Cheap and Easy Woodwork Clamping Jig

[@crossgrainwoodproductsltd9230]

I have saved this video for 7-yrs from the day Dustin posted it. I fell in love with this idea, but then life happened and I forgot about it. Now that I am doing more cutting boards and small panel glue-ups out of the tons of scraps I have, it's time to get this built. I came across someone getting rid of 10 coffee cans full of bolts, nuts, and washers and bought them last fall. Now I have the right project for them. I knew I could use them someday and this project alone will probably use one can worth, lol. Thank you, Dustin!!

[@billcornett2256]

I just bought everything to make one. I had the glue and 2x4s. I bought everything else at Lowe's. Total was $51.00. I had to use hex head bolts for the clamping they didn't have any others. Then a hex driver for the drill which was $4. I splurged on 2 pcs of product 3/4" Baltic birch plywood. I could have lugged home a sheet but they are square and identical. They were $8 each. My board will be 24" x 20" inside.I will use a silicone baking sheet cut to fit instead of tape.

[@HackThePlanetNow]

Sweet. I'm pretty much going to lowes tomorrow to do the same thing

[@isurumadushan6460]

There are a few ideas to think about before you begin your own woodworking company are you likely to have support from your spouse? Are you someone who is self-motivated? Will you stick to your plan? Do you have the funds to go ahead? (I read these and the reasons they work on Enata wood system website )

[@ВаляПетрова-ы6е]

mD TУТ МОЖНО НAКPYTИТЬ ЛAЙKИ, ПОДПИCЧИKOB PАСKРУТКA ГPУПП. ПЕРЕХOДИTE В ПРOФИЛЬ, ТАM ССЫЛКA HА САЙТ

[@huberthubert860]

baking sheet is a super Idea! Thx for that

[@drhfhs]

For $51 why not buy 5 bar clamps lol

[@wreckoningday]

Like the format of your videos. I get to see the full build process without it taking 20 minutes. Thanks. Looking forward to more

[@nickohler8153]

I made this jig and have tried several cutting board glue ups on it. While it is nice to have a flat reference plane for the bottom of the board, I have been having a few problems with it. Tightening the bolts causes the metal strip lift up off the the base, usually rising the board with it. This has made the glue ups very tricky.

[@bdrury8625]

I have been trying to figure out how to improve my glue ups and your jig is my answer. Thank you for sharing. I'd like some input on how a piece could be added to the top to keep everything flat without losing the lateral force to keep the board tight.

[@MichaelMeis33]

+B Drury I was wondering the same thing, I would think it would bow up considering it has no resistance there. It would be pretty simple to use those top bolts though and just run a piece of solid hardwood across the top. When you tighten the vertical bolts it will bring down the top piece.

[@coconutcrawler]

+B Drury , I'm guessing that to ensure it doesn't slip/bow upwards, 1st you'll have to make sure your strips are square against each other. 2nd, if you notice 2:56-3:05, he pounds them down by hammering a wooden block all over to apply the downward press. Then he tightens the jig again & repeats. I assume because the strips were squared, glued & the applied clamping press, it shouldn't slip/bow upwards. Both surfaces still have be planed though to smooth it level.

[@stevepolychronopoulis]

I'm definitely making one of these, but with the bolts on both sides for odd shapes. I'm thinking this might make guitar body blanks easier. Also just a thought, a few eye bolts with turnbuckles between could be used to draw the tops of the protruding bolts inward, thus lessening the probability of them leaning outward over time, and evening and increasing clamping pressure. This would fight the tendency of your workpiece to arch upward as well.

[@jeffreyblye287]

Seems like a useful concept. I could see a bigger version of this to laminate curves perhaps.

[@themossbackman]

33 bolts, 32 washers, 17 tee-nuts and a wide flat aluminum bar makes a beautiful jig, but it's probably not cheap.

[@dpmakestuff]

It’s cheap. Give me a break, 10 dollars in hardware that is absolutely reusable?!?

[@dscrive]

I used a similar concept when gluing canvas to the back of tambor slats. instead of screws I used opposing wedges. it worked very well, and was cheap as I made the jig and the wedges from scrap. I feel this particular one could have some great advantages in gluing up a curved surface though,

[@orkoteg09]

2 wedges can be used even easier and cheaper)

[@HolisticHealthEducation]

Interesting, how sometimes the simplest solutions are the best!

