I've had my Bowclamps for several years and use them frequently. They are worth every penny.
I've had my Bowclamps for several years and use them frequently. They are worth every penny.
Trees. Tools. Time.
Aaron,
That is pretty much what I do with the bowclamps: use a 3rd clamp if/when necessary and loosen both clamps at the same time or a little bit at a time to prevent soiled undies. They are a tool like anything else and one needs to learn how to use it.
If I recall, I used some 3/4" MDF for the flanges and 1/4" MDF for the web. I cut a groove in the 3/4" stock to let in the 1/4" web so that it would be glued in well. One thing to watch for is that when you cut the groove (if you use your table saw) is that you keep pressure on the stock so that the groove is equal depth all the way. Otherwise, when you go to glue up, you'll have a bow in the caul. If you want a bow, I'd put it in the 1/4" stock before glue up.
You could also use your router to cut the groove.
For what I was doing, I wanted a flat caul, not one with a bow, so that's what I made. Making an I-beam caul is pretty simple. The I-beam structure is good for long cauls.
Mike
Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good.
Yes I have several sets of Bowclamps and they work as advertised.
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The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...
I made some homemade cauls. I think they are great for clamping the face frame to a plywood carcass. Fewer clamps are needed, and the pressure is spread evenly.
I put one Bessey clamp in the middle of the cauls (at 90 degress) to hold them in place. Then I use Besseys on each end to tighten them down. After all the clamps are in place, I will sometimes add a couple more Besseys on the cauls. Not because it's necessary, but it makes me feel good.
Thanks to everyone for the replies! The reason I was asking about these, is that I'd like to laminate a bench top, and these look like they'd be better than clamping the whole length of the top with clamps. That would take a lot of clamps! I'm in no hurry, so I could make my own. We'll see. Thanks again. Greg
I made the ones shown by Mike Henderson. They work as advertised and I find them a great time saver in panel glue ups.
I purchased a few sets at a show a couple years ago. I think they work very well, exactly as advertised. They are pricey, and I'm sure you could probably make something similar on your own. if you have the budget and don't want to mess with making your own, they are nice to have.
I actually have two sets of each size of the one-time-tools cauls from Woodpeckers. They're made from glue proof Phenolic material. I use them almost any time I need to glue up a panel.
http://www.woodpeck.com/ottclampingcauls.html
"I've cut the dang thing three times and it's STILL too darn short"
Name withheld to protect the guilty
Stew Hagerty
This is how I make them.
Make Your Own Curved Clamping Cauls
Bowed cauls are also useful for keeping wide panel glue ups flat. Of course, they must be used on a known flat surface.
Ron has some for sale on woodnet. They are/were perfect - I sold them to him last year
Glad its my shop I am responsible for - I only have to make me happy.