How to clamp wood without any clamps !

Updates on / suj.menon
This is a guide on how I clamped 10 straight 2x4's into a table top. The method involves laying the 2x4's flat on a sacrificial fence, and applying even but constant pressure horizontally (to join them) and vertically (to prevent bowing/cupping), all using 2x4's itself. These clamps later form part of the table legs ! so there is no wastage at all. The idea is not original, but recommended to me by fellow members of the Woodworking UK Facebook page. Let me know what you guys think !
Music credits:
MBB - Coconuts (Vlog No Copyright Music)
#woodworking #jig #tips #hack

[@SujMenon]

*Dining table build* (the tops that were glued up in this video): kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4mtiGBmpaier9E

[@mmonroeapbi]

Excellent video. I was getting so sick of seeing guys use $20k worth of equipment to make an $80 work bench

[@bearpitrock]

Same!

[@zhifangwang1367]

So true!

[@KBQuick81]

Right! Spent $500 in tools and supplies to make a “$100” wood closet unit.

[@leonardorojas1781]

$20k in equipment is not a must. I have like $10k in equipment though. Ha

[@d.g.d7894]

Same here I think this is more me

[@Sloanmatthews]

I love this guy..making a table in a closet, no fancy tools, lights, tables…just wood, glue and a drill

[@SujMenon]

haha.. thanks pal 👍😄

[@thegoldentb7596]

Dude... This is so smart and creative! Thank you for the idea. I was getting tired of all the guys on YT building tables for "under 100 bucks" with 50k worth of equipment.

[@SujMenon]

haha, thanks, glad I could help!

[@scottbrown8418]

Thanks! I’m about to glue up a workbench top, and don’t have 1000 clamps like most videos show. Excellent.

[@SujMenon]

Glad it was useful 👍. Thanks 😊

[@rosecooper3391]

Genius solution, and it seems more customizable than standard bar clamps. Thank you so much for your video!

[@SujMenon]

Indeed, it is. Thanks for the comment 😊

[@TylerLarbes]

Great Video!! I've used wood to clamp/press before. But I've never seen that trick with the angle cut blocks. That's exactly the sort of thing that will REALLY help people who come across your video. THANKS!!!

[@SujMenon]

Hey, thanks for the great comment 👍 😀

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Late to the party but better late then never. Found this randomly while looking at making a dining bench. This was great to the point video, loved it

[@SujMenon]

haha, thanks Harki. I was searching for similar videos while making my dining table, so felt it may be useful as a stand-alone instructional video. Yes, this video is quite popular with 67k views, but the fun fact is that the actual dining table build has only 7k views, haha :) thanks for watching buddy 👍

[@cnorris5474]

GENIUS! I have been hating the idea of buying hundreds of dollars forth of clap for jointing boards. Thank you for the video!

[@SujMenon]

glad it was useful. thanks for watching :)

[@Goonabasec7]

awsome job love it. I will be using this. I laughed when you said 4x2 my brain.exe stopped working.

[@grievouserror]

Problem-solving at it's finest, I love it! I'm hoping to build a couple of introductory projects with laminated tops, but I'm operating on a (very frayed) shoestring budget. While I can get cheap sash clamps and tweak them (per Paul Sellers' recommendations), needing 8-10 of them means I still need over $100 just for even the cheapest clamps. Money I can't afford to dump into clamps. However, I do have enough scrap wood around to make this work. An elegant and effective solution, thank you.

[@SujMenon]

Completely agree 100%. That was exactly my thought process as well. 👍😀

[@ronhope3970]

Nice one Suj, good to see someone doing it the old school way. this is just how I built my first Welsh Dresser. Nice job.

[@SujMenon]

Yes, the old school way still works :). Thanks for watching. 😀

[@erefafir6760]

I've had the chance to use this table a couple of times now. It's fun to whip out in front of people:) I can see what people are talking about when they say the legs are delicate, but they're design to support a "mostly" vertical load, not be torqued from the side or pushed back into place. If you just let the table open or close on it's own and don't force anything, it works great kzbin.infoUgkxyFZUPFEey-PuqsPMxqaykBhgA1LWxFHh Once it's set up, it's pretty solid. My only gripe would probably be related to the clamps provided. They're not the highest quality. They do the job, so no big deal, but they could be better. All in all, pretty cool gadget.

[@someiya]

Wow, it's really help for a beginner like me who doesn't have much money . Thank you

[@i45on]

Well done! Looks great. Going to use this technique.

