Clamp Rack - Gloat

[Alan Lightstone]

Finally got the clamp rack finished. Initial idea from a post on Lumberjocks, who got the idea from a guy's website: (http://woodworking.phruksawan.com/clampCabinet/),
then after I finished it, I noticed it on the cover of FWW's 201 Tips for Woodworkers. So, clearly a few people have liked the design.

It allows for storage of at least 30 clamps, in very minimal space.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3373/4643343963_5a43f891dc_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3360/4643343989_d04b171255_o.jpg

Anything I can do to save space in this 2 car garage that needs its car back, the better.

[glenn bradley]

Well done. Great use of space.

[Aaron Berk]

Before I scrolled down to the second photo I was thinking, "now how hard is it to get to the back row?" then scroll.... Doh!

Excellent rack my friend:cool:

I wonder if I could beef it up a bit and use it to hold 3 rows of the heavy Stanly parallel clamps.

My shop has clamps stored in every available hole/cubby/shelf/corner :rolleyes:

[Alan Lightstone]

Lesson learned the hard way building it. Use biscuits or screws for all the joints. Too many butt joints -- too much weight, gravity is strong on this planet.:eek:

There needs to be some corrollary to the "You can't have too many clamps" adage that deals with all available space sucked up by clamp storage. :)

I also think piano hinges would work better to support the weight, and instead of magnetic catches, double roller friction catches would help support the weight when closed.

[Joe Wiliams]

Before I scrolled down to the second photo I was thinking, "now how hard is it to get to the back row?" then scroll.... Doh!

I did the same exact thing, lol:p

[Terry Hatfield]

+1 more on the "How do you get the clamps out of the back row" deal. :o

Really neat design!

t

[Ken Peluso]

Fantastic use of space. Add me to the ask befor I read the whole post clan.

I may have to add one of these to my one car shop, er garage.

[Lee Koepke]

Lesson learned the hard way building it. Use biscuits or screws for all the joints. Too many butt joints -- too much weight, gravity is strong on this planet.:eek:

There needs to be some corrollary to the "You can't have too many clamps" adage that deals with all available space sucked up by clamp storage. :)

I also think piano hinges would work better to support the weight, and instead of magnetic catches, double roller friction catches would help support the weight when closed.
a joint such as this should help with your 'butt joint' conditions. Its pretty simple.

http://www.dixieline.com/woodjoint/60412.jpg

Very creative solution to the clamp storage 'problem' we all have !!

[David Hostetler]

a joint such as this should help with your 'butt joint' conditions. Its pretty simple.

http://www.dixieline.com/woodjoint/60412.jpg

Very creative solution to the clamp storage 'problem' we all have !!

I've seen Suwat's design now for a couple of years and have been wanting to build one, but basically a double size version. (I am already WAY over the 30 clamps thing...). That locking rabbet is a great idea, I was actually thinking of getting fancy and whipping out the dovetail jig, but this would be faster and easier, and I'm all for that on something like this...

I couldn't agree more with the anything to save space in a 2 car garage shop motif... I am ALWAYS trying to figure out ways to save space... Or at least better utilize the space I do have....

[Alan Lightstone]

Yes, Suwat deserves all the credit for the design. But in building it, it became clear that it needs reinforcement. You know, you figure that if you glue and clamp well, "the joint will be just fine." Well, it wasn't. Weak joints are, well, weak.

Locking rabbet joints clearly would have been an improvement. Also, incorporating a way to hold spring clamps hanging from the bottom would be a plus.

[Lee Koepke]

Yes, Suwat deserves all the credit for the design. But in building it, it became clear that it needs reinforcement. You know, you figure that if you glue and clamp well, "the joint will be just fine." Well, it wasn't. Weak joints are, well, weak.

Locking rabbet joints clearly would have been an improvement. Also, incorporating a way to hold spring clamps hanging from the bottom would be a plus.
Thats another good idea. My spring clamps are attached to anything with a lip around my shop.

You could put a piece of 1x2 with a 3/4" apron that hangs down a bit on the bottom of the outer door, that should work.

