A genius trick no one shows

[@ThePonderingWoodworker]

I watch a lot of videos and I've seen this matter discussed dozens of times, even a few visual representations. This was the best, and showed the proper way to correct it too.

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful

[@marchebert9813]

This is, by far, the best video on panel glue ups on youtube. Thank you.

[@bobhally2951]

Wow! I have certainly been guilty of "Cranking, and Cranking" the clamps until my arms hurt. You just blew my mind Jason. I feel like i just turned the corner on my woodworking skill set. Thank you for sharing this information.

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad to help

[@jagjitsinghkainth]

me too

[@bossanovawoodworks]

Man this would have saved me so much sanding time in the past. Thank you for this, Jason!

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re welcome

[@michaelbauer7023]

Well done. Something that most of us "know", but you laid it out in a way that is difficult to ignore in the future. This approach eliminates the need for cauls 75% of the time. Thank you for illustrating this in a simple way!

[@chriscflint]

I have done woodwork for about 55 years and this is one of the best advice videos and lessons I have learned, thank you.

[@bentswoodworking]

Wow, thanks!

[@darrelschultz3331]

I second that. Superb presentation and a great technique!

[@cloudspinwoodworks4813]

Great tip thank you. I'm sure I've been over tightening but couldnt think of a good way to accurately judge it.

[@tomfull6637]

Thx. You just spared me the job in the future of additional clamping vertically!

[@M_M0109]

This may be the best woodworking video I've seen in a long time. I've struggled with flat panel glue ups and it was likely caused by overtightening. Thank you for this masterfully explained process. You just gained a subscriber.

[@aucomint]

Probably one of the most useful trick I have ever heard. I happened to glue up a panel a couple weeks ago and guess what, it's not perfectly flat. Yet I saw it during the glueing process and I thought I could get rid of those defaults by tapping down with my hammer. But no. The panel is still not flat. If only I'd known this trick before. Anyway I will have some more panels to make pretty soon and I'm sure I will think of you. Thank you for sharing this wonderful trick.

[@mattwelsh6837]

Holy hell, I just made this exact mistake on a woodworking project! This is one of the most useful tips I've seen online!

[@kencoleman7762]

Another very useful and straightforward video. Thanks.

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tpaulsmith7194]

I feel like I attended a master class with all your presentations. Thank you.

[@davidsavage2650]

This is an excellent video to explain how to do this. This is exactly what I do and I have had the hardest time explaining this to people who have worked for me through the years. Well done! Thank you and keep it up.

[@suzannelowman2171]

I'm over so guilty of this. Thank you so much for this tutorial.

[@bentswoodworking]

You are so welcome!

[@lawrencenoctor2703]

This technique was very old when I trained 55 years ago. It is a good method but hardly qualifies as genius though many handymen on utube seem consider themselves so. Thank you.

[@johnprentice1527]

Thank you for a really clear demonstration of how clamping pressure helps determine perfect flatness in a glue-up.

[@jeffjohns5079]

That is the best tip I have gotten in years!!! Thanks

[@bentswoodworking]

Great to hear!

[@SWSW560]

Thank you for this. This happened to me on my first attempt at making a desk top.

[@bentswoodworking]

You're welcome!

[@KyleBruns]

That was the best example of why you should not over tighten clamps that I have seen thus far. Thank you!

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michaelroberts2863]

Perfect video - thank you... I can't wait to try all of this out on my next panel glue up, particularly the genius trick! And how have only 2% of views liked this video?? How could you watch this and not like it??!

[@macd1154]

Fantastic video! I tend to always over tighten, and have to spend way too long trying to sand it flat! Thank you very much

[@bryancaviness8788]

Dude, super helpful and so simple. Thank you. This will make me better.

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad it helped!

[@eddierobbertse8957]

This video gives me a ton of confidence for my next large glue-up. Thank you!

[@Deafgirlsgonewild]

I have never had someone explain this in such detail and so easy to understand. Thank you so much. I believe I have been tightening all my clamps wayyy too much after seeing this

[@joeyleerobbins]

EPIC! What an awesome video! Thank you for these tips...just blew my mind! Hey I just wanted to say thank for your service to our country! I am Air Force veteran and would like to say hello from Crossville, TN! If you are ever down my way look me up I'll take ya out for supper! God bless you and your family!