[@FX_productions]

Well done mate, great job. This is how I do my woodworking projects, I encounter a problem, have a think and look for a non purchase solution. It's fun and makes the end result that much more satisfying. Having every tool in existence in your shop (like many on You Tube) must surely take some of the satisfaction out of making stuff "yourself" if the solution to a problem is just picking up a tool or tools you already have.

[@SujMenon]

Thanks for the comment 😁👍

[@allenwc]

10/10, and it's a system that scales easily to any size lamination.

[@scottwatson6053]

I am making an 8ft X 4ft Barn Door out of 2 by 8s this weekend, this is exactly what I'm going to do. Thank you

[@SujMenon]

Thanks Scott. Glad it was useful 👍

[@stuartosborne6263]

And that’s how I can save over £300 on clamps. First class, thankyou for sharing.

[@SujMenon]

Thanks mate 👍 😀. Yes works perfect.

[@visual28]

Great video! The wedges were genius. I am going to try your technique for a desk top.

[@SujMenon]

Thanks 😊. Good luck with your build 👍

[@annisettelefluer801]

Wow this was fantastic!! So impressed! Brilliant!

[@kfbejoyable]

Great Video...I was wondering why no one is showing this age old technique on youtube.Ive seen carpenters in my village (Kerala) using this method...Great job...looks like you are an Aldi man ..Iam a LIDLer.

[@SujMenon]

Thanks Bejoy 👍. Good to see a mallu friend, haha. Yes, got a few Aldi tools, as we can buy it online. LIDL doesn't allow it (not sure if it does it now), and hence missed out out on all the Parkside tools.

[@Atelierul]

Best woodworking video I've seen in a while 👏👏

[@SujMenon]

Haha.. cheers buddy 👍

[@mlfsup]

Nice work!! Thanks for the hint. I sure agree with the sentiment below about spending a lot of money for equipment you won't use often

[@topherswoodshop1482]

Great video and can’t wait to make my dining table using this method.

[@SujMenon]

Awesome! Thank you! 😄

[@curtisj6868]

The clamp idea is amazing

[@chiefamongus]

truly useful information! I've never even considered this. I will have to use this technique very soon. Thank you for sharing this.

[@SujMenon]

Cheers Nick 👍😁

[@lawnboyfreak]

What a great concept!

[@neilvirgo426]

Excellent video. I like the idea about boards across the top to stop them lifting too. Thanks for making this.

[@neilvirgo426]

@@SujMenon no problem. I have just built mine now and the boards are gluing. They are held rock solid.

[@denisewheldon3471]

Very simple but cleaver solution, I have the exact same problem on a smaller scale and you have just solved it for me, thanks Deni 🙂 P.s subbed

[@SujMenon]

Glad it helped, and thanks a lot for the support 👍

[@collinleblanc2562]

Good job Suj!

[@collinleblanc2562]

Thanks for a great solution!!!

[@SujMenon]

Thank you! 😁

[@Mrfiveducks]

Thank you for your contribution. Love it a lot!

[@SujMenon]

thanks buddy :)

[@Solexcruiser]

This is an ancient method. I think it is still used in wooden boat building.

[@MakeThings]

I’m so glad you put those 2x4’s over the top, I was afraid you were going to have a buckle in the middle. Great idea, that came out fantastic!

[@TakamiWoodshop]

I'm #second

[@TakamiWoodshop]

@@SujMenon 🤘

[@Miguel_A_S]

I also don't have clamps and was thinking if somthing like that would work. And you proved it does.. thanks I will definitely do now for sure

[@SujMenon]

Yes it works. Thanks for watching mate👍😁

[@rodneynaidoo9427]

excellent job. I am always learning.

[@garethgannon3754]

This is great 👍 love it . I'm saving this one for sure .

[@SujMenon]

Thanks pal 👍

[@cassiejo0012]

OMG. Very very smart . Thank you for this video. Exactly what I was looking for. Awesome job!

[@SujMenon]

Thank you so much, 👍😁

[@attilakovacs5803]

Using wedges is an old trick in guitarmaking, too. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience!👍

[@SujMenon]

Thank you for the comment 😊

[@davidclark9086]

Good job. I use a very similar system. Thabnksibg for posting.

[@michelcobetto288]

Great solution, thank you for sharing this !

[@SujMenon]

Thanks Michel 😊 👍

[@firemenonbikes]

Wooden wedges are one of the most handy things you can have in your workshop. Always have a good stock on hand. Great vid, and if this is the only time you will need to clamp something big then go for it. Otherwise get yourself 4 to 8 large sash clamps, pick up some used ones and they don't have to be expensive brand ones at that.