[Alan Lightstone]

Interesting thought. I am concerned about the weight on the outmost rack section, as that has the fewest hinges.

I'm probably going to change the hinges to piano hinges for extra support. Does anyone know if longer piano hinges can be cut into sections?

[Bryan Rocker]

Lee that looks like a modified mortise and tenon joint. I would think in this applicationa 1/2 lap would be the best joint since you would maximize the amount of contact surface.

BTW I love that clamp rack design......I may build one similar to it once my cast iron is moved.....

[Caspar Hauser]

Does anyone know if longer piano hinges can be cut into sections?

Absolutely.

[Alan Lightstone]

Don't know why I didn't think of it (trying to knock this up quick and dirty, I suppose), but through-dovetails would have been a great solution too.

Many ways to skin a cat...

[Lee Ludden]

This is a great idea. One improvement I can think of is to cut narrow dado in the stile near the magnetic catch and then set a metal brace on the back of the facing stile to slide into it. This would allow for the far end to be supported mechanically when the rack is closed which will help keep the hinges tight.

[Keith Westfall]

Does anyone know if longer piano hinges can be cut into sections?

-Absolutely.

If you want to make sure that the hinge pin doesn't fall out, after you cut the hinge, push the pin out one end a bit and then cut it off. Push it back in and then crimp both ends of the hinge a little. No more losing pins... :)

[Michael Dunn]

Man, I hear that!!! I have the same setup. The wife still wants her car in the garage. I'm still trying to make it happen. At least winter is over.

Nice rack. I have that same issue of FWW. I should build it, then buy that many clamps to fill it!!!

shotgunn



Finally got the clamp rack finished. Initial idea from a post on Lumberjocks, who got the idea from a guy's website: (http://woodworking.phruksawan.com/clampCabinet/),
then after I finished it, I noticed it on the cover of FWW's 201 Tips for Woodworkers. So, clearly a few people have liked the design.

It allows for storage of at least 30 clamps, in very minimal space.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3373/4643343963_5a43f891dc_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3360/4643343989_d04b171255_o.jpg

Anything I can do to save space in this 2 car garage that needs its car back, the better.

[Alan Lightstone]

OK, I couldn't leave well enough alone. I really am pressed for space in my garage workshop, so I wanted to store more clamps. That, plus I really needed to reinforce the setup, so ripped things apart and started again. If 3 rows are good, 4 is better, right. At least that's what Tim Taylor would do.

So here's pictures of the new design:

Additions are piano hinges (huge difference. Truly needs them for strength and stability), double roller catches (provide some mechanical stability when closed and close more positively than the magnets), and a bottom row for spring clamps, as well as the new inside area for large Jorgensen wood clamps, right angle clamps, Kreg face clamps, etc...

More more storage capacity, with a small addition of space. More importantly, much stronger. Also screwed the boxes, as the end grain gluing wasn't cutting it.







http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4707330389_b5041b192d_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4707973536_9b4f8ffdbc_b.jpg



http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4707331131_c50819dd69_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4707380407_718bf94d87_b.jpg

[Michael Dunn]

My kind of guy!!! Nice, I always say... More is definitely MORE!!!



OK, I couldn't leave well enough alone. I really am pressed for space in my garage workshop, so I wanted to store more clamps. That, plus I really needed to reinforce the setup, so ripped things apart and started again. If 3 rows are good, 4 is better, right. At least that's what Tim Taylor would do.

So here's pictures of the new design:

Additions are piano hinges (huge difference. Truly needs them for strength and stability), double roller catches (provide some mechanical stability when closed and close more positively than the magnets), and a bottom row for spring clamps, as well as the new inside area for large Jorgensen wood clamps, right angle clamps, Kreg face clamps, etc...

More more storage capacity, with a small addition of space. More importantly, much stronger. Also screwed the boxes, as the end grain gluing wasn't cutting it.







http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4707330389_b5041b192d_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4707973536_9b4f8ffdbc_b.jpg



http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4707331131_c50819dd69_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4707380407_718bf94d87_b.jpg

[Joe A Faulkner]

I've tucked this one away in the "something to consider some day" file.

