Opinions on my tabletop glue up method

[Jay Pugsley]

No Marty, you are right. This job does call for pipe clamps. I just don't have any. I usually do not work in such a wide surface in solid wood. One time I did make two kitchen countertops out of maple strips. For those, I drilled holes through all the pieces, and counter sunk larger on both end pieces. I then used threaded rod, large diameter washers, and nuts as clamps. I then glued an outside strip on to hide the hardware, but for the life of me, I can't remember how I attached that strip without clamps! Lol

[Jay Pugsley]

I hope I can offer others help too. I am very happy to have found this forum.

[Marty Tippin]

No Marty, you are right. This job does call for pipe clamps. I just don't have any. I usually do not work in such a wide surface in solid wood. One time I did make two kitchen countertops out of maple strips. For those, I drilled holes through all the pieces, and counter sunk larger on both end pieces. I then used threaded rod, large diameter washers, and nuts as clamps. I then glued an outside strip on to hide the hardware, but for the life of me, I can't remember how I attached that strip without clamps! Lol

Man, that's a lot of work! Pipe clamps are one of the most affordable accessories you can add to your shop. And being able to expand them when needed for a wider job like this is incredibly handy. You might want to pick up a few sets to start with and then add more as budget allows.

[Gene Davis]

Buy some cheap pipe clamps at Harbor Freight. Get the pipe at a plumbing supply house.

Or find a local woodworker and borrow his clamps.

Screws are no substitute.

[Brett Luna]

I was thinking about waxing the cauls to keep them from sticking. Don't think they would look good attached to the tabletop!

I can't trust that I've waxed something good enough to keep even a little glue get through and hold on. I use clear packing tape on my cauls.