Bar clamps vs. band clamps

[poto]

I occasionally make tables, and usually clamp the legs to the apron (or top, depending on the design) using band clamps. You know - the band of fabric that's cinched tighter with a ratchet. I wrap the band around the frame so that it pushes the legs into the apron at all corners, and I think I achieve pretty good joints that way (usually mortise and tenon). In reading another post describing their abundance of bar clamps, it occurred to me that perhaps there's a reason that people have so many bar clamps, but don't mention band clamps. So here's my question: is there any particular advantage to using bar clamps rather than a single, easily managed band clamp for this purpose?

 

[Qwas]

If I was glueing up all 4 legs and aprons at once, the band clamp is probably the best way to go. If you're doing one side, then the other, the bar clamps would be best.

 

[Michael Kellough]

I think the band clamp is best for that job. In addition to applying the pressure in the correct direction, if you drop it it doesn't cause much damage.

 

[poto]

Thanks for the thoughts, gentlemen. Pretty much confirms my initial thoughts. I'll keep with the band clamps...

 

[Steveo48]

Thats a great job for band clamps. 

So much easier, faster and little if any damage, especially to fingers or your noggin. 

 

[poto]

Ya - and I need that noggin Quite fond of it, actually 

The trick is not letting the band slide off the frame before you've tightened it. I've discovered that it's very helpful to have a 10 year old daughter who's into woodworking give an extra pair of hands at that point...

 

[Michael Kellough]

Ya - and I need that noggin Quite fond of it, actually 

The trick is not letting the band slide off the frame before you've tightened it. I've discovered that it's very helpful to have a 10 year old daughter who's into woodworking give an extra pair of hands at that point...

Must be nice to have an extra pair of hands around. I don't have kids so I've learned to use tape instead. 

 

[poto]

On most days, kids are more fun than tape...

 

[Michael Kellough]

On most days, kids are more fun than tape...

When they're not, I guess you could tape them to something. 

 

[poto]

That's my main babysitting tool: duct tape.

And WD40 is great for getting residual glue off  ;D

 

[Michael Kellough]

That's my main babysitting tool: duct tape.

And WD40 is great for getting residual glue off  ;D

Kids might prefer peanut butter, that works too.