[@RemyStal]

Well assembled. Accelerated pictures with sound, have an even funnier, but the idea of the tape is very helpful. With beautiful for the idea.

[@plumbertom100]

Made the jig. Works great. Many thanks for the inspiration .

[@dougblazer1376]

Very clever idea. Looks like it works.

[@alemaocnalemao]

First of all My congratulations, I'm Brazilian and I knew your channel a short time ago, and this tutorial of pressing the wood changed the way I make cutting boards in marquetry, it was extremely simple, I do not need to go through the desengrosso, congratulations again that you keep bringing great videos to your channel.

[@s4n714g000]

A lot of people might be missing the point that this is specially convenient in countries where clamps are actually pretty expensive, but bolts aren't. This is pretty useful, I'm just starting woodworking I think I'll give it a go, thanks for the video!

[@dpmakestuff]

Exactly! I'm always glad to see someone gets it! Thanks!

[@locohombre79]

That is brilliant! I've been trying to think of something like that, but on a larger scale, to laminate a bench top. Brilliantly done, thanks for sharing.

[@dpmakestuff]

Send me a picture. I'd love to see a scaled up version.

[@americanmade4791]

+locohombre79 Did you build a scaled-up version? Something big enough for a work bench must have been massive.

[@Jer_Schmidt]

Very cool project! Thanks for posting this!

[@jjh3365]

Love this idea. Was looking for an adjustable jig I could make to be able to router the top of small epoxy river boards. Guess this could be used for both purposes. 👍

[@tommylittlehales7578]

Thank you for sharing...Great Idea. I love you did it in fast speed.

[@lucasalati369]

Cool, for the first and only glue up. Can't wait to see those PH screws at the 2nd usage....

[@dpmakestuff]

Robertson. The heads of the screw are not the failure point, unless you don’t know what you’re doing. That might be the case for you.

[@lucasalati369]

@@dpmakestuff I do woodworking for fun and relaxing. As per my competences I just do subsea robotics. Nothing serious, just 4000 meters rated stuff so please, teach me the secrets of a PH bolt.

[@suspektjones1370]

So after watching your Video I had to make one... I didn't use as many bolts as you did just 4x 3/8 Bolts vertically on each side..The inserts I found at my local hardware store $2 per box of 4 and I ended up using 7x inserts and cut up some threaded rods.. welding nuts to the end to create 3/8 long threaded bolts... It seems solid as a rock.. thanks for the awesome Idea and I figured it could save some clamps for other stuff.. Just subscribed. hope to make some more of your ideas cheers

[@brianknowles7130]

Great idea ... not seen this done before. Thks

[@chrisdye23]

Awesome idea! I like the versatility it has. I wonder if it would be possible to add on a call type of clamp on each end to avoid having to tap down each board. Also, would melamine be better as a base to avoid needing to re-tape each time? I haven't worked with it much but just a thought. Thanks for the videos!

[@dpmakestuff]

Chris Dye Wax paper was recommended and I think that would be the easiest solution. The tape worked great.. why errbody hatin on my tape?? ;)

[@chrisdye23]

Dustin Penner I agree with the wax paper. I think the tape is a good idea for a one time application but since this is so awesome you'll use it again and again, it would save time to use the paper instead of taping the board.

[@douglaspollock102]

I was thinking some leftover Formica laminate would be better than the tape. Saves time in needing Trl reapply tape. Just pop the piece loose, and hit any residue with a putty knife or chisel. Tape is cheap and easy, so not a dig, just offering an alternative.

[@MrMalthusMusic]

Sweet jig, I have been making a lot of blanks like this for various shop projects and your clamp project will definitely help out! Thanks :)

[@dpmakestuff]

Thanks very much!

[@billhiney6925]

I really like this idea as it provides even pressure across the whole piece. Since you used packing tape to create a surface you can glue on that won't stick, could you do the same thing with melamine?

[@RoomiesGarage]

nice haircut...lol...Love the idea of your clamp...thanks for sharing....love it!

[@starseeddeluxe]

Can you use this jig and use door stop type "wedges" of wood instead of bolts? Pound in the wedges to tighten the wood together?

