clamp extenders

[Peter Pedisich]

Hi,

I have to assemble and clamp a door frame that is 101" across, and all I have are some 50" Beseys and some 48"L 3/4" pipe clamps.
Is there a solution that allows me to use my smaller 12-24" Beseys or should I just buy more pipes and use couplers to join them.

Thanks,

Pete

[Gary Herrmann]

Bessey makes a clamp extender. Haven't tried it, but it might be worth a look.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=17823&cookietest=1

[David DeCristoforo]

Just go buy a couple of 20' lengths of black pipe. Have them cut them into 5' lengths and thread both ends. Get a few 3/4" threaded couplings. Very handy to have when you need a really long clamp or two.

[Peter Pedisich]

Thanks guys.

You've given me some good options.

[Mike Cutler]

Peter.

I would just go ahead and get a few 3/4" Pony clamp sets, and make 10' pipe clamps. Save yourself the frustration.
I like David's idea of using pipe couplers on shorter lengths of pipe. More versatility, and having a couplers in the middle will keep the entire clamp above the material. Nice idea.

[Tony Haukap]

I've used this method of interlocking the jaws to extend their reach (see photo).

[Steve Clardy]

I've used this method of interlocking the jaws to extend their reach (see photo).

Yep. I've done the same thing with pipe clamps. :)

[Peter Pedisich]

I've used this method of interlocking the jaws to extend their reach (see photo).

Tony,

I wantd to do this but my 50" clamps give me 100" and I need to clamp something 101, isn't that life!

Thanks,
Pete

[glenn bradley]

Tony,

I wantd to do this but my 50" clamps give me 100" and I need to clamp something 101, isn't that life!

Thanks,
Pete

Couldn't you put the 12" Bessy you mentioned between your 50" like Tony posted.

[David DeCristoforo]

Hummm. Let's see...two 50" clamps hooked to a 12" clamp.... trying to get this all flat and keep it from flying apart under pressure... Cool...much better than getting a longer piece of pipe.......:rolleyes:

[Scott Loven]

Do you have a table to do the work on? If so, fix a stop on each side of the frame and use a pair of wedges to apply the clamping pressure.
Scott

[Bart Leetch]

Hummm. Let's see...two 50" clamps hooked to a 12" clamp.... trying to get this all flat and keep it from flying apart under pressure... Cool...much better than getting a longer piece of pipe.......:rolleyes:


Just one of 2 reasons I don't have fancy smancy expensive clamps. :rolleyes: 1. expense 2. extendability of course I'm just a hobby wood worker & would rather buy wood. Of course I probably have to many tools but I don't have enough clamps.

I will never have enough of these fancy clamps. Oh wait a minute I don't have any of them. I have no wasted space in my shop & no space to waste & certainly no money to waste.


I'll take pipe clamps :eek: any day :D just add a coupler :eek: & another piece of pipe.:D

[Peter Pedisich]

Thanks for all th ideas! Last night I quickly made these z-shaped clamp extenders from 3/4" ply...

[David DeCristoforo]

Thanks for all th ideas! Last night I quickly made these z-shaped clamp extenders from 3/4" ply...

Clever solution Peter. Of course we all thought of that right off but decided it would be better if you figured it out yourself....;)