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Woodworking clamps are essential tools in any shop, but not all clamps are created equal. Some are worth the investment, while others are just a waste of money. This guide will help beginners navigate the world of clamps, so you can avoid the mistakes I made and invest in the right ones for your projects.
Key Takeaways:
- Quick Clamps (Squeeze Clamps): Start with quality brands like Irwin or Bessey.
- F Clamps: Versatile and essential; invest in brands like Jorgenson or Irwin.
- Bar Clamps: Great for large glue-ups, and Bessey offers excellent value.
- Avoid Cheap Clamps: Cheap clamps from places like Harbor Freight may bend or break.
- Specialty Clamps: Useful, but wait until you’re more experienced before investing.
- Pocket Hole and Dovetail Clamps: Highly recommended if your projects involve these joinery methods.
- Hand Screw Clamps: Old but gold; perfect for angled clamping and small part holding.
- Parallel Clamps: Ideal for large glue-ups, but not essential for beginners.
- Storage Solutions: Build or buy clamp storage to keep your shop organized.
The First Clamps You Should Buy: Quick Clamps (Squeeze Clamps)
When you’re starting out, quick clamps, or squeeze clamps, are a must-have. They are affordable and easy to use, especially for holding materials in place while glue dries or securing parts during assembly. Although the cheaper versions from stores like Walmart may be tempting, they often break under pressure. Instead, I recommend investing in better-quality brands like Irwin or Bessey, which will save you money and frustration in the long run.
F Clamps: The Most Versatile Clamps in the Shop
Once you’ve got your quick clamps, the next type to invest in are F clamps. These are probably the most-used clamps in my shop. They’re perfect for a variety of tasks, from glue-ups to securing small pieces of wood. Just be sure to use a sacrificial piece of wood to avoid leaving indentations on your project. Avoid cheap versions like those from Harbor Freight, which tend to bend under pressure. Instead, look for brands like Irwin or Jorgenson, which offer durability and reliable performance.
Bar Clamps: Essential for Large Glue-Ups
Bar clamps are the next step up and are perfect for bigger projects like cutting boards or tabletops. I recommend Bessey bar clamps, as they offer good quality for the price. Bar clamps can handle wide glue-ups and keep your work flat, preventing bowing and twisting. They’re a great value for any shop, especially if you can catch them on sale.
Specialty Clamps: When You’re Ready to Expand
Once you’ve built up a collection of quick clamps, F clamps, and bar clamps, you can start thinking about some specialty clamps. While more expensive clamps like parallel clamps are useful for large panel glue-ups, they’re not necessary for beginners. You can achieve similar results with bar clamps for a fraction of the price.
Long clamps from Harbor Freight are great for large projects, and with a simple wood strip added to their hollow channels, they become more robust and versatile. Corner clamps or clamping squares are another game-changer, especially for assembling projects with 90-degree angles, like cabinets.
Pocket Hole and Dovetail Clamps: Niche but Handy
If you work with pocket holes, face clamps and 90-degree pocket hole clamps are lifesavers. They allow you to align your wood pieces perfectly before driving the pocket screws. Dovetail clamps, while often overlooked, are incredibly versatile. They work well for securing parts on jigs and can even help with small projects like crosscut sleds or mini workbenches.
Hand Screw Clamps: The Old-Timer’s Secret Weapon
Hand screw clamps might look old-fashioned, but they’re incredibly versatile. They can clamp at angles and are great for holding small parts at a drill press or creating temporary stop blocks. These clamps are an underrated addition to any shop.
Parallel Clamps: When You’re Ready to Invest
Eventually, you’ll want to add parallel clamps to your collection. They’re perfect for keeping your work square during glue-ups. While Bessey makes the best parallel clamps, Harbor Freight’s Bremen line offers a great budget-friendly option.
Clamp Storage: Keeping Your Shop Organized
Once you have a solid collection of clamps, you’ll need a way to store them. You can build simple storage racks out of plywood, or buy pre-made solutions from companies like Rockler. Either way, keeping your clamps organized will make your shop more efficient.
For any beginner, choosing the right clamps can make all the difference. Investing in the right tools will save you time, money, and frustration down the road.