To clamp or not to clamp

I forgot to change the dam account name.

[email protected] wrote:

>I was wondering about this today while clamping up some MDF boxes...
>
>Does anyone have any experience that clamping a joint while the glue
>dries results in a stronger joint than not clamping. (Assuming the
>parts fit fairly well and don't need clamping to bring them into
>alignment.) I think I've always assumed that a clamped joint would
>have more wood fibers in contact and produce a stronger joint.
>
>Mike

In _Understanding Wood_, Hoadley acknowledges that a "rubbed joint"
and be just as strong as a clamped one, but points out that few joints
are that perfect. He recommends clamping pressure of 100-250 psi on
domestic (US) species. That adds up to lots of clamps on a big joint!
--
Alex -- Replace "nospam" with "mail" to reply by email. Checked infrequently.

<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I was wondering about this today while clamping up some MDF boxes...
>
> Does anyone have any experience that clamping a joint while the glue
> dries results in a stronger joint than not clamping. (Assuming the
> parts fit fairly well and don't need clamping to bring them into
> alignment.) I think I've always assumed that a clamped joint would
> have more wood fibers in contact and produce a stronger joint.
>
> Mike
>

Clamps are only used to hold the joint together and keep the pieces aligned
while the glue dries.
Masking tape is often used as a clamp. Stronger clamps aid in making ill
fir pieces, fit together.

<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I was wondering about this today while clamping up some MDF boxes...
>
> Does anyone have any experience that clamping a joint while the glue
> dries results in a stronger joint than not clamping. (Assuming the
> parts fit fairly well and don't need clamping to bring them into
> alignment.) I think I've always assumed that a clamped joint would
> have more wood fibers in contact and produce a stronger joint.
>
> Mike
>

I think your responses are going to very greatly depending on the joint in
question. Miter joint with no clamps? Forget about it!
Through dovetail joint with no clamps, sure probably ok. M&T joint, forget
about it! unless it is a really tight M&T. Half lap-joint? Forget about it!

Stoutman
---
www.garagewoodworks.com