Mike Bruton | posted on November 30, 2020 at 8:20 AM

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Between gluing materials, building picture frames, assembling cabinets, or performing other store activities, it is crucial to have the right fixtures for each job. When extra hands are needed, woodworkers use jigs for any number of jobs around the workshop. Depending on your application, the woodworking fixture best suited for your project may be one of many varieties. Read on to learn about some of the best woodworking fixtures you can choose for your workshop.

The clip comes in a variety of sizes and styles. Although they both apply pressure to hold the material in place, they do not generate pressure in the same way. Many rely on springs to generate this pressure, others use hand-twisted threaded rods, and some use them in other specific ways. Read on to learn which features might make woodworking fixtures best for your project.

Spring clips, sometimes called clamps or hand clips, are simple but strong. Their power comes from the springs that close the jaws tightly. Spring clamps are usually used for work that is too delicate for heavy-duty clamps.

The jaws of some spring clamps are closed symmetrically, while other spring clamps have a triangular shape, which is more suitable for thinner materials. The spring clip remains firmly closed until opened by the user. They tend to be small, portable, and convenient to handle dozens of household chores and projects.

The angle clamp exerts pressure through a threaded steel sliding pin. The woodworker turns the handle and tightens the fixture to secure the project in place. The angle clamp can be operated by hand or fixed on the workbench to increase stability.

Angle clips are mainly used for projects that require right angles, such as architectural photo frames. They can also be conveniently used to fasten miter joints (two pieces are joined together at a 45 degree angle to form a right angle), T-joints (two materials are joined into a T-shape), and butt joints (two materials are joined on the right side) The angle of the butt end).

Pipe clamps are sturdy, inexpensive clamps used for edge bonding, assembling cabinets, repairing leaks, fixing pipes in place, and other functions. They are sold as a pair of adjustable chucks.

The user slides the tube through the hole on the fixed clamp, and then inserts the tube into the moving chuck, which uses a clutch system to adjust the length. One of the conveniences of pipe clamps is that they last as long as carpentry needs. If you need to clamp a larger material, you can use a larger pipe.

Similar to pipe clamps, F-type clamps (a type of strip clamp) use adjustable sliding chucks. Unlike pipe clamps, rod clamps are complete devices that can accommodate items from 4 to 48 inches.

F-clamps lack some of the adjustability of pipe clamps because they are limited by the size of the vertical rod. The rod clamp may have a quick release chuck, making adjustments simple. In addition, some have holes drilled into which pins can be inserted for added safety. F-type clamps are usually used for heavy-duty operations that require a large span between the chucks.

C-clamps are the most common woodworking clamps. Formerly known as a carriage clamp, the C-shaped clamp is made of forged steel or cast iron and has a C-shape into which a threaded steel rod is inserted. The user turns the handle to close the span and hold the material in place.

C-clamps are common because they are easy to carry, sturdy and simple, and they are valuable for countless household and woodworking functions. C-clamps are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from ¾ inches to 14 inches. Although not as adjustable as pipe clamps or rod clamps, a good set of C-clamps will meet the requirements of most woodworking shops.

Edge fixtures are probably the most professional fixtures on this list.

As the name suggests, the edge clamp is fixed to the edge of the material. When a material is particularly wide, these clips are best used to hold the material in place, such as when gluing trim to plywood. They have three screws that allow carpenters to make adjustments on multiple axes.

The first thing to consider when buying clips is how to use them. Not all fixtures do the same thing. Some special fixtures are only suitable for specific jobs, while others have multiple uses in their applications. When looking for the most suitable woodworking fixture for your use, please consider the following.

When using clamps, sometimes less is more. Applying too much pressure on woodworking projects can cause poor joints, poor glue work, and even damage to fixtures. A wood glue manufacturer recommends applying 100 to 150 pounds per square inch (psi) of force when gluing cork. For hardwoods, this number increases to 175 to 250 psi.

F-shaped clamps, pipe clamps, and C-shaped clamps can apply pressures in the range of 400 to 2000 psi, while spring clamps tend to have much lower pressure.

The fixtures are different when it comes to how much material they can hold. The size of the clamp is measured by the capacity of the clamp, that is, the size of the maximum span that the clamp can be opened. The size of the throat indicates the depth of the clip. The person who glues the edges of the table needs a much larger clip, such as an F-shaped clip, than the person who builds the birdhouse.

The size of the device may range from less than an inch to several feet, and the weight will vary accordingly to match. Brainstorm the most common uses of your woodworking fixtures to determine which size fixture is best for your workshop.

Some C-clamps can fit in a pocket, while F-clamps or pipe clamps may be several feet long and weigh tens of pounds. When working on the job site, being able to easily move the fixture around the workshop, bring it to the job site, or store it in a toolbox or tool belt can be an important consideration.

Since the purpose and function of the clips are different, after determining the best clip for your use, be sure to consider how often you need to move them. In addition to portability and maneuverability, some fixtures require two-handed operation, while others can be operated with one hand. As with any carpenter's tools, being able to transport and use jigs is essential.

The fixture is made of many materials, from plastic to steel. As with any tool, choosing fixtures made of high-quality materials and maintaining them correctly is the key to prolonging their service life.

