Clamp Rack Build

[mbcabinetmaker]

Well I finally got the clamp hangers from Rockler so its time to figure this thing out and get started. This project seemed doomed from the start so maybe it will get better.

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I accidentally transposed 2 numbers in my zip code when I set up an account with rockler to get free shipping. This box took the scenic route through the low country.

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Early on when planning this rack I decided to use the Rockler clamp hangers because I figured they would take up less room than shop built ones.

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These parallel hangers plainly show the Bessey Revo K Body Clamps and the advertisement says that they will fit all Parallel style clamps.

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Well they will fit up to 4 side by side before it gets to tight for another one. At this point I was pretty disappointed!

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But I have an idea. I am going to cut it into 3 pieces and space them out an additional 1/8" or so and it should work. I ordered two of these racks but I have some of the Revo Jr clamps on order an they should work nicely on the second one.

[mbcabinetmaker]

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On the plus side these Quick Release racks work great.

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I think they will hold all of my quick release clamps with the exception of large Irwin clamps that I just bought.

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Ill have to figure out the best way to store them. I only have the 2 that I bought mainly for spreaders.

[jsburger]

They look similar to the Rockler clamp racks I bought years ago. Mine are adjustable side to side. Each individual hanger slides in the rail that attaches to the wall.

[dusty]

I don't have a huge collection of clamps but I do have more than just a few. I have enough to have developed the opinion that there is no such thing as a "universal solution". There are just too many different styles of clamps.

When I finally relocate, I am going to use my clamp rack for ONLY those clamps that I use on a very regular basis. The rest will get stored "somewhere" until I need them. I did just the opposite with my roll around rack. It quickly became the storage location for all of the larger (longer) clamps. The rest I have to hunt down when I need them. Not efficient at all.

Why am in this predicament? Actually, I think it is because the nature of what I am doing in the shop has changed dramatically. I used to build larger items. Bookcases, desks, small tables, etc. I don't do that much anymore. It has become toys, lamps, jewelry boxes, doll closets, etc.

However, downsizing the clamp collection is OUT. I still believe that you never have enough clamps.

[mbcabinetmaker]

Dusty I am trying to design the ultimate storage system for my needs. That's why I didn't go with the Rack Pack. I have so many different clamps that I use on a regular bases and I am trying to get them all in one location with this new rack. I certainly could have bought something for a lot less money than I will have in it in the end but there again I could not find anything that I thought would work well for me. I'm headed to pick up the plywood needed for this project. Cutlist says its going to butn up 6 sheets. OUCH!

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The concept is to hang all long clamps on the exterior of the box and have 2 doors that open up to the interior storage for the smaller ones. This design should give me 62.5 square feet of storage area not including the back side of the doors.

[dusty]

Mark, that looks like an awesome approach toward a solution. Being that tall is there a chance of it becoming top heavy when loaded? My thought is that maybe the base should be a bit larger.

Once it is designed, built and put in use just don't buy any more clamps unless they are of a similar type to what you already have.

[mbcabinetmaker]

I think the footprint is large enough for it to be stable. It will have a fair amount of weight on the inside that should help with that. I picked up the material and the casters came in yesterday. Now I just have to finish up the bed frame that I am working on before I can start this.

[mbcabinetmaker]

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Made it down to pick up the plywood.

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Ripping on the Sawstop with the aid of my Harbor Freight lift table.

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Cross cutting on the Mini Max Slider.

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Laying out the corner radius on the doors, top and bottom.

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Clipping at a 45 degree on the chop saw.

[mbcabinetmaker]

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On smaller things I usually set up the disc sander on the Mark 7 but these are fairly large so I decided to sand them in with the random orbit with 100 grit paper.

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Setting up the Mark 7 to drill for the casters.

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[mbcabinetmaker]

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Drilling the counter sunken holes for the carriage bolts.
This is where having several chucks comes in handy.

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Once set up it is easier to change the chucks instead of changing the set up back and forth.

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