[@bentswoodworking]

Thank you as well 👊🏼

[@CaptCha-p2q]

Great post. Good info without any bothersome music. Thanks!

[@hustletradinginvesting8453]

You are awesome. I made that overclamp mistake and saw it cup and freaked out. I used 1/2 dowels on 2x4 table top about 70 dowels over 2 weeks a few at a time. It was exhausting. Thanks so much for your clear explanation.

[@ChimeraActual]

I like it. Back in the 70's and 80's [yes, yes, codger comments coming...] I made NACA section wooden daggerboards, keels, and rudders for racing sailboats from 1' x 3' x 1 to 12' x 4' x 4", as well as laminating other boat bits. They had to resist warping, cupping, or other changes in shape over time, so they had to be laminated. Here's how I did it: Choose the widest, straightest, minimal figured, minimal runout boards, quartersawn if available, but there are workarounds for flatsawn. Joint and Thickness plane to uniform size. Match the full planks for grain runout and position, and mark the ends with a code like this: starting at 3/4", every ~1 1/2" with a number and an arrow pointing up. Rip them down to 1 1/2" or thereabouts, depending on efficient use of plank width. Lay them out in numerical order with the arrows alternating up and down by rolling over every other piece 180 degrees That cancels out the internal forces. Cut spline slots with a router and flycutter bit that cuts a 1/2" deep slot, and cut the length of the piece, half deep climbing cut followed by a full cut the other way, cheaper and faster than biscuits or dominos. Make splines of similar wood, high runout a bonus, or endgrain if you have the time. Glue up as Bent does, he just taught me something. Of course I used epoxy, you use what you like. If it's a foil you're making, then markup and shape to section. Mine never warped

[@r1388]

This is a great hack for flat panels. Thanks for sharing

[@bentswoodworking]

You are so welcome!

[@michaelhughes1740]

Thanks. Very helpful hint for the Clamp Pressure vs. Flattening. Good job.

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tedrzz]

Thanks Jason! I used this technique yesterday during a glue-up and was surprised how cupped my panel was when I initially put the straight edge down. Saved me lots of sanding! Thanks again.

[@JBCavern]

This is great info. I'm trying to get into woodworking and need to keep this in mind. Thank you.

[@mikeknoll1130]

I have never watched a video about overtightening clamps before, and I did have the question in my mind how tight is to tight. Thank you.

[@bentswoodworking]

Very welcome!

[@ronbishop4057]

Very nicely explained and straightforward - thank you. I have 10' long x 2" thick walnut planks in my basement, that has air dried for the last 5 years. This will be first dining room table - if all goes well.

[@Gaga85894]

I knew I would never need the skills learned in wood shop in Junior High. I learn more in an hour on KZbin, than a semester of woodshop.

[@Greg-fs8np]

Excellent tip! Thank you. So true, the instinctual reaction is to try and "tighten" your way out of this problem.

[@lanky380]

Great video! I learned something else today. Never too old to learn ;) Thanks!

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad to hear it!

[@alanmatthews9260]

I actually noticed this phenomenon this weekend on a glue-up I’m doing. I noticed that loosening the clamp caused it lay flat. 👍🏻

[@margueritewhite3038]

So well explained!! I am definitely an overtightener! not anymore :)

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rostyslavmalashevsky5019]

Thank U! I use same technic when make wide table tops, 20inch+20inch. It really helps, when U need to glue up 2 table tops which arw already finish planned

[@JC-fj7oo]

That's actually a good hack. I wasn't sure where it was going at first but that was worth it.

[@kerry1554]

I think my problems wll be sorted by this. Thank you for excellent tutorial

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad it helped

[@justinthames940]

Love this process glad I saw this right before I'm about to glue up a table.. wood whisperer did a great analysis about parallel clamps and mentioned how they are not the best for glue ups on panels due to bar flexing causing a bow. That was a good visual representation! I'll use a mix of parallel and pipe clamps and use this technique for sure

[@worldtreedesign]

Pipe clamps apply more pressure than a parallel clamp however they will also bow. Alternate top and bottom with whatever clamp you decide to use and check for flat with a straight edge like Jason says.

