Stacking Clamps

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Stacking clamps on base.When I was working in Ohio a few years ago, I had ready access to the WoodCraft store in Columbus.

While shopping there I came across some stacking clamps called the "New Stacking Clamp" by R&R Clamp, Inc. They were displayed as cabinet door clamps. I have used them for gluing up cabinet doors and just about every other project that will fit in them. 

Tightening with a 3/4" socket and a drill driver or ratchet.

 

They have a 24" capacity and they are placed onto a set of rails that have to be installed on a base.They are tightened with a 3/4" socket and the kit includes a driver that installs in your drill for power driving, but I recommend final tightening with a ratchet.

 

 

Stacking clamps protected with visqueen. 

To protect the clamps I like using a heavy visqueen plastic. I have been using the same pieces of plastic for years because it is durable and the glue pops right off when dry. All I have to do is snap the plastic a few times like a towel and the wood glue pops right off.

This is much more effective than using rolls of wax paper which could not be used over and over for years like the plastic.

 

Multiple panels in glue up.

The Stacker Clamps are great because I can have more than one item in glue up at a time, but it all fits within the same footprint. This saves valuable space in the small shop.

The panels being glued up don't even have to be the same size. You will need to place the largest item on the bottom and smaller glue ups on top. The bottom clamps will need to be located in a position considerate of the clamps to follow on top of it to accommodate the panels being glued up.

 

Protective sleeves on metal clamp faces.The metal clamp faces have a protective vinyl or plastic sleeve on them. But a word of warning here, as any pliable clamp face will do, they leave a dark stain on the edge where they make contact. I believe it is the petroleum products or oils in the plastic that transfer to the wood which cause this. 

The solution is simple, I use scrap strips of wood or mdf between the project and clamp face. Or, I glue the panel oversize and mill it down to the perfect width on the tablesaw and jointer to remove the stained edge. 

 

Here is a short video that shows the basics of the clamps in operation. It only shows using them one layer high but you will get the idea. Run time :57 seconds.

 

You may be wondering if it was necessary to use that many clamps. The simple answer is "No, I just got carried away."

I could not find the clamps on WoodCraft's site. But I called the store today in Columbus, OH and they still carry them. The corporate catalog and website does not always have everything listed that the stores carry. I was informed that the stores have some autonomy in what they can decide to carry and so it may vary by location and from the corporate listing online.

This is interesting to know so you might find them in the local WoodCraft Store if you are near one. 

I was able to locate them at the Grizzly site under H9487 Stacking Clamp Starter Kit. 5 panels in glue up.

As I recall, I purchased a couple of the starter kits and extra parts. I currently have a total of 22 clamps. I like the clamps and could soundly recommend them. They work well and frequently I have multiple panels in glue up at one time. The "New Stacking Clamps" definitely fall into my list of "tools that really work."

Your friend in the shop - Todd A. Clippinger

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