[@SujMenon]

Cheers buddy 👍. Indeed, I have bought a few bigger clamps since the video 😁

[@arreola961]

I like this way more than useing clamps! So smart!

[@XxIcedecknightxX]

This was a good idea, now that 2x4x8 are almost 8$ where I live, you are much better off buying some bar clamps from the store and buying the pipe length you need.

[@Cristi.C.B]

Absolutely great idea.

[@AB-C1]

Great video mate! Cheers from London England 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@SujMenon]

Thanks bud 👍

[@Dinomannenx360]

great video will definetly utilise this technique when i'm making my new table

[@SujMenon]

cheers buddy. good luck with your build

[@macplastering]

Great video dude

[@dominictarrsailing]

very nice technique thank you for making this video!

[@SujMenon]

Thank you! Cheers! 👍😁

[@HepauDK]

I recently built a workbench table top out of 1 1/2" strips of 13/16" formwork plywood, that I planed the hard brown surface off of (to make the glue stick). When done, it had quite a lot of bow in it, probably due to inacuracies, I don't have access to a jointer, and the fact that there were large fluctuations in the temperature and humidity in my garage during the glueing and laquerring process. I got around that problem by bolting 3 2x4 crossmembers to the underside with 5" countersunk carriage bolts. Those crossmembers also function as a part of the frame.

[@mykolashatkovskyi8817]

Great trip, thanks

[@sifergy8412]

Brilliant job dude simple and easy looking

[@SujMenon]

Thanks mate 👍

[@welovemarbles7191]

It is amazing how simple some things can be

[@SujMenon]

Thanks mate 👍 😀

[@Birdman953]

There is an old saying in woodwork. “A man can never have too many clamps!” I have a range of sash clamps that I have acquired over the years, all used and second hand, therefore cheap. Sash clamps are very useful for clamping m&t jointed sections of a project. Sash clamps are normally used in pairs, or multiple pairs . Joining two sash clamps together will give you many width options. I also am fortunate to have like minded buddies who also have sash clamps. We borrow and lend as needed from time to time. With respect, you basically built another table making your clamping layout. Got the job done though! 👍👌

[@tmills4653]

"Without clamps" then first tool I see is a clamp 😄.. Great one mate, keep up the good work👍🏻

[@SujMenon]

Haha.. thanks mate 👍 🤣

[@massimob7429]

Brilliant . iw will try this

[@smashmcg]

Wicked idea!

[@chrismarin2413]

Been working on an entertainment center and have waited for two or three months to actually finish it because I was scared to wasted the curly maple I bought for the main boards. Thanks man great video

[@SujMenon]

Thanks Chris. Good luck with your build 👍😁

[@lindaburt6518]

Brilliant.

[@khalidhussain2894]

excellent work

[@russelllavin1278]

Great idea.

[@curtisjohnson944]

Nice job man.

[@AndrewDixon2902]

Excellent idea, thanks

[@SujMenon]

Thanks 😊

[@Stupotskitron]

Great job mate …very helpful

[@SujMenon]

Thanks 😁👍

[@quicksite]

nice work !!

[@SujMenon]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@steenandersen2580]

Well done, thanks for the inspiration, from Sweden ⭐⭐⭐

[@SujMenon]

Glad it was useful, thanks 😊

[@levijohansen2603]

Brilliant!

[@SujMenon]

Thanks mate 👍😁

[@dominicsianot2470]

I love this!

[@SujMenon]

thanks bud 👍

[@michaelawise48]

Genius !

[@petertsalavoutas3995]

Fantastic

[@dangervich]

Nice speed. I have another glue-up project (very different from this) but you gave me a clue

[@SujMenon]

Thanks 👍 glad it was helpful

[@elmersabate2144]

Excellent work

[@SujMenon]

Many thanks

[@RJ-sr5dv]

Nice, well done

[@SujMenon]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@justice007willprevail]

Genius, top job brother

[@SujMenon]

Thank you kindly

[@barryparks9410]

Nice job

[@sebastian.k390]

You just saved me 600$. Thanks mate awesome video!

[@SujMenon]

Yaay! 😁

[@jos25582]

Awesome video. Saving on a bunch of 60$ clamps

[@SujMenon]

Thanks 👍

[@fernandoalfonso9984]

The method is perfect is a creative way to joint wood

[@SujMenon]

Thanks 😁👍

[@haroldrull4943]

Good I like it.

