Which Clamps Should I Buy?

[Patrick Cox]

Hello,
I am new to woodworking and planning my first projects.  I am planning to first build a set of folding trestle / saw horses with sacrificial tops to use with my MFT3 table and then I am going to build an MFT3 cart similar to the following...
http://festoolownersgroup.com/membe...-come-up-with-version-2-for-this-mft-sysport/

I will then build some more cabinetry and a front porch bench and then probably some smaller furniture pieces.

My question is what clamps I should start out with.  I assume I will need 2-4 large clamps for the cabinetry but not sure.  I will be using dominos for most of my joinery.

Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[Kev]

I'm a big fan of the Bessey K-body style clamps. In terms of the numbers and the sizes of clamps you'll need ... the easy answer is 20 of everything!!

K-body style (other brands make something similar) give you a great clamping platform as well as the ability to apply a lot of clamping force. The down side with them is they're nothing like a light and quick to use rapid clamp (trigger style) that you can operate easily and quickly with one hand.

You're clamping requirements are really determined by your projects, your workflow and your patience.

Some people still love traditional pipe clamps and sash clamps - there's nothing particularly wrong with them either.

It's very easy to just start buying clamps and end up with a wall covered in clamps. Frugal advice would be to start with 4 to 8 quality clamps that comfortably exceed the sizes of your projects (but not massively bigger as it'll get awkward) ... then just let your clamp collection grow organically as you become familiar with the different types/styles available. For example, corner clamps come in many different shapes and sizes and can be a massive benefit in some workflows.

 

[Jbmccombe]

I would also get some Irwin Quick clamps or something similar. There are lots of times that you need to hold onto something and clamp it at the same time and the bigger clamps require two hands. I probably use the quick clamps more on a daily basis than any other clamps I have. (The Festool/Bessey quick clamps for the MFT are also very handy)

 

[Kev]

I'll also throw in that a couple of dozen 2 inch G clamps can be surprisingly handy when you least expect it [smile]

 

[Holmz]

Those Bessey revo K are good.
But just get what you need when you need it.

 

[ssbothwell]

Is there anything like an irwin quick clamp which has parallel (or at least mostly parallel) jaws?

 

[grbmds]

Hard to recommend a few clamps to start. I started out with pipe clamps.  The fixtures are inexpensive and pipes with threaded ends are also cheap. So, pipe clamps are tempting; more for your money.

However, I now have both Bessey and other brands of parallel clamps. I like Jet's the best though. I find that these do the best job of clamping cabinets, drawers, and anything square. They are easy to use (especially the Jet) and apply sufficient force to clamp projects without a lot of tightening.

I also use quick clamps of a variety of brands, but it is hard to use them when you need something to be clamped square. They are great when you need to hold something and two hands don't seem to be enough.

I'd probably start out getting 4 Bessey or Jet parallel clamps maybe 31" long. When I first bought the parallel clamps I bought 40" and, while they were useful for larger projects, I think they are not so useful overall for most clamping. Maybe buy 4 31" parallel clamps and 4 pipe fixtures with longer pipes for the larger projects. Size is hard but 31" seem to be in the mid-range of use for me.

 

[ear3]

Yeah, there's really nothing like Parallel clamps (I use Bessey Revo) for both clamping force and keeping things straight and square when you glue up.  The problem is that they are not cheap, and so should be bought as needed.

One alternative, if you are considering things like putting hardwood edging on plywood, or edge joining boards into a larger panel (or laminating!), is to use the bow clamps.  they won't necessarily work for all applications, but they are particularly handy for doing the above mentioned operations, or when putting face frames on cabinets.  But don't buy them just to buy them -- only if you anticipate a need:
http://www.bowclamp.com/

 

[ear3]

Actually, I think the first woodworking aphorism I learned (and probably the first I repeated), was "You can never have too many clamps."  Just to give you a taste of what's in your future:http://festoolownersgroup.com/various-woodworking-crafts-topics/you-can-never-have-too-many-clamps/

 

[NHSP759]

I've got a bunch of Jet parallels and love them. My Bessey K Body Revos are growing too! Also, I have a few Dewalt XL grip clamps that are proving to be very helpful. Like said previously.....you can never have too many clamps!

 

[leakyroof]

I think Kev's advice is spot on, let your Clamp collection grow organically as your needs dictate, unless you're the impatient type .... [wink]
I like many Bessey Clamps, my small particular favs are the Duo Clamps since they are easily reversible in their action. This makes for popping a joint apart for repair work easier, then with a turn of a button on the clamp, you're moving in the opposite direction instantly .
For Pipe Clamps, I prefer Galvanized Pipe over Black Iron to help prevent blue or black marks in Tannin rich wood like Oak if the metal makes contact with the project you're gluing up.