[David Hostetler]

I have GOT to build one of these racks. I like the added layer for the back to stow hand screws and such... Nice touch.

[Lee Ludden]

Which piano hinges did you end up using?

[Alan Lightstone]

Rockler 36''L x 1-1/16''W, Antique Copper Piano Hinges. They fit perfectly, and are MUCH, MUCH stronger than the original hinges.

[John Petsche]

Awesome clamp storage idea. I will have to build one.

[Dennis McDonaugh]

Great clamp rack.

[Lee Reep]

Very nice. I'm resisting the urge to duplicate this idea, at least for awhile. It seems like the past year or so has been more about shop-equipment projects for me, than for woodworking projects. :)

[Brian W Smith]

Lee,I hear ya on the shop equipment,time vs actual payin WW'ing.

So,and this is real......we have a really big pile of pipe/bar clamps.Kind of a neat pile?But a pile non-the less.How much time are we losing fumbling around with this vs a nice rack(as shown above)?Am going to weld up a HD rack...one of these days,haha.

[Sam Murdoch]

Does anyone know if longer piano hinges can be cut into sections?

Well yes if the piano is not attached :D. Good way to save money too - buy an 8' length and cut it up as you need. Have done this often. Some come as blanks without the holes bored so you can size and space according to your needs. Look for "continuous hinges" Can be a pain but useful too.

I really like your clamp rack. Nicely done!

[Alan Lightstone]

With all the hinges, it probably weighs as much as a piano.

Several years later I love the clamp rack. I just wish I had more space for more clamps. I have a few more hanging off the bottom.

[Jeff Erbele]

That is one cool clamp rack. I might steal the idea, but given the discussion on joinery and hinges probably modify it. My thoughts to improve it are attaching both outer boxes to the back unit by having the middle box swing left and the front box swing right. In order to do that one would have use a wider board (at least on the lower area) on the right side, and make the middle box a little narrower so it would swing past that side.

The other change i would make is to the middle box. The top shelf is supported with angle blocks, where the bottom shelf lacks the same strength. That could be provided by moving the bottom shelf up and cutting a dado on 3 sides or lengthening the sides and the bottom back piece allowing room for the same supporting wedge blocks on bottom much like the top shelf.

[Mike Hutchison]

Good Work
I have been wanting to re-do a small clamp rack I have in shop
Some of these ideas may be incorporated down in semi-chilly FLA

[Michael Dunn]

Good Work I have been wanting to re-do a small clamp rack I have in shop Some of these ideas may be incorporated down in semi-chilly FLA

Semi chilly FLA? I hope you're not referring to FL... Here's a screenshot of my local temp. Why oh why did I just buzz my hair?!?!? (Because of my ever receding hairline, that's why!!!)

I'm sure there's people here with much folder temps than this too.

[Dennis McDonaugh]

Semi chilly FLA? I hope you're not referring to FL... Here's a screenshot of my local temp. Why oh why did I just buzz my hair?!?!? (Because of my ever receding hairline, that's why!!!)

I'm sure there's people here with much folder temps than this too.

It's going all the way to 34 on Sunday Michael! Whoo Hoo!

We've been enjoying a couple weeks of warmer than normal weather here in central Texas--it was 81 on Monday, about 20 degrees above average.

[Michael Dunn]

It's going all the way to 34 on Sunday Michael! Whoo Hoo! We've been enjoying a couple weeks of warmer than normal weather here in central Texas--it was 81 on Monday, about 20 degrees above average.

Yeah buddy!!! I'll have short sleeves on that day for sure!!! Were going sledding on Saturday! I just need some new shoes and boots!

[Jerry Olexa]

Very efficient...Good use of space.

[Brent Ring]

Has someone posted the approximate dimensions of each box? I would like to build this, and I am sure I could derive some dimensions. Like the piano hinge additions and the different locking mechanisms. Thanks for posting, and would love some dimensions.