How to make a simple carpenters clamp

[@HighWealder]

Great. Several other designs for making clamps in the book 'The Resourceful Woodworker ' by Robert Wearing 1991.

[@ranjitfernando5241]

Thank you so much Peter. You were the only person I found to explain the whole works step by step as far as possible with dimensions. Dimensions are very important. Thank you once again

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Many thanks for this. Cheers. Peter

[@Itsnotmethistime]

Very much appreciated, Peter. I enjoyed the clarity and pacing of your description. These clamps cost about $40+ here in Canada so I think I'll have a go at making at least one for holding oddly-shaped parts when drilling, etc. Subscribed.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Super.

[@hugostare8695]

Charming old-school British style tutorial, makes a pleasant change, Thanks Peter, subscribed!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Hugo, Welcome and many thanks. Peter

[@peterpe5851]

@@NewBritWorkshop same here

[@DRJMF1]

Great work, thanks for sharing, another significant cost saving. These clamps get held down flat on your bench using bench dogs to secure wood when chiselling mortises etc. very useful. Maybe you can show us how to make sash window clamps which are expensive too.

[@qwasqwe]

You should have your own TV show Peter. Great enthusiasm, technical detail and humour. What an inspirational chap.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Simon, You are very kind and have made my day. Cheers. Peter

[@markfinney8783]

Hear hear!

[@ceeF4]

As an apprentice (20 years ago 😔) I found men in cow gowns always to be informative....my theory is still relevant today! Great video 👍

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Interesting ! Peter

[@andyfarmer759]

Thanks Peter, these are much easier to make than the ones in plans that I have. They are quite time consuming and won't work any better than yours.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Andy, Many thanks. Peter

[@itzmeagain8011]

Great video Peter and a good project for a novice like me with few clamps! Thanks again for your efforts.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Anytime. Cheers. Peter

[@hanzon1529]

Very good presentation as usual from Peter. Many thanks.

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic! Thank you very much, I'm going to make some! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Thank you! You too! Cheers. Peter

[@rudolfpeters367]

Jetzt habe ich verstanden, wie solche Klemmen funktionieren. Habe schon mal eine gebaut, die aber nicht richtig funktioniert. Mal sehen, ob ich die nach dem Muster retten kann. Danke für das Video - Rudi

[@fredrik.larsen]

Thank you for sharing! I really appreciate your humble attitude. Love from Norway

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Thank you. Peter

[@xoncention3265]

Another nice video - explained well. You can also make your own cross dowels to fit whatever thickness material you need if unable to locate a local source. Booker rod is always available in different thread types and pitches, so you can gain a differing level of torque options by choosing different threads. Another option would be to fill the cross dowel holes with a contrasting timber and make this a feature. You can make a clamp with a very deep clamping surface using the counter screw engineered clamp design you have just outlined.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Some excellent suggestions. Thank you. Peter

[@ronh9384]

Thanks for the video Peter. Another good one. I just finished your e-book "Stone Message" from Amazon. A very good read my friend. I was up until 5 a.m. because I couldn't put it down! If I had stumbled upon it on Amazon and did not know you wrote it I would definitely have said that parts of it sounded just like Peter as your voice came through it in a few paragraphs. Those sections read as if you were reading it to me. Well done.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Ron, I am so pleased that you enjoyed the book. I get a lot of people trying to encourage me to write more but I would have to stop doing the KZbin work then. Cheers. Peter

[@ronh9384]

Hi Peter. As much as I enjoyed the book, I enjoy the videos more. Please stick with the video's " He said begrudgingly " hahaha

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Will do for now ! Peter

[@eggster71]

Nice, well thought out video. Thanks!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Glad you liked it!

[@ianrose2823]

Clever Peter! Nice work .Enjoy your videos here in NB Canada.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Ian, Many thanks. Peter

[@billfromelma]

Hey Peter, very clear build. Great job!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Bill, Thank you. Peter

[@nunoandre4964]

Luckly come to your video, very well explained all the details, very few coment all the details like a professor :) Thk you for sharing

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@drewscreen]

This type of clamp is unparalleled for holding round or odd-shaped items securely in the drill press, or for holding small items securely for operations that normally would require holding your fingers too close to whirling blades, or belts.

[@CasualDIY]

And that's exactly what I need in my shop! Thank you for your video:)

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Glad to help. Cheers. Peter

[@tombabington2823]

Nice job on the hand screw clamps, Peter! Is the wood you used ash? Also, I’ve admired your Leigh D4 dovetail jig storage box/stand! Are there plans available for that very practical piece? Thanks!

