pp

"philly"

17/01/2005 5:22 PM

Hand Screw Clamp Suggestions

I am considering whether I should buy a set of Hand Screw Clamps. Does the
group feel that these are a worthwhile shop addition? If so, what size
proves to be the most useful since they seem to come in sizes from 8" to 16"
(#0 thru #4)? I don't want to buy all of the sizes, just one set for now.

Philly


This topic has 18 replies

ff

"firstjois"

in reply to "philly" on 17/01/2005 5:22 PM

17/01/2005 10:31 PM

Tom O'Connor wrote:
>> I've got about a dozen, in different sizes and they come in very
>> handy at times. They reach much deeper than regular clamps. You
>> can also use them to safely handle small parts at the router table
>> or saw.

What size would you recommend for small parts at the router table?

Josie

JJ

in reply to "philly" on 17/01/2005 5:22 PM

17/01/2005 12:38 PM

Mon, Jan 17, 2005, 5:22pm (EST+5) [email protected] (philly)
apparently needs to know:
I am considering whether I should buy a set of Hand Screw Clamps. Does
the group feel that these are a worthwhile shop addition? <snip>

Who's gonna use 'em? You or the group?

Who's gonna pay for 'em? You or the group?

So, who should make up their mind about buying some? You or the
group?



JOAT
Charity ain't giving people what you wants to give, it's giving people
what they need to get.
- Albert

LB

Larry Blanchard

in reply to "philly" on 17/01/2005 5:22 PM

17/01/2005 5:29 PM

In article <[email protected]>, "James \"Cubby\"
Culbertson" <[email protected]> says...
> I bought a bunch of the mechanisms a while
> back from Grizzly but haven't
> had a chance to build my own yet.
>
I bought threading tools (I think from Grizzly) and made my own with
1/2" dowels for screws. They weren't hard to make and I've uswed them
for years. And the threading tools come in handy for making other
clamps as required.

--
Homo sapiens is a goal, not a description

Gg

"George"

in reply to "philly" on 17/01/2005 5:22 PM

17/01/2005 12:46 PM

"philly" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I am considering whether I should buy a set of Hand Screw Clamps. Does
the
> group feel that these are a worthwhile shop addition? If so, what size
> proves to be the most useful since they seem to come in sizes from 8" to
16"
> (#0 thru #4)? I don't want to buy all of the sizes, just one set for now.
>
> Philly
>
>
Used mine, which are rated by opening at 6" for the first time in months
just yesterday. Did it because I had no offcuts to use with regular clamps
to get back to 90 degrees. They're quite the PITA to adjust, with the same
direction producing a different effect depending on which screw you use. I
prefer to plan ahead and use regular clamps or wedged jigs, but when the
glue's already spread, and nothing prepared ... they work. Would not go out
of my way to buy any today.

oT

[email protected] (Tom O'Connor)

in reply to "philly" on 17/01/2005 5:22 PM

17/01/2005 7:00 PM

I've got about a dozen, in different sizes and they come in very handy
at times. They reach much deeper than regular clamps. You can also
use them to safely handle small parts at the router table or saw.

oT

[email protected] (Tom O'Connor)

in reply to "philly" on 17/01/2005 5:22 PM

19/01/2005 7:01 PM

You
can also use them to safely handle small parts at the router table
or saw.
[/quote]
What size would you recommend for small parts at the router table?

Josie[/quote]

It depends on what your doing. The six inch are the easiest to
maneuver but I've used all sizes, depending on the size of the
workpiece. The flat sides of the clamp slide easily on the table.
They sure help keeping fingers away from cutters.

Gg

"George"

in reply to "philly" on 17/01/2005 5:22 PM

20/01/2005 6:42 AM


"firstjois" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Tom O'Connor wrote:
> >> You
> >> can also use them to safely handle small parts at the router table
> >> or saw.
> >> [/quote]
> >> What size would you recommend for small parts at the router table?
> >>
> >> Josie[/quote]
> >>
> >> It depends on what your doing. The six inch are the easiest to
> >> maneuver but I've used all sizes, depending on the size of the
> >> workpiece. The flat sides of the clamp slide easily on the table.
> >> They sure help keeping fingers away from cutters.
>
> Thanks, that's it, I'm going to order them!
>
> Josie
>
>

Order this instead.
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=41780&cat=1,43000

JP

Jay Pique

in reply to "philly" on 17/01/2005 5:22 PM

17/01/2005 11:14 PM

On Mon, 17 Jan 2005 17:29:01 -0800, Larry Blanchard
<[email protected]> wrote:

>In article <[email protected]>, "James \"Cubby\"
>Culbertson" <[email protected]> says...
>> I bought a bunch of the mechanisms a while
>> back from Grizzly but haven't
>> had a chance to build my own yet.
>>
>I bought threading tools (I think from Grizzly) and made my own with
>1/2" dowels for screws. They weren't hard to make and I've uswed them
>for years. And the threading tools come in handy for making other
>clamps as required.

