Shopsmith Forums

JPG40504 wrote:They do have their uses, but can drive you up the wall! ...

I agree. But onct I forced myself to learn and practice how to maneuver the things I will now not be without 'em. Have the two originals (12"+ jaws, made from a hardware only kit-- fun project) and two six inchers.
One special use, repeatedly clamping an odd shape of same size 'things', once learned, easiest of all clamps to re-use quickly and surely.

Realize, anything that looks and acts that weird MUST be really good for something!

A major difference is using hand screws vs. c-clamps is that as you tighten a c-clamp is has the tendency to rotate the two pieces of wood you are trying to clamp together, especially with glue between the two boards. The hand screw simply squeezes the two pieces together -- no rotation.

I'm still on dial up service so I don't get to see Nick and the sawdust sessions unless I'm visiting someone with a high speed connection. So, I'll try to explain how to use a hand screw for those like me with slow connections.

Start by getting the two jaws parallel and together by rotating the two handles -- one clockwise, the other counter-clockwise. Then, grasp the handle of the screw that goes through the middle of the clamp in your left hand. Hold the clamp in front of you with your right hand on the handle of the screw at the end of the clamp. Then, turn the handle in your right hand as you would if your were turning a crank -- crank the handle counter-clockwise to open the jaws. The jaws will start separating and remain parallel. Keep the jaws parallel and open them about 1/32" wider that the stock you're clamping. Then slide the jaws over the stock and tighten the center screw until it squeezes the stock together; then tighten the other screw to finish the job. With a little practice, you'll be amazed with how well hand screws work and how quickly you can adjust them.

I just happened to be browsing the Shop Notes site and serendipitously came upon the "Ten Best Handscrew Tips", as an "On-Line Extra" article in the July 2009 issue.

shopnotes.com , look for on-line extras

I knew there was a reason for buying more of these things...

beeg wrote:And the URL to this is?

http://www.shopnotes.com/files/issues/1 ... w-tips.pdf

Handscrew use is how to make a box-in-a-box. This one I called an eye-pod.
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And they look soooo coooool hanging on the wall

mickyd wrote:Are these a must a must have for a woodworker? I have metal "C" clamps and plastic quick release clamps.
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I use all of the types of clamps that you mention, plus some others. They each have their uses. I do like using the screw clamps often. I do knot have enough clamps, but really, does anybody?:rolleyes:

Those wooden handclamps are everybit what all have said about them, except for two things - 1.) They take up a lot of space to store them, and 2.) They can be an expensive proposition because you generally need at least four of them, and one other is they are limited in the width of their jaws (I've seen them for up to 12" only). I've had them in the past and have used them when I did, but now that I don't have any I won't go out and get them specifically as there are other clamps as good that are cheaper and take up less room that accomplish the same thing without having to use two hands to do it as these do. Of course a woodworker can never have too many clamps. Fox Shop clamps are really good quality and reasonably priced from Grizzley Tools, but they are of the bar style. I've also found the bar clamps from Harbor Freight to be good for smaller stuff, but they are smaller versions of those from Fox Shop. I might add that I LOVE CLAMPS! HaHa

My supply of the hardwood clamps includes some small ones that I use to hold small pieces for routing on the table router. Keeps the work solid and all nine of my remaining workable fingers out of the path of the bit.

The uses for the Irwin "Quick Grips" include holding jigs to the saw or bench. Rarely use them for glue ups. I like 3/4" pipe clamps for edge/edge clamping and the larger hardwood ones, sometimes with cauls, for face gluing.

I really like those 12" Jorgensen bar clamps. The ones with the twist-able wooden handle. They are so versatile.