Maximizing the life of the fixture means regular basic maintenance. Keeping the clips clean and dry will greatly help to make the most of them. After each use, wipe the moisture, glue and other debris on the fixture. Fixtures with metal parts must be oiled regularly. If your clip has wooden parts, wipe it with linseed oil to prevent moisture penetration. When not in use, make sure to store the fixture in a safe, dry place, such as a workbench or tool box.

Choosing the right woodworking fixture is not as simple as it seems. When purchasing the right fixture for your workshop, the intended use, clamping force, durability, and structural quality are critical considerations. Below is a list of some of the best woodworking fixtures based on type.

This pair of multi-function fixtures from WEN is very suitable for dozens of household and woodworking jobs. The damage-free chuck ensures that your material is not worn or damaged, while providing a clamping capacity of up to 600 psi.

The rail is 36 inches long and the throat is 2.5 inches long, making the WEN fixture large enough to accommodate almost all the woodwork in your workshop. The quick adjustment function allows you to adjust the length of the clamp without pressing any buttons.

These clips are made of steel and can withstand their own pressure. Thanks to the ridged shaft, the rod can provide fine adjustments as small as 0.05 inches. The carpenter can use the fine-tuning knob to make further adjustments.

The package includes 16 clamps with jaw sizes ranging from 1⅜ inch to 2¼ inch. The nylon construction means there is no need to oil metal parts, but keep in mind that these fixtures may not last as long as steel construction fixtures. Durable cushions can protect your project completion while ensuring that the materials will not slide or move when you don't want them to slide or move.

The spring mechanism can generate long-lasting pressure, and the ergonomic grip feels comfortable. Overall, the WORKPRO kit provides a friendly price point for a set of fixtures, which can meet the massive needs of woodworkers.

This 20-piece steel spring clamp set from WORKPRO can be easily clamped. The PVC-coated tip and handle help prevent slippage, while the steel structure provides durability and reliability.

The kit has a variety of jaw sizes, ranging from ¾ inch to 1 inch, and tempered steel springs ensure that the fixture exerts a stable pressure. This spring set is ideal for work that does not require significant clearance, but it may not be suitable for edge bonding or heavy-duty applications.

Zinc coating helps prevent corrosion and rust, making these spring clips durable, but regular oiling and proper storage will greatly play the role of spring clips.

Housolution angle clamps are specially made to create perfect right-angle joints. Housolution is made of durable high-quality aluminum alloy and can accommodate up to 2.68 inches of material thickness through a swing jaw design, allowing one-handed adjustment of the jaws.

This clamp is mainly suitable for people who need to create a right angle and cannot meet the clamping needs of this category. For carpenters who design frames, cabinets, butt joints or other right-angled materials, Housolution is a good choice. However, it will not be the only fixture you need because it is not designed to perform tasks other than these tasks.

The Bessey BPC-H34 pipe clamp uses H-shaped components to provide a stable platform for your project. The legs also provide extra height to facilitate the removal of material when turning the handle. This pipe clamp is equipped with a soft jaw cover to help prevent surface damage.

BPC-H34 has a sturdy structure. The clutch plate is coated with zinc to prevent wear, the spindle is coated with black oxide to help ensure smooth operation, and the surface is powder coated to prevent corrosion. Most pipe clamps do not include the pipe itself. BPC-H34 can work on any length of pipe, as long as it is 3/4 inch wide.

The mid-size Yost F124 strikes a good balance between power and refinement. The rotating jaw pad with a plastic cover helps protect the surface of the material. The powder-coated surface prevents corrosion and abrasion. Compared with similar wooden clips, the handle with a comfortable grip feels easier to hold in the hand. When a lot of pressure is required, twisting the handle allows you to apply severe torque.

The throat depth is 2.5 inches, which is sufficient for most jobs, and the chuck uses a 5-plate clutch system that can slide smoothly on a 24-inch serrated rail. Yost is long enough to handle most jobs encountered in woodworking shops, but some jobs may require larger fixtures.

C-shaped clamps are the most common type of clamps for two reasons: they are suitable for almost all situations, and their simple design makes it easy to use and maintain. Irwin Quick-Grip deserves this reputation.

The rotating pad can adapt to strange angles, the large handle provides more pressure with less effort, and the durable steel structure scores in terms of durability. This 6-inch clamp has a 3.5-inch throat, and Irwin has a clamping force of up to 1,000 pounds, which is more than enough for almost all applications.

The Irwin Quick-Grip C clamp is a typical clamp: strong and versatile. However, its C-shaped design limits its adjustment.

The KT5-1CP is interesting because it is not a clip, but turns your existing clip into an edge clip. When used with rod clamps, the single-axis design can be fixed to any rod clamp below ½ inch thick, providing three sizes of clamping without the need for special edge clamps.

Bessey's patented anti-skid locking system ensures material safety from three sides. It is easy to use and highly durable, but requires other types of fixtures to function.

If you still have some lingering questions about woodworking fixtures, the following FAQs may be helpful.

Woodworking fixtures apply stable pressure through various mechanisms, including springs, threaded steel bars, and locking mechanisms to fix woodworking materials.

Glue drying time varies with glue type and air temperature, but a good rule of thumb is to wait 24 hours to ensure that the bond is fully cured before applying pressure to the joint.

Through proper maintenance, high-quality woodworking fixtures can continue to exceed the user's service life.

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