for longer lengths. I've had mine out to almost 12'. You might be able to get some cheap used pipe at salvage yards or where buildings are being torn down.

The most common size I use is between 4-6". I bought a box of 10 4" clamps from Lee Valley years ago for $40 and unfortunately they don't carry them anymore. Some of them are wearing out and I wish I could replace them with more of the same.

It's nice to have a couple of squeeze clamps that can be used one handed. They are great for holding something while you position and get a pin or screw in or add another clamp. It doesn't hurt to have some clothes pin type squeeze clamps too.

Cam clamps is the route I took. Years ago I needed clamps, a lot. Found free plans on-line for making them - except they had metal in them. Revised the plans a bit, glued the parts together, and made clamps from about 6" to 48". Used 1/2" plywood to make them, a bit of sanding here and there, they worked perfectly, and I figure they came out at around $.25 each to make. Later the need for them went away, started making different things, and they were all integrated into different projects - like two planer sleds for example. I do have metal clamps, a load of spring clamps, but if I wanted a bunch of clamps now, I'd probably make more cam clamps. The first one will seem hard to make, but once you make one, you will realize just how simple they are to make. Plenty of free plans on the web, I think most call for metals in one part or another, but like I said, mine were all plywood and glue, no metal at all - at times I like to plane some of my old projects when re-modding them, and do not want any metal to mess up my blades. Or, you can just buy some, not as much fun, but probably faster.

No one has brought up the question of what projects you will be working on. If you are only working on small projects under 12" right now then you don't need 48" parallel clamps for panels or furniture use. You might be able to get buy with a few homemade clamps or a box of plastic spring clamps. Don't discount the ability of opposing wedges to take care of a lot of your clamping requirements. If all you will be working on are large furniture type projects you will still need a few smaller clamps but use your money for larger clamps to fit the size of project you will be building.

It is really hard to clamp that 4" x 4" x 6" box together with 48" bar clamps and also hard to build a dining room set if all you have is a hand full of spring clamps and a dozen 6" F style clamps.

Unless you run across a really good deal on clamps you don't need right now spend your money where it will do the most good. You can add to your clamp collection as time and money permits.

On small projects tape and rubber bands might be all you need.

I started with HF F and aluminum bar clamps, and still use them, but for furniture I popped for a set of Jet parallel clamps. Chose Jet over Bessy because jet has a quick release lever. The bars of the Jet clamps are very heavy steel and don't flex. Over several years, I bought sets of Bessy in short lengths up to 18 inches. They went on sale every Christmas season and came in a 4 pack, 2 short, 2 longer. Usually about $20-$30 depending on size. I prefer these to the HF, just beefier and the bars don't flex. HF's shorter aluminum bar clamps don't have a short gripping area, so I tend to use the really long versions. I will add a few more and cut them down to about 40 inches and install a simple stop at the end. Right now I use the jets for gluing solid panels together.

Don't over tighten is good advice. I have pipe clamp hardware, but no pipes. Just don't need them for the kinds of things I make. But if you use pipe clamps, be sure to get the black coated pipe since plain steel pipe can leave stains and ruin the finish. One other type clamp I use a LOT are the small Bessy F clamps. About 4-5 inches long, perfect for holding small projects together.

Tom, Mike brought up the first question that hit my mind. What projects do you have in mind? Do you need them NOW, or just planning for future projects.

I'll offer some personal observations:

Buy the best quality you can afford up front. Buy cheap clamps and you deal with cheap clamps that WILL fail at the worst time and frustrate you the whole time until they do. I'll be the dissenting opinion here, HF clamps are cheap and they will FAIL. If you buy the quick clamps there is NO hope for you, the "F" type clamps will eventually start slipping on you and the aluminum bar clamps will fall apart.

It is easier to spend a little up front then to buy cheap and end up replacing them with a better quality clamp anyways. You just lost the price of the cheap clamp. Replace enough and it'll add up.

I, generally, figure on a minimum of four like clamps. Whatever the type you will use them in pairs for the most part. In the smaller sizes; 4-12" you will probably needs lots...they're cheap if you shop around and watch the sales.

Don't discount the better quality Quick clamps. They are handy as all get out but sometimes are bulky and the mechanisms can get in the way. The smaller sizes are great and wish I had more. The longer ones (24" +) can get a little awkward to use, but do a great job.

I have a bunch of "F" clamps in varying sizes (lots of 4"). Quick clamps, Bessy Revos, (Jets are excellent also), aluminum beam clamps and pipe clamps.

The pipe clamps have their place. However, the longer lengths can get really heavy and awkward to use. I would stick to 1/2" for the shorter lengths and reserve the 3/4" for the 48"+ jobs. The 1/2" will have a tendency to flex at longer lengths. You'll need to learn to adapt as needed.

As for where to get them. I'm always on the lookout for sales. Home Depot has an excellent deal on small Bessy F-clamps. Two 6" and two 12" for the price of two individual 12" clamps. That's two free 6" clamps. Watch the sales at the holidays and the weekly fliers. Like Mike I bought 4 50" Revo K's from Lowe's when they clearanced them. I have never found them that cheap again. I, also, bought band clamps, etc.

Bottom line, always be on the lookout for the sales and buy them even if you don't need them RIGHT NOW! A clamp here, a couple there every week or so and they will add up...you'll never regret having them and you will find that you use them.

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Look close...these are just the ones I use the most...