I bought a bunch from Penn State Industries. At the prices they
charge you can get a few in each size.

Check this out for a deal...
http://tinyurl.com/6p72h or
http://www.pennstateind.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=E-10195

JP

ff

"firstjois"

in reply to "philly" on 17/01/2005 5:22 PM

19/01/2005 11:30 PM

Tom O'Connor wrote:
>> You
>> can also use them to safely handle small parts at the router table
>> or saw.
>> [/quote]
>> What size would you recommend for small parts at the router table?
>>
>> Josie[/quote]
>>
>> It depends on what your doing. The six inch are the easiest to
>> maneuver but I've used all sizes, depending on the size of the
>> workpiece. The flat sides of the clamp slide easily on the table.
>> They sure help keeping fingers away from cutters.

Thanks, that's it, I'm going to order them!

Josie

Jm

"J"

in reply to "philly" on 17/01/2005 5:22 PM

17/01/2005 11:53 AM

"George" <george@least> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "philly" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > I am considering whether I should buy a set of Hand Screw Clamps. Does
> the
> > group feel that these are a worthwhile shop addition? If so, what size
> > proves to be the most useful since they seem to come in sizes from 8" to
> 16"
> > (#0 thru #4)? I don't want to buy all of the sizes, just one set for
now.
> >
> > Philly
> >
> >
> Used mine, which are rated by opening at 6" for the first time in months
> just yesterday. Did it because I had no offcuts to use with regular
clamps
> to get back to 90 degrees. They're quite the PITA to adjust, with the
same
> direction producing a different effect depending on which screw you use.
I
> prefer to plan ahead and use regular clamps or wedged jigs, but when the
> glue's already spread, and nothing prepared ... they work. Would not go
out
> of my way to buy any today.

I use them all the time. Once you get used to them they are not a PITA. I
rather like them due to the large size of the jaws.
Get a pair of #1 or #2 to start. I wouldn't mix sizes as then they don't
work quite as well together. The body of the clamp works in the same way as
those clamp blocks to keep your work off the table.

-j

md

mac davis

in reply to "philly" on 17/01/2005 5:22 PM

19/01/2005 10:21 PM

On Wed, 19 Jan 2005 23:30:48 -0500, "firstjois"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>Tom O'Connor wrote:
>>> You
>>> can also use them to safely handle small parts at the router table
>>> or saw.
>>> [/quote]
>>> What size would you recommend for small parts at the router table?
>>>
>>> Josie[/quote]
>>>
>>> It depends on what your doing. The six inch are the easiest to
>>> maneuver but I've used all sizes, depending on the size of the
>>> workpiece. The flat sides of the clamp slide easily on the table.
>>> They sure help keeping fingers away from cutters.
>
>Thanks, that's it, I'm going to order them!
>
>Josie
>
I've never used them on the router table, (I prefer sleds) but I use
them on the DP...
Makes those pesky odd shapes that you SHOULD have drilled before you
cut them off easy to orient with the table/drill bit..




mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

md

mac davis

in reply to "philly" on 17/01/2005 5:22 PM

17/01/2005 9:40 PM

On Mon, 17 Jan 2005 22:31:33 -0500, "firstjois"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>Tom O'Connor wrote:
>>> I've got about a dozen, in different sizes and they come in very
>>> handy at times. They reach much deeper than regular clamps. You
>>> can also use them to safely handle small parts at the router table
>>> or saw.
>
>What size would you recommend for small parts at the router table?
>
>Josie
>
larger than the part, smaller than your router table?

you have to play with them to find what's comfortable for your hands,
shop, style of work, etc... sort of asking what size bar or pipe clamp
to use without saying what size stuff you need to clamp..

I think of them as sort of "old fashion clamps" but still use them..
sort of an addiction.. *g*



mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

JC

"James \"Cubby\" Culbertson"

in reply to "philly" on 17/01/2005 5:22 PM

17/01/2005 10:49 AM

I use mine all the time for a multitude of things. I have them sized from
anywhere from
I think 4" or 6" up to around 14". I suppose it depends on what size
projects you are doing
as to which size to get. I've used all to some degree and they've worked
well. I suppose you
could always go with a set of 8" or 10" as they are sort of middle of the
road size wise and see
if you get use out of them. I bought a bunch of the mechanisms a while
back from Grizzly but haven't
had a chance to build my own yet. Not sure if this helped much but all in
all, I'd say, yes they are
handy and yes, they will get usage particularly if you are doing hand work.
Cheers,
cc