[@stsopoe1957]

This is a very cool idea..quite brillant..

[@SujMenon]

Thanks buddy

[@crazyfly5505]

Brilliant 👍 subscribed.

[@SujMenon]

cheers bud. thanks. 👍

[@robertgayle4079]

Great idea, and awesome table. what is your technique to cut the dowel holes in the correct position of each piece of timber?

[@SujMenon]

Haha, tbh it was an experiment that worked. It's there are at 2:10 region in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4mtiGBmpaier9E

[@whyismyeyetwitching]

Brilliant! i’m about to go build a table.

[@SujMenon]

Go for it! 👍😁

[@owenmorris2175]

Nice 👌.... in Canada 🇨🇦 the lumber alone to build this is around $150.... pipe clamps are cheap but the steel would cost $150....using wood to clamp is genius but still costs money 💰

[@SujMenon]

Mine was a temporary setup. It only cost me couple of 2x4's and that was around £6 at that time. Other than the 2 side rails (which the router bites in while flattening), all of them were reused back in that dining table build. And the side rails were ripped to 1x2's and reused as well in the next project. Those 2 videos are also there in the channel.

[@pawjeppesen-ifttttricks605]

Great. Just What i need. One question though. How do you make the holes even , for the dowels?

[@SujMenon]

I used a few different methods. Its here in the other video at this time frame: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4mtiGBmpaier9Em06s

[@brewsnoop]

Well done, adjust and improvise.

[@sandeepkain9811]

Very nice

[@SujMenon]

Thanks Sandeep 👍

[@ezurales]

Quick question for you: what do you recommend for the top bracing if my glue up is thinner than 2"? I'm working with a 3/4" wood.

[@SujMenon]

On the top, you can use any size thickness. It doesn't really matter. You could use spare 2x4's , or even 3/4's as long as its ripped on the side. It just needs to have some downwards pressure. So any bowed 2x4 would infact be better, with the middle of the curved bowside facing to the middle of work piece.

[@NeanderthalDogma]

I knew there was a genius out there who thought of something

[@SujMenon]

Haha, thanks 😊

[@dreamerxxxc]

love it simple

[@SujMenon]

Thanks mate 👍

[@TakamiWoodshop]

Nice work mate - clever technique with the wedges. Why did you chisel that one dowel? My next vid is also router sled flattening - on Saturday - hey why'd you build a dining table when you could have used those 4 x 2's to make a much more useful solid workbench?

[@TakamiWoodshop]

@@SujMenon 👍 (goes aways and googles Ollari Model)

[@TakamiWoodshop]

@@SujMenon Ahh I see - yeah mine's the same as Ollari's pretty much - except mine took twice as long - 10 mins 20 seconds whereas his is really quick at 4:45. Also his worked better - mine required quite a bit of tidy up afterwards - but I think part of that is just the nature of flattening end grain plywood.

[@TakamiWoodshop]

@@SujMenon Ollari's channel looks pretty cool.

[@Kevin.l888]

If I have 8mm dowels what size drill bit do I need? The 8mm drill bit makes the hole I feel a little too loose?

[@SujMenon]

That's probably because of the bit wobble (either the bit itself on the drill, or slight movement of the hand while drilling). Try 7mm or even 6 mm on a test piece first. If its too tight, cut the dowel ends like wedges

[@R2d2koko]

I like i like .... U r awesome 👍🏼

[@janeskey5406]

You clever man!

[@SujMenon]

haha.. thanks a lot 👍 😀

[@MrMsharma234]

Great mind

[@SujMenon]

Haha.. 😁

[@MrErViLi]

I drill holes through the boards and then use threaded rod and nuts sub mounted on the ends and the hide with dowels.

[@SujMenon]

thanks, that's a great idea as well

[@peethreeorion]

Not so much "how to clamp wood without clamps" as it is "how to build and use a set of wedge clamps." But nicely done, just the same.

[@willymartinezjr269]

Imagine the mayans saying, "Ahhhh fuk, we don't have clamps. We can't get this done."

[@SujMenon]

Haha 😁👍

[@obiecastro2482]

Hello very good very beautiful work finish,,,i learned so much,,,,,what is your country ?

[@SujMenon]

Thanks Obie 👍 😁. From UK

[@obiecastro2482]

Thank you and more power on your vlog,,,,,more please

[@BADALICE]

That's very cool. Right on. Using your brain. Nice.

[@SujMenon]

Thank you.. though its not my original idea, haha.. 😁