Thread: Panel Clamps

The best ones are probably the ones that pull in on the sides as the panels are clamped together such as the Scheppach Plano and a variety of similar products from Carbatec or MIK. There is a veritas version where you provide your own timber "braces" for the two clamp ends also. For long panels you need more than one set and then the price becomes very exxy.

The next best as probably the Bessy K bodies where the two clamping surfaces remain parrallel. I would still alternate over and under to equalise pressure as much as possible.

Standard sash cramps and pipe clamps will do the job but I would carefully check flatness of the panel immediately after glue up.

Decision depends on how often you use them and how much money you are willing to commit to this purpose.

I have the Veritas system and am very happy with it. I can happily clamp 1.5mx600mm using two sets and some 3x1.5 inch HW as braces. The system is a little pricey, but nowhere near something like the Scheppach system (not that you can really compare them.) The Veritas clamps can also be used as adjustable bench dogs for holding work during sanding, planing etc.

Regards

Rob

I seem to use a mixture of Irwin pipe clamps and Bessey K bodies. The pipe clamps go across then the K bodies and a couple of lengths of hardwood or alloy help keep them flat.

Originally Posted by meerkat

Anyone got any thoughts about panel clamps. Which are good (or not) etc.

Thanks

These are great, work well and are reasonably priced. You will require at least two sets.

dual-bar-clamp-kit-

I have a set of Plano clamps and they kick a$$. They're dear as poison though, I was lucky enough to pick up my set secondhand from one of the members on this board.

Justin.

I'll second Sprog's recommendation - I have a few sets. Theoretically you can make them any size front-to-back, but you need a set every 450mm(18") or so.

I also use the plano system (2 rails and 5 clamps) (also bought it secondhand). What I very much like of this system is that it's compact and very easy to handle. I also use this set to laminate the long sides of plywood with hardwood edging (using two jigs to get an equal pressure on the hardwood edging).

Beats the hell out of a my whole workingspace full of WIP with glued-up panels and clamps on them. If you search on this forum on the word 'plano' you'll find some alternative ideas in combination with sash clamps that work just about the same way as the plano system (very effective and flat glue-ups and only some wall space needed.)

This is what I use.

As Sprog and bsrlee have said, those duo-clamps work quite well and don't cost the earth. I have 3 (bought from Carba-tec) and with cauls and clamps at both ends of the panel this will handle 2m okay.

Originally Posted by javali

This is what I use.

Must be something in the water in SA, I just made up a set of 3 very similar to these to glue up an Oregon bench top I have been working on.
They work like a dream.

Any specs Javali & Santalum ?

Originally Posted by meerkat

Any specs Javali & Santalum ?

Four or five glasses of Adelaide tap water should do the trick.



The bars are from my bar clamps. They are 25x38x600 mm, with 3/8" holes spaced 50mm apart. I guess that the exact dimentions are not too important as long as the holes in each pair align.

You will need one pair of bars for every 300-450mm of length, with a minimum of 2 pairs. Each pair is attached with 2 pieces of 3/8" threaded rod.

You will also need one or two spacer blocks if you do not want thread marks on the edges of the panel, and two wedges for each pair of bars.

The spacer blocks and the wedges must be of the same thickness as the panel.

Originally Posted by javali

This is what I use.

thanks for the great idea,


Joe

I have 3 sash clamps I managed to pick up along the way and a selection of F clamps. Ok for small jobs but sometimes like Javali I resort to wood and wedges. I use a solid core door as a odds and ends worktop, clamp a baton either side of the work and knock in wedges to clamp things up. Plastic under so things are not stuck to the worktop.
As I only glue up panels ocasionally I have not invested a lot of dosh on clamps. A bench with dogs is also a clamping system.
Regards
John