Solid edge band clamps

[rmwarren]

I'm mulling over doing a project with a bunch of birch ply panels, applying 1/4" birch solid edge banding, hence the need for a bunch of edge clamps. Rather than buy them for one-time use, I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions for DIY alternatives to the Rockler-type clamps?

[attachimg=1]

I have a bucket full of ninety-nine cent spring clamps, maybe I can round up some old bike inner tubes or similar and add the rubber band to the clamps.

Appreciate any recommendations or alternatives.

Thanks,

RMW

 

[mrFinpgh]

There was a fine woodworking article about doing exactly this using bike inner tubes over spring clamps:
https://www.finewoodworking.com/2019/10/24/shopmade-clamps-make-edge-banding-easy

I think as long as you're using 1/4" or thicker banding, it should work out well.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Bought some of those Rockler clamps when they had a sale and also some that Taylor Toolworks sell. Both styles have broad pads made of extra grippy rubber to grasp the surface of the board. I don’t think regular spring clamps will compare well but if you have enough to apply them side by side that will probably be good enough.

 

[ChuckM]

I agree that the FW hack doesn't offer any extra surface grip. For one-time use, I have had success with the binding tape:https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/sho...sives/tape/70856-3m-binding-tape?item=25U0330

[attachimg=1]

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I have seen the innertube method done several times, but never done it myself.
I think it actually came first and Rockler created a ready-made version.

 

[peter halle]

After watching an Izzy Swan video I bought these.  Haven't used them on a project but in testing it held thicker 1/8" strips well.

[attachimg=1]

The clamps and rubber bands:

clamps:  Clamps

rubber bands:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08377XG1Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Peter

 

[Michael Kellough]

I haven’t seen those but assuming the bicycle inner tube fits over the jaws of the spring clamps the inner tube rubber will be a lot more grippy than the plastic overmold. Might work and is easily reversible.

 

[4nthony]

Bought some of those Rockler clamps when they had a sale and also some that Taylor Toolworks sell. Both styles have broad pads made of extra grippy rubber to grasp the surface of the board. I don’t think regular spring clamps will compare well but if you have enough to apply them side by side that will probably be good enough.

I bought a couple pairs in medium and was pleasantly surprised by how grippy they were. I still use a lot of blue tape with my edge-banding but will probably grab a few more Bandy clamps when I see them on sale.

I have not tried the inner tube method but will give it a go after my next flat tire.

 

[afish]

i used the inner tube and spring clamp method and it works good, you do have to make sure you get he right inner tube but otherwise no issue. The rocler ones look nice but when you need 50 or more it starts to add up.

 

[woodferret]

I use the inner tube clamps.  Works fine and is grippy.  Except be wary of the rubber wearing out after a few years, as they start leaving marks.  Nothing a sand won't clean up though.

 

[rmwarren]

Thanks all. I'd forgotten about Izzie's rubber band trick, I'll play around with that first before moving to inner tubes if needed. Found this also.


RMW

 

[mike_aa]

If you've been around here a while, you might remember erock.  He no longer posts here, but has an instagram channel where you can find his take on making up a bunch of these clamps for not too much money:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkD3WYFgKxx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

I hope this helps!

Mike A.

 

[rmwarren]

Hey thanks Mike. I haven't seen Eric post here in a while, he always had good stuff to share.

I stumbled across the YT video early this AM (up @ 4:30, forgeting the time change...) and ordered a 2 pack of tubes. Looks like a pretty easy project and I should be able to remove the tubes if I need to use the clamps for other stuff.


Did a second test run today using the lime green 3M painters tape and that worked fine. You'd burn thru a lot of tape for a 8' long section, so the clamps make more sense for bigger projects.

Thanks,

RMW

 

[rmwarren]

So, they work as advertised and aren't too fiddly to make.

[attachimg=1]

• Clamps $1
• Tubes 2 fer $14 = (26) 5-1/2" sections or ~$0.50/each
• Time perhaps 5 minutes each, done in batches while listening to an audiobook/podcast

I'm gonna say they are worth the cost. Thanks for the input.

RMW

 

[Oldwood]

They look great! I am going to give them a try.

I bought the Lee Valley version when they first came out but found the bands too stiff. I think these will be much better.

 

[mike_aa]

[member=8712]Richard/RMW[/member]

Nice Job!  Thanks for sharing.

Mike A.

 

[Iron Stool]

I put together a set of 10 inner-tube spring clamps for a project last year and they worked great!

I picked up the inner-tubes for free at the local bike shop.  Mine were the used discarded tubes from bikes in for maintenance. 

With the $14 I saved, I bought a Festool couple cups of coffee