[@brycecrousore1985]

I first saw Norm do this on New Yankee Workshop in the late 80's ... This is a good tip.

[@coffeetop1131]

Excellent! I've been an aggressive amateur woodworker, but this problem has always haunted me. Thanks, and subscribed!

[@taylormedia1000]

Great way to ensure you're flat and clamped as you should be. This idea goes into my toolbox; thank you.

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad to help

[@KS-gf3tv]

This is a hugely useful video. Def earned a subscription

[@michaeljohn7398]

Nicely done. Logical, clean and neat.

[@peterbaker8677]

Thanks for the great video Jason! I struggle with flat panels so much!

[@bentswoodworking]

Happy to help!

[@SamWanamaker1]

One very important thing I would make sure people do with this method, is not just pay attention to the straightedge going flat, but also that you still have the seams together, and not opening the clamp so far that the seams are coming apart.

[@timewer4150]

0

[@relentlessmadman]

good instruction for a fully equiped wood working shop!

[@apswirl]

I’ve learned SO much watching your videos. Thanks!

[@bentswoodworking]

Happy to help!

[@jessec8562]

I really like the card scraper idea for the glue.

[@bentswoodworking]

Works well

[@davefeinglass9118]

Great video. Seeing is believing when it comes to flat.

[@bentswoodworking]

Absolutely

[@MrDaryca]

Very simple yet very helpful. Thanks!

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gordon8858]

Truly amazing, who would have thought that would give you a perfect surface "Obviously with machined surfaces before hand" But a brilliant piece of advice. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@hamdyshehata7721]

Best panel glue up video ever, thanks a lot bro

[@rickbyno2401]

Great video. Just ordered my straight edge. Thanks

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@glennryzebol4472]

Great video. I`m just about to glue up an 8 foot table top and this video gave some great info that should help. Thanks

[@roy.h.barrett]

Good Stuff Brother... Youve a concise manner of instruction.. Comes with the territory given your former occupation.. Thank you for your service.

[@bentswoodworking]

Thanks! I appreciate it

[@TheAaronReynolds]

Great video. Very helpful! Thank you for demonstrating this.

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@leroymellix5647]

Thank you Sir, your comments and the cadence of your delivery are spot on. There was a time when we had to build a clamp rack for a glue up and close the joints flatten the work with the wedges in the rack system. You hit the method of operation right on. Love the wood grain!

[@tomhostetter8516]

That's great... I have a table glue up coming up soon... will definitely try this

[@andrewshaneyfelt4789]

This video is valuable on the don’t overtighten clamps lesson alone. Thanks, Jason!

[@beksinski]

Nice. I'm still very much learning. I go fairly slow and keep my level and square handy checking everything constantly.

[@BrenQ99]

This was really helpful for me. Thank you!

[@darrylbuckett5380]

Now what am I going to do for daily exercise, Cheers for that great info

[@JayDee-xj9lu]

I normally use a wet sponge to get rid of all the glue on the surface so that it doesn't repel the stain. I love those clamps.

[@rperreir]

Wow! I struggle every time I do these but no longer. Your videos are great thanks

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you like them!

[@hex_7187]

A great practical and actionable video. Thanks. IIRC you once mentioned you joint boards with a track saw. It would be great if you could show us how you go about that.

[@bentswoodworking]

Great suggestion!

[@how2q]

great video....tape on clamps...wow...never thought of that!

[@johncallender6677]

The straight edge idea is awesome. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheClBlues]

Nice and useful demonstration ! Thanks a lot, because I'm one of those "overtighting" guy, thinking that dead cranked clamps was the best method… I'll sure test your tip for my next project ! Best regards from France, one more follower here !

[@rickallen9382]

Very good lesson and well presented.

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you liked it!

[@Starman3539]

This is an excellent video in the sence that it reveals that pressure and anti-pressure may be used to correct a number of combined surfaces. Purely brilliant. Thank you for showing to us. I would be very interested to see the final product (if possible). Thanks again.

[@bentswoodworking]

There will be a video on the tables

[@dsacton]

Great video! I'm making an elm table, and will use all of this advice. Thanks.

