Miter Clamps ( Clam Clamps)

[WoodWhisperer]

Been using miter clamps for a while now to run door and window casing. They really are an amazing clamp!!  Wondering if anybody else out there has used them?  I assemble the casing unit, the 2 legs and the head on a table and then install the casing as one piece.  It's really improved the look and time spent on running casing.  I've even had customer compliment  my work and how tight the miters are.  I only have 4 clamps and could probably use a dozen more! They are a bit pricey but I think that are definitely worth it!   

 

[unityroad]

Hi do you reinforce the miter? domino,biscut?

 

[semenza]

Those look pretty good.

http://www.miterclamp.com/

Seth

 

[rizzoa13]

Ive got 2 of them and they are amazing. Ill sometimes cut and clamp them before finishing and then spray the whole thing, comes out beautiful.

 

[Jason Kehl]

I've got a dozen of them and love them. I use a pneumatic upholstery stapler and shoot a pile of staples across the backside of the trim with one staple leg on each side of the mitre. I got the idea for the staples on-line somewhere, maybe Gary Katz? Between the pressure supplied by the clamps, the glue and the staples it makes for a strong joint. I find then process to be faster and better than the usual approach to casing. Well worth the cost if you install casing regularly.

J

 

[WoodWhisperer]

Hi do you reinforce the miter? domino,biscut?

I usually reinforce with a  biscuit. Domino would probably work as good or better but I do not own one "yet"!! I've done some glue ups with just glue and they are very strong.  The clamps put a great deal of pressure of the miter. 

 

[Samo]

Sometimes a biscuit is better.  [big grin]

 

[WoodWhisperer]

Sometimes a biscuit is better.  [big grin]

I wasn't going to say that on here!! [eek]
I do love a good biscuit with gravy!!

 

[NERemodeling]

Miter clamps are great and I agree, while pricy, definitely worth the investment.  I have 6 of the Hartford miter clamps
They are nice but I think if I did it again I would go for the clam clamps
Also I'm gonna agree that biscuits are definitely nicer in casings than dominos..  especially in your run of the mill 2 1/2" casings. I used to use biscuits before I got the domino and now only carry the domino in the trailer, I hate to lug the biscuit joiner around for just casings and probably won't but it does make a stronger joint

John

 

[WoodWhisperer]

Miter clamps are great and I agree, while pricy, definitely worth the investment.  I have 6 of the Hartford miter clamps
They are nice but I think if I did it again I would go for the clam clamps
Also I'm gonna agree that biscuits are definitely nicer in casings than dominos..  especially in your run of the mill 2 1/2" casings. I used to use biscuits before I got the domino and now only carry the domino in the trailer, I hate to lug the biscuit joiner around for just casings and probably won't but it does make a stronger joint

John

Is the casing joists harder to assemble with dominos vs. biscuits? Doesn't seem like there's must play with them. 

 

[NERemodeling]

Yes it is harder, they slide together OK but since you have to register the tool off the back of the trim (unless your working with flat stock) if there is any variation in the stock it shows on the front of the joint..  I've been recently thinking of ways to make the domino better for casings.  If I think of a way I'll be Sure share..

 

[justinh]

For narrower stock take a piece of 1/4" ply or a couple pieces of scrap p-lam glued back to back ripped around 3 1/2" and spray glue a piece of sand paper to one face. Cut a 45* angle on each end. Hold or clamp the ply to the back of the casing with the sandpaper down and the edge of the 45 a little back from the casing miter. It supports the fence of the joiner on narrow stock or spans the back relief on wider casing to keep the tool from rocking and throwing off the joints. The sand paper keeps it from sliding around. 

The Domino will work but a biscuit is easier at assembly time.