"philly" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I am considering whether I should buy a set of Hand Screw Clamps. Does the
> group feel that these are a worthwhile shop addition? If so, what size
> proves to be the most useful since they seem to come in sizes from 8" to
> 16"
> (#0 thru #4)? I don't want to buy all of the sizes, just one set for now.
>
> Philly
>
>

ff

"firstjois"

in reply to "philly" on 17/01/2005 5:22 PM

19/01/2005 10:34 AM

mac davis wrote:
>> On Mon, 17 Jan 2005 22:31:33 -0500, "firstjois"
>> <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>> Tom O'Connor wrote:
>>>>> I've got about a dozen, in different sizes and they come in very
>>>>> handy at times. They reach much deeper than regular clamps. You
>>>>> can also use them to safely handle small parts at the router table
>>>>> or saw.
>>>
>>> What size would you recommend for small parts at the router table?
>>>
>>> Josie
>>>
>> larger than the part, smaller than your router table?
>>
>> you have to play with them to find what's comfortable for your hands,
>> shop, style of work, etc... sort of asking what size bar or pipe
>> clamp to use without saying what size stuff you need to clamp..
>>
>> I think of them as sort of "old fashion clamps" but still use them..
>> sort of an addiction.. *g*
>>
>>
>>
>> mac
>>
Thanks. Jay gave the url for a company that carries them and I'll try
several for use with router and band saw.

Josie

Aa

"AAvK"

in reply to "philly" on 17/01/2005 5:22 PM

17/01/2005 3:40 PM


>I am considering whether I should buy a set of Hand Screw Clamps. Does the
> group feel that these are a worthwhile shop addition? If so, what size
> proves to be the most useful since they seem to come in sizes from 8" to 16"
> (#0 thru #4)? I don't want to buy all of the sizes, just one set for now.
>
> Philly
>
>
These clamps are hard to get used to for me but it won't stop me from
using and "liking" them... one hard part is getting up enough tork to
tighten them down enough, and the direction in which to turn can be
confusing, other than opening and closing so the jaws remain "even".
If both are turned in the_same_yet_opposing_direction (I think) they
close or open evenly, opposing directions then you get a "V" or an
"A", < or > as it were... a little hard for me when the jaws are on
whatever is being clamped. Maybe I am dislexic.

I think they are great clamps. I have four 12" and two 8" (jaw length),
you can see the opening sizes related to jaw length here:
http://www.adjustableclamp.com/handcat1.htm#Handscrews these
sizes are the ususal case. I think the ideal sizes are 12" and 10". Really
good prices are @http://japanwoodworker.com/ ("improved") I have
not seen them but JWW has a good reputation (buy 5 get 15% off).
Two of my 12" are from Harbour Freight, made in Armenia, they
work fine but are not of a supreme quality by any shot. The other two
are Woodcraft branded, made in the USA by Dubuque Clamp works,
supreme quality. I think the Jorgensen's are utterly overpriced. Good
deals can be found on eBay as well as Rockler. Sears makes good
ones, a tad over priced but great quality. You can also buy the kits,
all the hardware and no wood except the handles. Steelex brand
(Woodstock Int'l) at Grizzly, Amazon and here:
http://store.yahoo.com/right-tool/steelwoodcla.html/ super good
deals on those. I think the clamps are worth it at a low price, just not
the Harbour Freight ones unless destitutely poor. Good luck!

--
Alex
cravdraa - at - yahoo - dot - comment
http://www.e-sword.net/ (free excellent windows bible)


ff

"firstjois"

in reply to "philly" on 17/01/2005 5:22 PM

20/01/2005 4:35 PM

AAvK wrote:
>>> Thanks, that's it, I'm going to order them!
>>>
>>> Josie
>>>
>>>
>> Josie do yourself a tiny favor, look at my first reply in this
>> thread, 2nd paragraph at least, K?
>>
>> --
>> Alex

Timely! Making corrections now.
Thanks,
Josie

Aa

"AAvK"

in reply to "philly" on 17/01/2005 5:22 PM

20/01/2005 3:46 AM


> Thanks, that's it, I'm going to order them!
>
> Josie
>
>
Josie do yourself a tiny favor, look at my first reply in this thread,
2nd paragraph at least, K?

--
Alex
cravdraa - at - yahoo - dot - comment
http://www.e-sword.net/ (free excellent windows bible)

md

mac davis

in reply to "philly" on 17/01/2005 5:22 PM

17/01/2005 9:37 PM

On Mon, 17 Jan 2005 15:40:05 -0800, "AAvK" <[email protected]> wrote:


>These clamps are hard to get used to for me but it won't stop me from
>using and "liking" them... one hard part is getting up enough tork to
>tighten them down enough, and the direction in which to turn can be
>confusing, other than opening and closing so the jaws remain "even".
>If both are turned in the_same_yet_opposing_direction (I think) they
>close or open evenly, opposing directions then you get a "V" or an
>"A", < or > as it were... a little hard for me when the jaws are on
>whatever is being clamped. Maybe I am dislexic.
>
after you use them a bit, you learn to "spin" them with 2 hands and
open or close them pretty quick while still keep the
jaws/blocks/whateverthehellyoucallthem parallel



mac

Please remove splinters before emailing


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