Clamps: The Key To A Successful Gluing

Last week's column dealt with glues, examining their strengths and weaknesses - and knowing when to choose which one for each particular situation. And if you missed it, or any other column here at ArtsAndCraftsCollector.com, simply click on "Archives" to see the complete list.

Clamps aren't just something that woodworkers use. While you do not need to go out and buy a pair of every type on the list below, you do need to know which ones will get you out of a jam. Remember: with few exceptions, glues won't work without being held under moderate pressure while they cure.

Spring Clamps (pictured) - These are great for small repairs, such as re-gluing a loose piece of veneer on the door to a sideboard or the front of a dropfront desk. Buy the type with rubber tips over the metal jaws to avoid damaging the wood.

Pipe Clamps - These consist of a length of pipe with a sliding 'foot' and a screw mechanism threaded onto one end. They are often used to glue two pieces of wood together edge-to-edge, but also can be used as a set of four to glue miter joints on a picture frame. To save money, buy four sets of the clamping mechanism and an assortment of different lengths of pipe, as you can quickly move the clamping parts from one pipe to another as the need arises.

Bar Clamps - A lighter version of the bar clamp, these are easier to handle and with a deeper clamping mechanism are more versatile. Unlike pipe clamps, the clamping mechanism cannot be moved from one bar to another. Tip: buy longer (4') bar clamps, as you can always shorten the distance between the sliding foot and the screw head.

Wooden Handscrew (pictured) - Collectors of L. & J.G. Stickley furniture will recognize this tool from its use in their shopmark. They are awkward to master at first, but are ideal for clamping together two uneven pieces or holding a board to the top of your workbench. Despite their limited application, they look good hanging on the wall of your work area.

Web or Band Clamp - This strong, woven cloth is ideal for clamping irregular shapes, such as a chair. It can also be used for clamping picture frames. Simply wrap the band around the piece and tighten with a small wrench. Unlike pipe and bar clamps, you do not have to worry about it causing dents in the wood. Very handy for re-gluing antiques.

C-clamps - Named for their shape, these metal clamps range in size from one inch to one foot. Metalsmiths have more use for them than woodworkers and furniture restorers. I am more apt to reach for a bar clamp or a spring clamp than a C-clamp, but that may just be a personal preference.

Tip #1: A great source of clamps are yard sales. Don't let a little rust or dust dissuade you from buying a functional clamp for a fraction of the cost new.

Tip #2: Always use rubber pads or blocks of softwood to protect the antique from the metal jaws of any clamp.

Good Luck!

- Bruce

Next Week - A secret tool for hanging artwork - perfectly!