Strap Clamps which to buy

[Craig D Peltier]

I need to glue up two half circles to make a 70" round. Is there a particualr type of strap clamp with the right accessory to it I should be looking for?

Thanks

[James Phillips]

Bessey makes a good strap clamp

[Michael Gibbons]

A standard trailer ratchet strap should work fine. Just make sure to put something underneath the ratchet so it doesn't mar up the wood.

[Doug Shepard]

I've got a motley assortment of strap clamps and they all work pretty much the same. Another nice clamp is the Merle
http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/merle_clamp.html
I've used it on round stuff by cutting plywood corner blocks for the clamp corners with the ply radiused on the inside to match the glue-up.

[Thomas Williams]

Like someone else mentioned, they are all pretty much the same. I have the Pony and Irwin brand. I use the Pony more as the ratchets on the Irwins are a little large for my projects. However, I can get more pressure from the ratchet style if needed.

[John Bush]

Hi Craig,
I have several types of strap clamps, mostly the light weight style like the Pony and a Bessey-- garage sale finds-- and they all work fine. I also have a biga** one with a metal strap 1 1/2" wide-- another garage sale find but looks like an industrial model. You are welcome to use mine if you want make the trip from Duval to Edmonds!!!! I just used mine to make a coopered arch and I think the ratcheting cargo straps would work just as well. Is this for the dining room table you are making?? John Bush

[Don Bullock]

I bought some of these at Rockler on one of their half price sales.

101721

They are fantastic, especially when I'm clamping something and my assistant, as in TLOML, is not available.;):D

Rockler Page: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=11332

[Andy Pratt]

I think the bessey ones are the best thing going, after using these I would go nuts having to try a ratchet clamp for a project now, they're much easier.

[Craig D Peltier]

Hi Craig,
I have several types of strap clamps, mostly the light weight style like the Pony and a Bessey-- garage sale finds-- and they all work fine. I also have a biga** one with a metal strap 1 1/2" wide-- another garage sale find but looks like an industrial model. You are welcome to use mine if you want make the trip from Duval to Edmonds!!!! I just used mine to make a coopered arch and I think the ratcheting cargo straps would work just as well. Is this for the dining room table you are making?? John Bush

yes its for a top that goes over a 45 square table, will post pics when done.. Thanks for offer. I have many ratchet straps here for trailer.

[Craig D Peltier]

So when gluing up a round, is it necessary to make radius corner blocks and if so just 4 ?
Thanks