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rb-ex]

very nice methodical work all the way through, and excellent the way you crank up the pressure and then back it off just so, and achieve flatness caul-free by adjusting the relative tension of top and bottom clamps. it's all based on a clear understanding of the materials and forces involved. i have one observation. i dont know how long those boards have been in your shop or when/where they were jointed and planed, but for boards like this i am not going to rely on the rough end dressing from the yard. since i'm probably going to keep boards like this in my shop for at least a couple weeks to give them time to adjust to temp-humidity, first thing i'm gonna do is trim the ends 90 degrees with a finishing cross-cut blade, and then i'm gonna seal those glass-smooth ends. i use my own boiled linseed oil/beeswax mix, but of course you can use anything that seals including spray paint and maybe even masking tape. point is to minimize surface area and block moisture transfer through the ends of the boards, forcing the boards to release (or absorb) moisture much more slowly, resulting in better stability while it's in the shop

[@davidkenagy8706]

About keeping glue off the parallel clamp: I tear strips of wax paper and wrap them around the bar at approximately the location where joints (and glue) will be. I use button magnets to hold the wax paper in place, which are easier to adjust than tape, and hold better.

[@robertroberts5218]

Crazy good technique. Thank you.

[@bentswoodworking]

Very welcome!

[@boomvader]

Super helpful, Jason. I am in the middle of building 2 desks for each of my sons and the first turned out not so flat. Will incorporate these tips on the next one! Thanks!

[@designcreationswoodworking963]

This is a good one, Jason. This is always a topic in woodworking groups that seems to be almost as misunderstood as dust collection.

[@charlesworks6572]

Wow! This is really helpful. Thank you so much!

[@daveb427]

This is a great tip. Thank you. I use cauls in my glue-ups, but I will definitely try this.

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@quadcomtelekom5814]

Excellent Vid! Exactly how we learned 32 years ago

[@4labsfarm]

thank you going to make my first and I would have overtightened for sure.

[@harryg3889]

Good job. It’s not a secret between quality woodworkers but it’s important to talk techniques. I also like the alternating above below clamping. BTW I have watched your videos before purchasing some tools and found your reviews a valuable resource.

[@martyc513]

Where did you get the pen used to mark up the surface? Great and useful video!

[@chrisb1029384]

Great explanation and demonstration! Thank you so much!

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re welcome

[@gavinfeargrieve4874]

A master class in an essential wood working skill- flat panel glue ups! Great video. As I watched your video I was remembering the evolution of this glue up process in our own shop. Currently, we do it exactly as shown - in every detail. But, we have had employees that swore by using cauls and cranking the clamps to the breaking point. In fact, one fella did successfully prove his strength by breaking a pipe clamp! We had to wonder if there was any glue left in the joint!

[@danalaniz7314]

Very good. Clear and helpful.

[@matthewlose9446]

I’ve not watched your channel before. I thoroughly enjoyed this tutorial. Well spoken and well thought out. From my personal experience I like to tap the boards with a block and a no bounce mallet as they are drawing up and I feel that the gentle shock helps the biscuits get seated all the way. Nice job!

[@bentswoodworking]

Thank you so much!

[@jeffwilliams4709]

Perfect technique minus the Lamelos.

[@conchitacarmelita]

Wow! A fantastic observation (and uniquely new technique!).

[@joehuinker7009]

It's really nice if all your pieces are from the same log for consistency with color and grain orientation

[@frankvalsj9657]

Thanks for this lesson 👍

[@bentswoodworking]

My pleasure!

[@RYwoodview]

Great lesson. I knew that just joining the edges is enough, but I thought the way to ensure flatness was to use cauls. That may sometimes matter, but to know that you can achieve that just through careful side clamp pressure makes this much simpler. Thanks, Jason!

[@RYwoodview]

@@mm9773 Good points.

[@DaleLSeth]

So, how much does that biscuit drill cost? It seems dowels would work well and possibly save the additional cost of that biscuit tool.

[@travisedwards9983]

$100 USD for a corded Ryobi to about $240 for a good cordless Dewalt, so not very expensive@@DaleLSeth

[@nickdarbenzio1681]

Thank you for this! Excellent

[@LOGN.MCU.ENGAME]

Tank you . I had this problem before .👍

[@terrychristian672]

Wow! Thank you. Brilliant. I learned a lot there.

[@patrickgirard-k3g]

très bonnes infos , à retenir pour les prochains collages.