Panel Max clamp. Anyone use them?

[Michael Drew]

I've been using cauls for years. I'm looking for something a bit easier to use. Making fancy end grain cutting boards for friends has created a new need for something better than what I've been doing. I was also thinking about using some 1X square tubing, then I stumbled onto this Panel Max system and it looks like a decent system. End user thoughts would be appreciated. I'm also curious if it has to be used vertically, or can it be used off a table?

[Mel Fulks]

I've used similar things in employments ,they work well. But even though we had a good number of them ,we still needed
to use the old bar clamps. Used ones are good ,too. Some will have a slight bow, but it's not a problem. I use saw
horses. One wooden Jorgenson clamp on each bar clamp at handle end keeps the bar clamps vertical. I always use spring
clamps at board ends to keep them aligned while tightening the bar clamps. Before you joint the boards lay them out
for good match and put a big penciled V accross them to preserve you layout order. Joint one board toward jointer fence,
next board out. Then you don't have to worry about slightly off perpendicular jointer fence.

[Tom Paulley]

Also look at the 4-way clamps available from a number of different suppliers. I use the Woodcraft version for creating cutting boards and they work quite well. Some people think the clamps are too fussy, but if you practice a time or two and use a block to hold the upper bar out of your way, you get nice, flat boards. https://www.woodcraft.com/products/woodriver-clamping-system

[Michael Drew]

I was looking at those Tom. I was wondering if they actually work. Seems like a relatively inexpensive thing to try.

[Tom Paulley]

Michael, I have four clamps that I use regularly for gluing cutting boards, or just about any time I create a panel.

[Michael Drew]

Thanks Tom. I might as well try them. Seeing how you have experience using them, is there a particular wood and dimension that you suggest I machine it to? I figure 32" is about the max width I'd need them for. Can't really recall making a panel wider than that......

[Bradley Gray]

I have the Plano clamps mounted on a wall. I can glue really flat panels up to 37"w x 8' long. It is a bit fussy to load but good results.

[ChrisA Edwards]

I have 3 of the 4 way clamping clamps, have them for 30 years, but I've never found them easy to use, so they collect dust hanging on the wall.

I came across this video, and so my give this a try.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuiCQSZOmq8

[Michael Drew]

I have watched that video Chris. I have watched many of RB's videos. That's why I mentioned using 1X square tubing in my initial inquiry. Before I put time into making a clamping system, I figured it couldn't hurt to ask this forum for advise.

If money was not a factor, I'd order a few clamps from Frontline...... They look to be the best thing on the market, but damn......$$$$$$$ https://www.frontlineengineering.com.au/