Plans for making clamps needed

[Kerry Blue]

G'day! I never have enough small clamps so I'd like to make some. I've got plenty of scrap timber to use and a number of small lengths of threaded rod - all I need now is some advice on how to bring them together so they'll clamp!

I don't own any clamps of this style otherwise I'd already have an idea of how to make them. Living in a country town in southern australia I can't just go out and buy one either. Oh to be back in Boston with the Rockler store just a trainride away.......

[John Lucas]

But that doesnt mean you can't make them. There used to be kits available to make "Jorgensen" style clamps. They came with drawings and specs for cutting the wood. I had one and never got around to make one. I just searched the various catalogs and could find no such kit.
To start, you need to have at least one of these clamps to see what is involved. The cross-barrel bolts that are the main component are available from www.mcfeelys.com. I couldnt locate on their site but they are there somewhere. T-nuts are also there and useful for making clamps and jigs.
I personally question wether it is worth the time to make. I know when I had the kit, it got put behind real woodworking projects...and finally I discarded prior to a move...for shame.
But that is just my two cents.

[handi]

Kerry,

I have some plans for making simple cam action bar clamps. I can scan and send them along if you are interested.

Another Idea I picked up from the Corian fabricators: Cut rings from 4" PVC pipe(schedule 40 not sewer pipe)about 1" thick. Now cut through the ring in one place leaving a gap of about 3/4" The ring can now be stretched open and used as a light duty clamp.



Hope this helps,

Ralph

[Kerry Blue]

Thanks John and Ralph for your posts.

Thought I'd head off in the morning to the local car boot sale and see if I can find any cheap clamps there. Take your point John that it may be easier to just buy some rather than putting time into making my own!

I'd be grateful Ralph if you could scan me the plans for the cam action bar clamp - kerryblue2@hotmail.com.

Just got my new Kreg K2000 pocket hole kit yesterday so still need clamps but maybe not so many!!!!

Cheers from Oz, Kerry