[@stephenowen1644]

You could adapt this concept to an endless variety of needs, cool idea! Thanks for the video!

[@raywilliams7094]

A great jig. We have stuff here called gladwrap which is a cellophane food wrap which will work for the glue spill problem. Will apply this idea so thanks. From experience, do you guys think you need much in the way of downward pressure?

[@dpmakestuff]

I would recommend you attach some form of legs to the four corners of this jig. Then you could use cauls and clamps for downward pressure to keep everything flat. It might be time to build a version two of this clamp. Thanks for watching.

[@ode2george]

Super Job! I really love the idea, as well as the presentation. Very useful!

[@dpmakestuff]

+ode2george Thanks!

[@rick91443]

+ode2george Yes, thank you for putting this video up...rr

[@bw162]

Great idea but do you think you needed all the hardware?

[@jayostler8273]

whether its more efficient to do it another way or not, this is a great idea, love it!!, and am going to build one myself, not to mention, i firmly believe that one can NEVER have too many clamps, so this just gives a person another source for that thanks for sharing, definite like and i was already a sub!!

[@HBSuccess]

Just a thought... if I was going to have all the vertical bolts anyway - why not use them to your advantage and make 2-3 cross bars to keep your panels flat in the jig? Keeping the panel flat is a bigger challenge than the lateral pressure IMO.

[@steenfraosterbro3268]

Great idea and i nice video. I have two suggestions. One, alternate the bolt holding the MDF edges, that will make the steady "walls" even stronger. Two the smaller screws making the pressure looks like they are bending. Use half as many and go up in size.

[@vectors2final36]

I'm really diggin' that opening and closing tune on all your videos.

[@stepcorngrumbleteats7683]

According to Shazam, its "Swing" by Iridis (music for any dance class)

[@cg51d]

Glad press and seal would probably work well instead of tape. Going to build this, great idea.

[@spidennis]

note the packing tape, that makes glueing sooooo much easier.

[@MikeKapotsy]

Interesting approach to clamping up cutting boards!

[@zappalniczka6306]

Simple and great !!! I have 4 big steel 2/2'' clamp's and i pre-tightening them screwdriver too, this greatly simplifies work. Your panel is great and probably i try to use Your idea : ) Thanks for the video and greet !

[@VansWorld]

That was a cool project. 😁👍

[@TheLoyal76]

Nice idea 👍

[@keithb3178]

the through bolts are for extra strength for the two glued pieces there's alot of pressure there once tightened

[@harveyduke8868]

You could also use smooth self-adhesive contact paper (or shelf liner) instead of tape.

[@leeguitarmcr]

Hi, Can you tell me what you are using at 0.50 sec? What is the name of the bolts you are using? Great video!

[@ToonOfLancing]

I've seen steam engine boilers less engineered than this :-)

[@ruggedrickrude1946]

nice idea.........wax paper instead of tape?

[@BruceAUlrich]

Pretty cool design. Thanks for showing!

[@yhonycamacho1090]

la idea es excelente pero creo que con 3 tornillos un poco mas gruesos funciona igual

[@ApolloniumUranius]

Great idea! Looks very good!

[@jromhek2070]

I like the idea very much and it is relatively much cheaper than a bunch of clamps . What about laminating workbench top ? any idea about the number of screws and maximum distance between them ? Thanks man .

[@dpmakestuff]

Not a clue! This was probably 3X overkill. Thanks!

[@jromhek2070]

Thanks for replying and I get it now .

[@l.e.o.1127]

Dang you work fast! Cool idea.

[@andrewdrozd847]

And now to add a wax paper spool for V 2.... Love the video, already have my thoughts on how to modify it for checker pattern boards.

[@waelalabrouni2669]

good idea , but why you put the vertical bolts ???

[@dpmakestuff]

+wael alabrouni To hold the pieces of wood together. That is a lot of clamping force.

[@ShadeTreeCNC]

I think you will find rather then tape to cover the board that vinyl shelf paper works great. I use it for silk screening and it removes nice without leaving a glue build up.

[@burntsider8457]

I use wax paper. Usually I squeeze the glue out of the joints onto the clamps and workbench, then I remember that I should have lined things with wax paper.

[@thomastieffenbacherdocsava1549]

Thanks for the spark! I have a few directions I want to go from here!

