Shopsmith Forums

For my current project, I purchased some additional pipe clamps and black iron pipe. I had read somewhere that the black paint on the pipes can be problematic so I thought I'd try removing the paint on one of them. I found some citrus based paint stripper I had lying around and gave it a go. Wow! The pipe under that paint is really nice! Smooth and shiny. Has anyone else done this? Is there a reason not to do the rest of my pipes? I was thinking that a coat of JPW or Penetrol would be good as a rust inhibitor.

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I have not done this, but I am sure going to try it now!

Careful not to make those pipes too slick or the tail portion will move on you. My pipe clamps use galvanized pipe. Always has been I think it's what my Dad had lying around. Been using these clamps my whole life.

terrydowning wrote:Careful not to make those pipes too slick or the tail portion will move on you. My pipe clamps use galvanized pipe. Always has been I think it's what my Dad had lying around. Been using these clamps my whole life.

I agree - I always used galvanized pipe and I felt it gripped the clamps better and minimized slippage.

When using pipe clamps, does the wood need to be protected? I thought I heard or saw that somewhere.
BPR

terrydowning wrote:Careful not to make those pipes too slick or the tail portion will move on you. My pipe clamps use galvanized pipe. Always has been I think it's what my Dad had lying around. Been using these clamps my whole life.

I too thought that may be a problem but my testing showed that these clamps held tight with much more clamping pressure than I normally use.

Sometimes the pipe can stain the wood if wet glue gets on the pipe while touching the wood. This can be avoided by placing tape between them, or waxed paper. It also keeps glue from drying on the pipe.

I have never given it a thought, but will now. Thanks for the post.

mountainbreeze wrote:For my current project, I purchased some additional pipe clamps and black iron pipe. I had read somewhere that the black paint on the pipes can be problematic so I thought I'd try removing the paint on one of them. I found some citrus based paint stripper I had lying around and gave it a go. Wow! The pipe under that paint is really nice! Smooth and shiny. Has anyone else done this? Is there a reason not to do the rest of my pipes? I was thinking that a coat of JPW or Penetrol would be good as a rust inhibitor.

Wow indeed! I really need some more clamps, but have been vascillating between expensive bar clamps and cheaper, but more pedestrian pipe clamps. Pipe clamps are looking real good now. What's the citrus paint stripper that you used on the pipes?

One thing no one mentioned is pipe clamps are heavy, very heavy compared to some other clamps avail.

This can be good and bad.

Good as heavy usually equals stable.

Bad as heavy to store, too many will pull most clamp storage systems down.
Bad as heavy to move a glued up project. If you have to move the project to make room for more clamping, pipe clamps can make this difficult if not impossible.

I had a ton of pipe clamps and they served me well but as I got more and more lighter clamps I used them less and less. Finally my Son in Law needed some clamps and I loaned him my pipe clamps. Being a young strong man he was, their weight never bothered him. I never asked for them back figuring I always knew where they were. I never had need for them again. Then he and my daughter parted ways and my pipe clamps are now gone.

I have thought about getting another few sets just to have them if and when I need them. The problem is now that if you get the really nice ones that allow you tighten them while the head is over your bench and have legs for stability their cost is high, add to that the cost of the pipe and you are very close to the price of a knock off of a good aluminum clamp, may be even an original.