Panel Glue Up System

[Dave Mendoza]

Once again I attend this year's woodworking show. For the second time in a row, this clamping system (http://www.ptreeusa.com/panel_glue_up.htm) has caught my eye. Peachtree sells it for $200 with 3 clamps. Do any of you folks have this clamp system. Please let me know your thoughts on this system. It seems it would save me some bench space if I use this setup. I'm headed to another show in March, so I can buy them there. Thanks in advance!

[Rob Wright]

I have the Plano Glue Press system http://www.advmachinery.com/default.asp?pg=plano and it appears similar to identical to the peach tree. I love it! Bought it here off of a fellow Creeker. Perfect glue ups every time I have used it. The setting of the bottom clamps can be tricky the first few times. I wrote in pencil on the sides the clamp hole that they needed to be in for each width to make it a little easier. I like the space savings of the system in my smaller shop.

I don't know if I would be the peachtree brand if the Plano is/was the same price. If there is a good dicount at the show I may jump for another one...

EDIT:
Amazon has the Plano for the same price.

Also - see this thread http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=75968

[J.R. Rutter]

I will probably sell my Plano setup now that I have gone to a big RF panel clamp. I will need to see how many clamps I have - probably 8 to 10. PM or email me if interested.

[Ben Abate]

R.J.

What is the RF system panel clamp?

[Dave Mendoza]

Thanks for the info. It seems the Peachtree and Plano clamps are the same. The show price makes it very attractive. The $349 set goes for $200. It will either be a set of the panel clamps or just more Besseys.

[J.R. Rutter]

R.J.

What is the RF system panel clamp?

It is a 2 way clamp that presses the panel staves flat against a platen, applies edge pressure, then generates radio frequency (RF) that is confined between the lid and the platen. The RF both heats the glue line and causes the glue (if chosen for this application) to crosslink. In less than a minute, the panel is ready to remove from the clamp. When it cools completely, it is ready for machining. Very slick, very expensive. I have a Rosenquist EG400.

[Mike Heidrick]

J.R., is it a special RF activated glue? Sounds crazy cool.

I use a 8' JLT Panel Clamp rack and pneumatic flatner. Mine uses supersonic RF too to flaten the stock against the platen and cover - no wait - that is a pneumatic air bag putting 1800lbs per sq inch of steel across the wood forcing it flat against some CRAZY 40" clamps all registered on the same plane in a box steel rack. Kinda the stone age way of dealing with flatening, and boy does it work good.

Before spending hundreds and hundreds on a Plano, look for a used JLT if you have the room.

http://www.jltclamps.com/photos/79F-8-PC.jpg

http://www.jltclamps.com/photos/180A.jpg

[J.R. Rutter]

J.R., is it a special RF activated glue? Sounds crazy cool.


Titebond II crosslinks. Since we don't go through more than 5 gallons per year, I just pick it up locally rather than bring it in in 5-gal pails.

[Ben Abate]

Mike,

I sent you a PM.

Ben

[Mike Heidrick]

I will get you some info tonight Ben.