[@ZacJones]

This is a damn good idea! wow, seems a lot cheaper than buying clamps!

[@lorikuchta9877]

Hi. I’m new here and have used something similar in a wood shop class. Can someone list what I would need?

[@ytthieme]

I need to do one of these. It looks like the bolts would dig into the cull board (?)

[@dpmakestuff]

+Mark Thieme Uses a spare piece of wood as a sacrificial piece

[@ytthieme]

+Dustin Penner awesome... liked and subscribed :)

[@timrogers2638]

I've made one of these and used it a number of times, but I can't seem to apply clamping pressure without the pieces I'm gluing up "cupping" due to the clamping pressure. I tap them flat as you show in the video, but it doesn't seem to help. What might I be doing wrong?

[@GregsGarage]

Beats the heck out of buying 10-15 clamps. Thanks for sharing!

[@orbodman]

10 to 15 clamps for a chopping board? 3 will do. Its not a friggin guitar

[@GregsGarage]

I build guitars... That's why I made that comment. Seem like you can never have enough clamps on anything though.

[@MichaelCampbell01]

> Beats the heck out of buying 10-15 clamps. You get out of here with that kind of attitude, buddy. (joking, of course; but it's rare I've seen a woodworker ever tell another one to NOT buy more clamps!)

[@ivanbeals8898]

Is there a parts list? Measurements for cuts and space between holes and drilling bit size?

[@dpmakestuff]

Ivan Beals nope. Do whatever you want and it’ll work just fine.

[@ivanbeals8898]

Ah. I didn't see the drool down with the parts on I.

[@CMRWoodworks]

Pretty cool idea!

[@MomusFilms]

Very cool!! Thanks for the video! I do have one concern---that MDF will absorb the moisture from the yellow glue and warp over time. Might 3/4" plywood be more stable long term?

[@BeorcKano]

The tape protects the MDF from the glue. I personally dislike MDF, but it seems to be popular nonetheless.

[@alanh2077]

Excellent, found the video, good job!! I like this idea, however, what are the vertical bolts with lock nuts for?

[@renalicesilva1746]

Alan H to stop you snapping the bracing piece off during clamping force

[@dougjohnson9948]

Cool. Something I haven’t seen before.

[@waynemorris5516]

A....mazing. Very Smart . will do one up. thanks!

[@Hick4Life]

nice idea. where do I get the plans?

[@DylansDIYWorkshop]

that's an awesome Idea! but wouldn't it be more efficient to just use bar clamps?

[@dpmakestuff]

This was simply and experiment to see if I could do it cheaply. The total cost to build this is under $10 if I had to guess. Compare that to 20-30/ clamp times 3-4 clamps.

[@julianvidal7361]

I bought mine from a Chinese supplier on Ali Express for something like $5 for a box of 100. I've had instances where they've sent me something completely different than what I ordered but most of the times it's fine.

[@dpmakestuff]

Black Dog god no! Even if I did, I still have them. I could use them for something completely different if I decided to scrap this.

[@dekurvajo]

i have made a design before very similar to this, but i have used C profiles and bolts with tapered holes. At the end, i had to realise, even the material would cost the 1/3 compare to buy bar clamps, i can use the Bar clamps in many different type and kind of situations, so i rejected the idea. Bought the bar clapms, and never regret it. When i see pipes on the junkyard, i always take them no matter how long they are. i can cut them, cut t a thread on it, and they are good to go.

[@makedonce25]

Dylan's DIY Workshop some people find them expencive ...

[@antmallett6065]

Hi, whats the point of the vertical bolts and nuts? Screws are way cheaper

[@NearbyCactus]

That's really fascinating - will be keen to see where you take this!

[@martinoamello3017]

Nice idea. Thinking of something similar, but one to clamp not just in one direction, but two in an X configuration for a specific project in mind.. I've watched this several times and the X idea has eluded me till today.. Perhaps when I get around to it I'll remember to post a link.. Wait..memory? What's that?

[@dpmakestuff]

Sounds good! I'd like to see what you come up with. Thanks!

[@NomadMakes]

Great tip for a jig. Subbed!

[@lawrencediggs7957]

Brilliant!

[@dpmakestuff]

Thanks!

