Clamps from Borg

Seriously, though, is anyone regularly bending 1/2" pipe when gluing up tabletops or smaller casework? Iirc, the force necessary to glue hardwoods together is about 250#/sq.inch, and although I can't remember what the clamping force of 1/2" pipe is, I think it's somewhere in the range of "a farking butt-load."

Michael "all figures approximate" Baglio

actually, yeah, one reason of many I prefer bar clamps over pipe clamps is the flex thing. the jaws are shallow- not much reach- and pipe is less stiff for it's section than I beam or even flat bar. I mostly build cabinets and for the most part my clamps over 3 foot are pipe clamps.

On Wed, 08 Sep 2004 13:40:36 GMT, Michael Baglio calmly ranted:

Yeah, what's he doing, laminating plies for a DECK?

If they are, they're using waaay too much force.

Precisely!

Lessee, a 4" C-clamp: ranges between 800 and 1,200 lbs force. Bessey 6-24" bar clamps: 600 lbs. Jorgenson mini bars: 300 lbs. max. Jorgenson bar clamps: up to 1,000 lbs. Bessey KliKlamps: 250-330 lbs. Pony 3/4" pipe: up to 2,800 lbs.

Thanks to VoodDorker's Supply (

Or the patience to re-do the "less than otimal" workmanship so excessive force is unnecessary. To each his own. "If it doesn't fit, use a bigger hammer" is something it took me a long time to outgrow, so I really understand. :)

In my original reply I was careful to say that I thought 3/4 to be overkill for "fine woodworking."

We're talking about two different types of building here. If I'm using undressed lumber that's crooked, bowed, warped and/or cupped, I'm generally building outdoor play equipment and lawn furniture, not furnishings for my home. :)

I've done a bit of that, and I've used the scissors jack out of my car as a clamp, (or, more accurately, a spreader), too. The right "tool" for the job, eh?

Michael Baglio Hope I used enough smileys.

Speaking of 3/4" pipe clamps, HF has the deep jaw ones on sale for $6.