Shop-Made Panel Clamps

I can always use more clamps.

So, when I needed a few extra
clamps for a recent project, I
decided to get creative and build
my own as shown here.
SIMPLE PARTS. The clamps I came
up with are built using a length
of threaded rod. A pair of large
dowels on each end of the
threaded rod serve as knobs.
In the center of each dowel, I
drilled a hole and added a T-nut.
The last bit of the puzzle is to
add a set of plywood clamping
jaws. These help apply even
clamping pressure.
JAWS With the clamp assembled as
(2"x 2"- !/4"Ply.)
shown, I can slide the jaws to
the workpiece and tighten the
%/16" T-nut knobs. The jaws keep the pres-
sure even, and allow me to apply
just the right amount of clamping
%/16" pressure. The best thing of all is
threaded rod they’re much cheaper than com-
mercial clamps.
KNOB NOTE: T-nuts are hammered Dan Hendricks
(1!/2"x 4" dowel) into ends of the knobs
Omaha, Nebraska

QUICK TIPS

Disposable Epoxy Mixer. When Crayola
England of Des Moines, IA had some epoxy to
mix up, she decided to get a little creative.
She used a section from an old set of mini
blinds. The plastic strip is sturdy enough to
mix the epoxy and is the perfect spreader.
Resaw Push Stick. Scott Kirk of Solon, IA often
uses his band saw to resaw stock. When resawing
thin stock, James likes to use a thin push stick. By
attaching a magnet to the end, James can hang
the push stick from his band saw cover so it’s
readily available when he needs it.

8 • Woodsmith / No. 245