[@ivanbeals8898]

So you used threaded inserts for north-south and east-west bolts? Not sure why I thought you used t-nuts for part of it.

[@MichiganHiker]

Great idea, thanks for posting!

[@samueltaylor4989]

Great if mass producing cutting boards but I would screw the base down to the work bench so it won’t bow up with clamping force

[@lawrencediggs7957]

What's the name of the round thing you used for making a mark on the wood about 28 seconds in?

[@dpmakestuff]

That is called a marking gauge.

[@lawrencediggs7957]

Thanks. I was trying to buy something like that a he hardware store and I didn't know what to call it.

[@jackhealy8467]

What are tge bolts for that stick out the top of the jig used for?

[@dtwistrewind7361]

Bloody brilliant.

[@terrytuite8947]

whats the point of all of those vertical bolts? If they are there for stability against the clamping pressure I think 4 would have done the trick. 8 per side seems overkill. But overall it is a good idea. Perhaps if you used those vertical bolts with some cauls may be helpful.

[@bobobrien3033]

Terry, that's what I plan on doing.

[@BCdesign1]

Nice idea!its built like a tank!

[@MoonpieCreations]

Dustin, Love the project, simple and useful. How wide was that board? Just wondering as my planer is only 12 in. and would have to adjust if it allowed anything larger.

[@dpmakestuff]

Moonpie Creations this board it 15 1/4" X 12 1/4". Thanks

[@JakeSpeed1000]

Ii use packing tape like you did but I'm going to try a silicone non-stick baking mat next time.

[@dpmakestuff]

+Scott Clark The packing tape works great, but the easiest is wax paper. Let me know how the baking mat works. Thanks for watching

[@harwellshoneyhive4712]

What is the purpose of the through bolts sticking up above the bracing sides? Just didn't cut them off or do they serve a function? Curious.

[@wurly164]

I know you posted this question two years ago, but the reason for the through bolts on this jig, is to catch your hand on it and rip it open so you bleed on your project...I know it’s going to happen to me

[@BRETTVARG]

To add strength for sheering. When he is tightening the bolts on one side the sheer load is very high so this will reduce the stess on the wood near the glue Joints because the wood now can brace against the bolts rather then trying to pull itself with the glue joint and inevitably splitting right above the glue line.

[@butchmcbride6974]

Now that's far out and brilliant. Ty

[@waderue]

its a great idea , but i would space the bolt more apart , i dont think they have to be that close

[@dpmakestuff]

if less is more just think how much more more is! Thanks!

[@greglebeau9477]

MR. Penner, what are the distance between the holes for the tread nuts and on top ?

[@larrybrassard6914]

What are the threaded plugs called? Are the rails made out of spruce 2x or is it hardwood?

[@dpmakestuff]

All details are in the description.

[@hassleoffa]

LOVE this jig.

[@amandarogers1919]

Might be a really stupid question, but what is the gold colored tool you are running over the 2x2 in the beginning of the video?

[@kenleppek2351]

Nice idea!

[@adrianwaisfeldtennis]

Love it! thanks for sharing!

[@marcusviniciusdeoliveira8269]

Simples e prático . Parabéns !!!

[@truebluekit]

Thank you. But what's the purpose of the vertical bolts?

[@dpmakestuff]

To hold the three pieces of wood together.

[@truebluekit]

Dustin Penner Thank you.

[@TornTech1]

+Dustin Penner if you undid them bolts, you could use the vertical bolts with a thick bit of steel for downwards clamping pressure?

[@comette4u]

+Dustin Penner Hi I'm a newbie subscriber. Can you direct me to a video link showing how you use the top bolts? Thanks!

[@dpmakestuff]

+Christine Taylor the top bolts do do anything to help clamping. They keep the clamp from blowing apart while it exerts the clamping force.

[@sajidullah]

wow ...nice jig

[@haticeart696]

Karıncalar gibi çalıştın aferin :-)

[@joebelin5383]

The 3/4 " MDF should be within .005". If it is A grade... .010" if shop grade. 🛠. I work at a mdf plant. Cool jig bro

[@signalsoldier]

KZbin came through with the best video suggestions ever!

[@jimhester2004]

Nice, Dustin. Just the thing for a full size chess table I'm planning. Thanks.

[@dpmakestuff]

Awesome! Thanks!