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Are these a must a must have for a woodworker? I have metal "C" clamps and plastic quick release clamps.
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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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They do have their uses, but can drive you up the wall! Their unique attribute is both a blessing and a pita! They are capable of clamping at angles other than 90 etc. The two screws are individually adjustable thus allowing them to pivot at more than one point. Until firmly tightened down, you feel like a one armed paper hanger getting them in position and 'clamped'.

In order for the 'arms' to advance equally by each screw, requires turning one handle CW and the other CCW(takes some getting used to). Ya oughta get one just to acquaint yerself with them, then decide if you want any more!:D

I'll concur - at first they are strange to use - but once you get used to using them you'll find quite a few uses for them. The amount of pressure you can exert is really quite remarkable. I think Nick Engler had a little spot on them somewhere, if I recall correctly. There was a good tip about how to properly tighten them.
Having "figured them out" I must have 25 or 30 of 'em around the shop. Your mileage may vary.

Hi,

I find a lot of uses for this style clamp. Not only for the ability to have the jaws at an angle but also for working with them and having the jaws parallel.

Some loyalty might be due to my length of time as a woodworker. Not only were these the go-to clamps at home but also in high school shop. Some of the first clamps I purchased on my own were of this style. Of course we didn't have as many choices as you do today.

Right now Rockler has some on sale, a smaller one for $5 and a larger one for $10. They seem to have them on sale a lot and I seem to keep buying a few each year for special projects. One such project is a classic set up for clamping to a shopsmith cast main table or extension tables and my designs are at:
https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?p=27058

Just a few days ago I posted a notched version to be used as an accessory for the drill press. I have another version of this for more generic drill press operations that I might post sometime... it takes advantage of actually clamping down to the main table. Anyway check this post:
https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?p=68165

I also have one with holes drilled in the end so that pins can be inserted and then be used to either clamp or spread much smaller items then the big jaws can. That too I could post sometime if anyone is interested.

If you are creative these can be used in a lot of ways, I've seen a lot of examples in various woodworking magazines over the years and keep either come up with more myself or finding yet another idea showing up somewhere.

Ed

"I think Nick Engler had a little spot on them somewhere, if I recall correctly".

Here it is: http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/Tips_Ar ... Clamps.htm

Sincerely,

Ron309753

That's it! Thanks!

Handscrew clamps are a very desirable addition to any woodworkers clamp inventory. They are handy for clamping as well as holders for many metal or wood objects. Once you have some, they will get used - and appreciated.

Nick's video (above) shows how to quickly and easily open and close the clamps. The rotating action is what I wanted to add to the conversation.

I've found the HF handscrews are almost as good as more expensive ones. A couple of pair I got from HF had to be oiled and worked open and closed a few times before they were useful,but now are as good as any! The wood is good, the screws and pivots need some working-in.

Don't think we can go wrong buying from Shopsmith, Rockler, Woodcraft. Just a little higher price for the higher quality.

We've got a handful of these clamps (not necessarily made by Irwin but pretty much the same design) at home that I purchased a number of years ago.. I really dislike them..



While they might seem useful, they never seem to get tight enough and when doing the quick release, they can frequently bite you pretty good if you're not paying attention.. My SS came with a few of the aforementioned clamps and I like them quite a bit.. I'm still in need of some good pipe clamps but my SS also came with some unnamed orange pipe'ish clamps that work equally well.. If I ever do some SERIOUS WW then I'll be adding to my meager supply of clamps..

I had a couple of the IRWIN BRAND clamps. once i retired and had more time for woodworking i started to use them. Really like them because, you only need one hand to operate them. Now, i have two different lengths, eight of each... for most glue projects i find this is all i need. also have pipe clamps for larger projects or when you want more pressure.
a friend of mine gave me six of the IRWIN style clamps that he bought from HF. tried to use three of them . on second squeeze of lever all three broke, parts went flying. in the next 15 seconds i had those six clamps deposited in the trash can. the IRWINS are built quite well...

Boy, I dearly love 'em. Spring clamps and such are also handy and usefull. But those handscrew clamps, your ability to control the squeeze, that's just wonderful for gluing and positioning.