Thread: Tru-Grip Clamps

Timbecon have something similar in their latest mailout. Not the same brand but looks and functions roughly the same.

914mm capacity is $25.90
1270mm capacity is $34.90

Never used one so can't comment, but the prices are relatively good. Capacity is not overly large.

If you want something with mega-capacity/length, then look at the Veritas Power Tool Guide from Lee Valley. Costs loads more. Probably around $200+ delivered but is more heavy duty and has extra features the Tru-Grip and Timbecon variant doesn't.

Hi

Originally posted by Stubchain
Hi I'm new to the forum, can anyone please tell me if the Tru-Grip straight edge clamps are available in Australia. I have tried everywhere, even sent the US company an email but not had a reply.

I assume you do realise that these are straight edges that can be _lightly_ clamped to the workpiece to giude a powertool, not a clamp per se.

The Timbecon or Carbatec units seem to be equally as good (as a straightedge) as the TrueGrip units. My guess is though, that the TrueGrip brand is much better quality. FWIW somebody else on the net (different forum) found out that the TrueGrip extrusion can be inverted and fitted into another TrueGrip extrusion. This then allows one extrusion slide in the other. (You may need to see the profile of the extrusion to see how it works). He uses one TrueGrip clamp and a short piece of another attached to his circular saw and uses this to "clip into" and slide on the TrueGrip clamp. Looks to be a great idea -though the idea cannot be done in the same fashion on the local items.

Regards

Peter

These are similar from this comapny, they do respond to emails.
www.ezsmarttools.com & sell on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....EBWA%3AIT&rd=1

Try Mik . Look at the product category "Clamp Guides : Trend".

I have the ordinary 50" clamp guide. It is good for routing stopped dados and cross-cutting panels, but they are only as accurate as your ability to keep the base of your tool consistently firm against the clamp. The "Pro Track" is better because it prevents your tool wandering off a straight path.

Norm uses these clamps all the time on NYW to break down panels because the standard Unisaw-type saw is not really up to managing 8x4 panels. After he uses the clamp he always seems to have to take the panel to the table saw to make the cut more accurate.

I recently saw an article in American Woodworker that showed a guy using a 2.4m metal wall stud as a guide that he simply clamped to his workpiece. Much cheaper at $10!!! The trick is finding a wall stud that you can rely on as being straight...

Thanks for your replies, I'm looking at the product from Timbercon