 

[Stephen B]

Actually, I think the first woodworking aphorism I learned (and probably the first I repeated), was "You can never have too many clamps."  Just to give you a taste of what's in your future:http://festoolownersgroup.com/various-woodworking-crafts-topics/you-can-never-have-too-many-clamps/

[size=13pt]

[attachimg=1]

Agree with [member=37411]Edward A Reno III[/member]  here, but like [member=13058]Kev[/member] says, let it grow with your project needs and as your finances allow. I inherited two generations worth of clamps, mainly G and sash, but over the past few years have added Bessey.

 

[Twoodman66]

I feel it's not so much about the clamp as the set up
Start with a good flat,level,straight base and any clamp
Will work for you. So many options some much cheaper
Than others

 

[adcolor]

To start, I don't have any parallel face clamps; just haven't put the money together. Of them, the Jet or the Jorgenson look the best, feature wise. But any parallel face clamp will eat you budget up quickly. 

All clamps should be bought in even numbers, preferably starting with at least 4.  Then you can work projects that fit these clamps reasonably well.  It's a start.

Quick clamps are your set up friends. They are easy to use, and available relatively cheaply.  They usually have soft faces, so no marring. They are extra hands (I think I saw that in print a minute ago...).

F clamps are the ones I use the most. Plenty of versions, but I like the kind with the 'leaf' springs (Pony type). Bessey makes them this way, and another version without the leafs. I find the leafs easier to manipulate. Don' buy too many of the light weight versions (at least early on), and no need to buy the light weight ones over 2 feet long.  As you go up the strength scale, you also get a deeper reach.  Worth having.

Pipe clamps are (or can be, especially if bought used) relatively cheap, and as mentioned above, easy to make longer. Though I have picked up a few 1/2" pipe clamps (really cheap, or part of a pile, I don't recall) I would recommend 3/4" pipe (~1" in diameter).  The gotcha: most have a built in ledge for the clamp to sit on when it is used on a table for glue ups. Every brand seems to be different, and sometimes they have changed that height over the years in a single brand. 

Other ways to use clamps (like having a glue up rest that holds the material being glued off the bench, or slotted boards to hold the pipe of shank/bar of other styles during use).

Last, the spring clamps. Also good for set ups and smaller glue ups.  You can get them cheap. Buy a bag or 2 and put them where they are easy to grab.

 

[monstrol]

All of them.
I have lots of them according to my wife. Parallel are nice and Jet may not be the best but have lifetime guarantee. I call my retailer, tell what size broke, go get new one of the rack. Bessey may do the same. I have had good luck with the Menards off brand masterforce?, I think that is the name, f clamps. The red chinese c-clamps snapped so I won't get those any more. Pony, Bessy,are good and should last. I have had zero luck with pipe clamps other than Pony. Having a few 1/2 inch pipe clamps are nice in situations where the weight of the clamp hinders the job. I always buy good clamps on sale whether I am at the store for clamps or not. Jorgensen wood clamps are the only ones that work.....really.

 

[adcolor]

Oh, when you buy clamps, especially used ones, close the clamp on itself (screw extended as far as possible -- maximum clamping length).  Evaluate it for how straight/square the faces meet. If they are skewed, walk on. You will end up throwing it out, so don't spend the money.

Pony is very easy to get parts for, and reasonable for shipping/handling, should you find one missing a part or needing a replacement part.  Excepting a very ancient 1/2" pipe clamp (round handle like a water faucet) they knew what I needed via a phone conversation. I haven't attempted to repair others.

On pipe clamps, I don't like the 'snail' type bases.  They lock by engaging a serrated cam as you apply clamping force. The serrations seem to wear off, and the spring used to apply tension can wear. The basic stacked leaf system (ala Pony) seems most reliable. Checking the faces on these clamps apply as well. Though you can swap out the failed parts,or repair (at least on Pony/Jorgenson). 

The reversible quick clamps may help in another situation:  I was squaring up a shelf unit frame last night. I wished I could have rotated one end of the clamp to grab a face differently across the diagonal. I made it work a different way, but it would have been nice to have a Z shape.

 

[tony_sheehan]

I just use any old crap and have done for years with no serious problems , but I think Twoodman66 seems to know what he's talking about as does Edward A Reno.

 

[dalep]

When I set up my workshop, i decided to buy Bessey Clamps, so I bought 4 of each size up to 2.5m

I was lucky as the deal included 16 small Bessey screw clamps free of charge.

I also bought the Bessey set of 16 clamps in a systainer from mainland europe:

View attachment 1

You can never have too many clamps

 

[Ivanhoe]

Pipe clamps are a great way to get started if budget is an issue. I use 3/4" steel pipe but many folks get by with 1/2". Buy some each year and build your supply.  If cabinets are in your future you will want / need 8-12 24-36" or longer, depending on the size of your cabinet. CL is a great place to find used clamps for additional savings. If you like the Bessey Revo / Jet clamps, wait for black Friday as the Jet's go on sale at some great prices... I set aside $ each year just for this sale.

 

[RKA]

Just FYI, it appears Pony is closing their doors, so warranty replacements and parts may no longer be an option.