Last Updated on November 8, 2023 by Flavia Calina
Clamps come in many different types, sizes, and materials. So it can take time to know which ones to buy for your woodworking projects. This guide will help you choose the correct clamps for your woodworking project. There are tools that just about every woodworker needs in their workshop, and clamps are at the top of the list.
C-Clamps
C-clamps are a staple for woodworkers of all skill levels. They hold components together while the glue dries or when you need a mechanical fastener.
These clamps have a wide mouth and long threaded handles that distribute pressure evenly over the hardwood jaws. You can also find models with swivel pads that allow you to clamp irregularly shaped or angled pieces without damaging them.
These clamps are ideal for various projects, including picture frames and drawer fronts. Their movable jaws make them a perfect choice for holding pieces of veneer together. You can also use them to secure a stop block to your bench or to keep a ruler in place while you’re measuring. The strength of these clamps varies by type, size, and manufacturer. So give them a test squeeze to evaluate their clamping force before purchasing one. Avoid over-tightening them, as this can weaken the woodwork piece and cause damage.
Parallel-Jaw Clamps
Parallel jaws are the best option for clamping woodworking panels or cabinet carcasses that require evenly applied pressure to ensure that all edges and joints are clamped squarely and securely. These clamps have an accurate 90° angle. Which is much more precise than other woodworking clamps.
Choosing the best set of woodworking clamps Addison IL, depends on what type of projects you will be doing in your workshop and what your budget is like. If you have plenty of money to spend, then you can go for the top-of-the-range Bessey parallel clamps. Which are made from forged steel and come with a lifetime warranty as well.
However, if you’re on a tight budget, then you can get a decent set of parallel clamps that are rated for a maximum width rating of up to 50 inches. Which is much higher than some of the other options available out there. They also feature a built-in glide trigger that makes it easy to make one-handed adjustments on the fly. The moving jaws are reversible to allow you to use them as spreaders. Which is handy when working with tannin-rich woods that are likely to bleed and stain your work pieces.
F-Clamps
Woodworkers use clamps for various tasks, from securing pieces to the bench as you work on them to serving as a third hand for coaxing reluctant parts together or holding assemblies in place during a glue-up. But not all clamps are created equal. The type of clamp you need depends on the project at hand, and there are a lot of different styles and sizes to choose from.
F-clamps, also called bar clamps,. Feature a sliding bar with a large opening capacity and a pair of parallel bars with removable jaws that can be set to any position along the slide arm. They’re the type of clamp you need for edge gluing panels and for other projects that require precise alignment, like casework and drawers.
These clamps are lightweight, portable, and easy to maneuver with one hand. They’re also relatively inexpensive and can be found online for even less.
Spring Clamps
Spring clamps are the little helpers that most woodworkers have in their arsenal of tools. These strong-jaw little clamps have rubber pads on the ends where you grip a workpiece. This allows them to hold materials firmly without applying much pressure. They are quick to use and come in handy for various small clamping tasks. Such as having material together while the glue is drying or bundling a stack of boards for sawing.
Some manufacturers in Addison, IL, offer plastic versions of these clamps for a lighter weight and better longevity. In contrast, others have a PVC coating on the handles and tips to reduce scratches and abrasions on your project. Review the hand grip on the handle and the information on the clamp to see if they are padded for comfort and to prevent slipping on your project. These features can make a huge difference in how well you can clamps your project. Read more exciting articles on Today World Info
