Tip #11
Everything You Need To Know About Clamping
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version of Tip - Pg 1-3, Pg. 4-6, Pg. 7-9

Some valuable clamping tips

• To make sure all joints fit properly, dry-clamp all components before gluing them together.
• Mark all workpieces carefully before clamping and gluing to ensure accurate assembly.
• Use a Double Bar Clamp or alternate Aluminum Bar Clamps (one above and one below) when gluing edge-to-edge to prevent buckling.
• Use small pieces of scrapwood as protectors to keep the jaws of your metal clamps from marring workpiece surfaces.
• If you find that your workpieces want to “slip & slide” during glue-up, first, apply the glue, then rub two pieces of coarse grit sandpaper together lightly above the glue. The grit that comes off the sandpaper will prevent the slippage problem.
• Small “doughnuts” of foam pipe insulation slipped over the galvanized or steel pipe of your pipe clamps will keep them from touching (and staining) the surfaces of your projects.
• The discarded jaws from auto jumper cables make great spring clamps.
• When you have to apply clamping pressure directly over a glue joint, cover the joint with waxed paper or kitchen plastic wrap first to keep the jaws of your clamp from being permanently glued to your project.
• Always maintain a liberal coat of linseed oil or furniture paste wax on hand screws to prevent glue build-up on the jaws.
• Lightly lubricate the screws on your clamps occasionally to prevent rust.
• Be careful to choose the right sized clamp for the job. Don't try to apply excessive amounts of pressure with a small C-Clamp...or grip a miniature project with a 12" Hand Screw

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