Woodworking clamps are an essential part of any woodworker’s toolkit. They help hold pieces together and make gluing projects easier to complete.
But before you get started on clamping your next project, it’s important to understand which types are best suited for your needs. After all, you don’t want to purchase a bunch of different clamps that won’t be used for any given task.
Bar Clamps
Bar clamps are used mainly in woodworking projects to keep large pieces of wood or metal securely in place to be joined together permanently. They can be a useful tool in any woodworker’s toolbox, but there are a few things to look for when buying one.
Firstly, it’s important to choose a bar clamp that is big enough to fit the project you are working on. It is also a good idea to check that the bar is made of durable materials like cast iron or high-carbon steel.
Another thing to consider is the mechanism of the clamp. Some bar clamps have plastic mechanisms that are less durable.
For most woodworkers, a simple, adjustable bar clamp is all they need. However, if you are working on larger or more complex projects, it is worth investing in higher-quality clamps.
Pipe Clamps
Pipe clamps are a staple in many woodworkers’ shops. They’re great for gluing up panels and other large projects because they offer plenty of pressure for tight joints without bowing or marring the edges.
They can also be used for plumbing jobs if you need to reach up to pipes or fittings that are hidden from view. They’re inexpensive and easy to use, making them a popular choice for woodworkers on a budget.
One drawback of pipe clamps is that they can sometimes stain the boards where they come into contact with them. This happens when water in the glue reacts with the metal pipe and tannins in the wood.
Luckily, this problem is easily solved by leaving a space between the pipe and the boards during the glue-up. Or, you can add a scrap piece of wood between the pipe and the boards. Then, when you sand and stain the wood, it won’t be stained by the pipe or glue.
Spring Clamps
Spring clamps are a versatile little tool that’s perfect for holding two pieces of wood together. They generate enough clamping pressure to prevent the pieces from shifting while glue dries or while sawing or sanding.
They are also great for securing cords and extensions when you’re working at your workbench. These sturdy little tools are strong, firm, and affordable so you’ll be able to use them for many DIY projects.
They come in a variety of sizes and are made of a range of materials. Nylon, muslin, or metal are the most common choices.
Jaw Clamps
Clamps can be used for a variety of woodworking projects. They can be used to clamp one piece of wood to a work surface or two pieces of wood together to form an assembly.
In order to assemble woodworking projects you need a clamp that will hold the pieces securely in place without damaging them. You also want the clamp to be able to apply a certain amount of pressure to each piece of wood in order to secure the pieces together properly.
A good choice for this type of application is a parallel jaw clamp. They are ideal for gluing up cabinets or boxes because they can evenly apply pressure to help assemblies and joinery be held together square and true.
The optimum size and power for your specific woodworking project will depend on how much material you’re gluing and the amount of padding you need to protect the wood. The clamping power you need is measured in psi (pound-force per square inch).
