Number of Clamps

[Capebuild]

Hi all....
I'm currently putting together a list tool additions I'll need. I see tons of pictures of people's builds using quite a few clamps. I have some clamps but, it seems, not nearly enough.
I'm asking if people can offer an idea of how many spring clamps might be needed. Or any other clamps that might be helpful. I realize this might be "subjective"... but any info would be a help.

Thanks,
John

[tony.latham]

I walked into a Home Depot once and a long time ago and they had them on sale for a buck apiece. I grabbed one of their orange buckets and filled it with 25 of them.



I use those things a lot. Harbor Freight spring clamps are fine and will cost somewhere around $1.5-$2. I'd grab at least fifteen.



Tony

[swoody126]

there is no such thing as having too many clamps

spring clamps screw clamps wood clamps bar clamps...........

i found this idea some time ago and have been using it since

PVC clamps

depending on the type of work you are doing use from 2" - 4" PVC pipe cut in short lengths then slit down one side

for small boat building i use 3.5" - 4" diameter cut into about 3" lengths

the clamping strength is adequate for most glueing operations

when more pressure a second ring of PVC can be slip'd over the first

checking sides of mini 1.jpg (115.32 KiB) Viewed 1433 times

Camping-Boat.clipular-1.jpg (42.77 KiB) Viewed 1433 times

BON CHANCE

sw

[Capebuild]

Thanks both for the follow up.

Swoody, that's a very neat idea. I just tried it... cutting a 2" OD piece of PVC I had lying in the shop. Way cheaper than buying store sold clamps. I suppose that method has its limitations as far as transferring strength, but in the right circumstances, very cool.
Thanks for sharing that.

[breb]

Hi John This might give you an idea of the variety with the photos here. Also I have multiples of these clamps and I would say for using on the build at least a dozen spring clamps . I probably
have twice that amount. Bar clamps 6 and 8 inch six each . Pipe clamps I have about 8 or 9 and threaded at the other end so a coupler can be used and skies the limit on length. I the pipe clamps I set for six feet most of the time. Some Pvc tube clamps where utilized . They are easy to make.

[noseoil]

I think the rule is, you never have enough clamps & can always use one more, once you start & the glue's in place & dripping. There are some "low tech" ways of getting around this, just be creative & think outside the box...

[MickinOz]

I had 6 clamps.
3 x 12inch F-Clamps
1 x 6 inch F-Clamp
2 G-Clamps.

I also used 6 spring loaded clamps - for holding the traps on when covering the project against the weather.

This collection did all but one job.
My sides warped at the rear somewhat where there is nothing but a piece of 5/8 plywood at the side of the galley.
I framed it with two ribs of plywood, pulling it all straight. Worked perfectly by the way, but I borrowed three quick action clams from a mate to make life easier.
Nothing on my build that I can think of is only glued. It's all either screwed or stapled as well, so I didn't need so many clamps.
A few more would have helped, of course.

[friz]

As many as you can get your hands on.

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[saltydawg]

I bought 2 harbor freights out of 3 inch c clamps, 6 inch bar clamps, and 6 inch quick squeeze clamps.

I could use a few more.

[tony.latham]

As many as..

Friz:

You're a badass.

Tony

[friz]

As many as..

Friz:

You're a badass.

Tony

A sale price combined with a minimum amount for free shipping. I'm sure home depot thought I lost my mind.

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[Capebuild]

Once again, thank you for your insights.
Fritz, that's quite a photo. Really great!

John

[wannabefree]

There is a law of nature that goes something like: For anything you build, you will always have fewer clamps than you need.
First Corollary: If you do have enough clamps, they will be the wrong size.
Second Corollary: If you have enough clamps, and they are the right size, some of them will be broken.
Third Corollary: If you have enough clamps of the right size and they all work, you will have loaned some of them to Cousin Charlie for his Teardrop build.
I'm sure there are more, but these were all operative when we built the Paskett Case. Fortunately, the HFT store is only 3 miles away. It's a good thing I do a practice run before I put on the glue.