Where can i find the best deal on woodworking bar clamp sets?
Russ asked:
I’m just getting into woodworking and building my shop, and i’m looking to get as many bar type clamps as possible for as little as possible.
I was very close to picking up a set of wratcheting quick release clamps from a guy on craigslist, but someone else beat me to it.
I don’t want to wait for another used sale to come along again, so what are your suggertions for new clamps?
Question posted courtesy of: Lloyd
I’m just getting into woodworking and building my shop, and i’m looking to get as many bar type clamps as possible for as little as possible.
I was very close to picking up a set of wratcheting quick release clamps from a guy on craigslist, but someone else beat me to it.
I don’t want to wait for another used sale to come along again, so what are your suggertions for new clamps?
Question posted courtesy of: Lloyd
You Ask, We Answer
December 30th, 2007 at 10:51 am
Well, yard sales, flea markets and swap meets are always the most reasonable option, but if you can’t wait, I would suggest Ebay or Harbour Freight Tools. They have pretty reasonable prices.
December 31st, 2007 at 1:18 pm
China,,or woodworking show…
January 1st, 2008 at 12:23 am
The absolute best bang for your buck for clamps are “Pony” brand pipe clamps, the heads will be about $17 a pair, and the pipes (i use 1/2″) are going to be about $20 per pair, so you are talking well under $20 per clamp for 48″ clamps. These things are practically indestructible, and will last you a lifetime. You will be buying and replacing “quick-clamps” forever. You can make them any lenght you want. I can’t recommend these strongly enough for any wood worker any any level (and remember you can never have enough clamps)
January 1st, 2008 at 3:02 pm
You can also try. They aren’t the best by far, but they are cheap.
January 2nd, 2008 at 5:47 am
Rockler seems to be running regular specials on various clamps for about the last 4 months.
One inexpensive way to go is to buy a half-dozen heads for 3/4″ pipe clamps, then go to Lowe’s and get a variety of lengths of pipes in pairs, from about 18″ up to 6′. You will not need all them at once, so swap lengths to get something workable for your project.
I have the Harbor Freight F clamps and I use them for “leave-behinds” when I’m doing a job and need to leave and have the clamps on for overnight. At $2-3 each, it’s cheaper than running back. They are not as good as Bessey & Jorgenson, but are, for the money, relatively good.
When you have some extra cash, get some parallel head clamps like Bessey K-bodies or their newer competion. I only have one set of these in 30″ size and find them useful.
Irwin quick clamps are also good in either regular or extra heavy versions.
Wood hand-screw clampss are good for clamping angled surfaces.
I don’t have a lot of use for C-Clamps.