Using the DFC500

[Doug S]

I do seem to use my Dominos differently to most people.

When using the 500 I wrap my hand around the handle just behind the switch and kind of push against the part where the main body steps down in size to form the handle, I don't grip the handle tightly just kind of push with the side of my hand. I tried the pushing from the back thing but to me it feels like the further back you are the more chance there is of making it tip.

My 700 I don't hold the handle but push from the very back with the heel of my hand, my fingers kind of underneath the handle but not really doing anything. The handle on the 700 feels wrong for me to hold when plunging as it's not in line with the cutter.

When I had a play with the cordless 500 I just instinctively pushed on the back of the handle as I do with my 700.

 

[ChuckS]

You definitely aren't alone in how you handle the DF500 and DF700 as I've seen that on YouTube. Hand size, arm/wrist strength and physical body strength really are a big factor here.

One time, I needed clamping assistance, I summoned the help of one of my neighbors (6'-ish and 180 pounds in his very early 50s). He could still turn every clamp handle after I thought it couldn't be tightened any further. So, all my impression about the DF700 being too heavy (for prolonged use) and hard to plunge may be non-existent to someone who is in their 30s or 40s.

 

[luvmytoolz]

You definitely aren't alone in how you handle the DF500 and DF700 as I've seen that on YouTube. Hand size, arm/wrist strength and physical body strength really are a big factor here.

One time, I needed clamping assistance, I summoned the help of one of my neighbors (6'-ish and 180 pounds in his very early 50s). He could still turn every clamp handle after I thought it couldn't be tightened any further. So, all my impression about the DF700 being too heavy (for prolonged use) and hard to plunge may be non-existent to someone who is in their 30s or 40s.

You probably wouldn't like my panel clamps then, they're about 14kg each! ;-)

So the DF700 doesn't seem all that heavy to me then. I find it is easier to operate by putting most of the power into keeping the fence handle rigid on the material, and just support the end enough to maintain the control when plunging.

 

[ChuckS]

14kg!

My go-to clamps are now the Dubuque. If I started fresh again, I would just buy once, cry once and get everything Dubuque in place of the Bessey K Body or similar clamps.

Btw, when seniors buy them, they should be entilted to a discount!

 

[ReneS]

14kg!

My go-to clamps are now the Dubuque. If I started fresh again, I would just buy once, cry once and get everything Dubuque in place of the Bessey K Body or similar clamps.

Btw, when seniors buy them, they should be entilted to a discount!

I know these clamps get a lot of praise. They get a lot of compliments from one of the YouTube channels I respect, and because of that I bought a pair.

But honestly, I find them awkward to use when gluing up cabinet parts, like panels, rails, and stiles to make up the sides. I muchly prefer K body clamps, and have a number of the Bessy Junior Ks (I think that is what they are called). I also use DeWalt trigger clamps of different sizes.

The main issue with the Dubuques, as I recall, is being able to stand the assemblies up and otherwise position them in different ways when doing glue ups. I honestly don't remember the details since it has been a year since I tried to use them. I just find the K body clamps easier to position, manipulate, move around, etc.

But my sense is that I am in the minority.

 

[ChuckS]

I don't recall experiencing the standing problem you mentioned. But, that could be possible because the Dubuque clamps don't have large and flat ends.

 

[luvmytoolz]

14kg!

My go-to clamps are now the Dubuque. If I started fresh again, I would just buy once, cry once and get everything Dubuque in place of the Bessey K Body or similar clamps.

Btw, when seniors buy them, they should be entilted to a discount!

The Dubuque's I've always thought look to be fantastic clamps, but are pretty much unobtanium here in OZ, and 30 or so years ago when I bought my panel clamps they would have been unheard of here. I have a cheapo set that looks very similar but made in thin aluminium extrusion, so they're only good for very light work.

What I like about the Frontline clamps I use is they encompass the panel on both edges and faces, so very fast glue ups and no need for cauls or extra alternating clamps. And to address the mobility aspect, I can use them in their trolley stand to move it around, or simply stand against a wall.

As you say though, whatever clamps you buy, definitely buy once cry once really makes a difference long term in the results and time and labour savings!

Just did a bit of searching and there's a seller here in OZ selling the 900mm Dubuque's for $125: https://www.pasadenatools.com.au/bar-clamp-36-inch-900mm.html

 

[ChuckS]

Just did a bit of searching and there's a seller here in OZ selling the 900mm Dubuque's for $125: https://www.pasadenatools.com.au/bar-clamp-36-inch-900mm.html

That's $30 US more than that is sold here in Canada for the 36" length, based on Lee Valley's price (where I got all my Dubuques (which are 24" and 36"))!

 

[onocoffee]

I just recently got around to ordering the 36" Dubuque from my local Woodcraft. I've been using the Rockler version made from a slightly lighterweight aluminum rail and lighter cast aluminum clamps than the Dubuque. That said, I didn't have any issues with the Rocklers (I got them on a good sale for last year's Founders Day Event - which they are having again next month) and the Dubuques seem to be of solid quality. The one difference that I think may be an issue - more that it makes using them in conjunction with each other a little difficult, is that the Rockler clamp heads have cast feet which serve to hold the workpiece higher off the benchtop and I also use them as hangers for storage. The Dubuques I'm still trying to find a good spot to store them.

 

[ChuckS]

I have had no experience with the Rockler's sure foot aluminum bar clamps and don't know how correct this AI review of them is:

Google Search

But the AI review on the Dubuque clamps below is pretty in order based on my use of the Dubuques for close to a decade:

Google Search

I should also add that you can buy accessories (such as the miter heads or face frame squares) for the Dubuques. Not too many users know about that:

https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/hand-tools/clamps/101558-miter-attachment-for-dubuque-face-frame-clamp

If you Google, you can find many many ways of how people store their Dubuque clamps. I store mine vertically more like this on a mobile rack:

 

[luvmytoolz]

@ChuckS Love that shot!

There's something really pleasing about a uniform row of lots of clamps, good for the soul! ;-)

That's $30 US more than that is sold here in Canada for the 36" length, based on Lee Valley's price (where I got all my Dubuques (which are 24" and 36"))!

Yeah we're pretty used to getting ripped off on all the pretty things in OZ!