[@alwoolhouse6255]

Perfect instruction for me - just about to make some of these. Thank you Peter.

[@TheBikerDodge]

Great vid. Clear instructions. Subscribed

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Rodger, You are very kind. Cheers. Peter

[@hai99noi]

Very nice presentation and workmanship. Thank you for sharing your work.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Hai, Cheers. Peter

[@TheSchummie]

Hello Peter, thank you very much for the video about the clamp, it's easier to make than I thought. It's allways a great day for me when you have a new video, yes my life is not that exciting :-)

[@NewBritWorkshop]

You need to start a project and think about nothing else until it is complete. Then, spend some time trying to work out how you would do it better the next time. When that is done, start a new project and do not give yourself the time to think about yourself or the difficulties that life has thrown at you. Cheers. Peter

[@HenSchum]

Sorry Peter, because off my illness/handicap I can't woodwork any more, I lie 95% off the day on bed, because off the severe pain I have, despite all the pain medication (f.e. Morpfine) . But I keep hoping for a wonder.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Hen, I did not realise that things had progressed the way that you describe. I know how awful it is to be on morphine for any length of time as the side effects are not good. I will think of you as I do my videos and try and get something out there for you very soon. Peter

[@1PoodleKing1]

I dont understand what the smooth barrel nuts do. The clamp should be able to operate quite well with just the locking nuts right?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

No, You need them. Peter

[@LittlePetieWheat]

Thank you for naming "dowel barrel nuts"

[@genardusfaberus6514]

Very good explanation, thank you.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@georgedennis2719]

New tothe channel for this great video. What I'd really like to know is where to get the very handy shop coat. I hate aprons.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi George, It came from a UK farmers' store called Mole Valley Farmers. Cheers. Peter

[@nikcrocker6380]

Absolutely bloody fantastic educator; clear concise and digestible. T H A N K Y O U

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Nik, You are very kind. Cheers. Peter

[@GNU_Linux_for_good]

06:36 Do you have a video about that _kliklamp vise_ Peter?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Sorry, no.

[@GNU_Linux_for_good]

@@NewBritWorkshop _alright.. thanks_

[@mjjayful]

Great instructional video, thanks. Liked & subscribed!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Michael, Brilliant. Peter

[@cheesegrater2018]

Hello Peter, can you show us a close up of your rod and nuts? I just want to compare against my own. Thanks!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

I am unable to do that without making a new video. The rod is stainless steel (A4) 8 mm threaded and the nuts are Nyloc 8 mm stainless steel. Peter

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Yes, a tricky one ! Peter

[@cheesegrater2018]

I'm glad someone got the joke! .. I guess I didn't make it obvious enough :P

[@NewBritWorkshop]

I had to take the safe approach - there must be another channel which may help you ! It is good to have a bit of a laugh now and then. Cheers. Peter

[@brightnuertey1451]

Thank you sir I like your Tortorella and i want more update from you

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Cheers. Peter

[@MrCpolzin]

What a lovely video,thanks mate

[@MINGLE2008]

Very detailed video. I enjoy watching. Only suggestion the size of the clamp.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Christopher, Thank you - what about the size? Peter

[@sparkfishes]

But where do you get the wood from?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi James, Just "Google" timber merchants or wood suppliers and see what comes up in your area. A company near Frome in Somerset called Timbersource will take internet orders ad deliver anywhere in mainland UK. Many builders' merchants stock a variety of hard woods as well as sheet materials. Peter

[@BDM_PT]

Hi there from Portugal, Nice :D Obrigado(Thanks)

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Cheers. Peter

[@MultiWarrior63]

Thanks Peter, great video buddy

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Ken, One day the chap who asked me to do this will tell me who he is ! Cheers. Peter

[@martylawrence1092]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't you have to screw to the left (ie in reverse) to tighten your clamps? this would feel unnatural. I think you would want your fixed nuts at the handle end of the threaded rod.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Marty, You are probably right. I must say that I am not a fan of this type of clamp and only made the one in the video to show people that clamps can be home made. Cheers. Peter

[@markfinney8783]

Hi Peter, very much enjoy your videos, so thank you! If you don't mind answering a couple of questions, what wood did you use for this and where do you buy it generally? I have a difficult time sourcing decent timber in the South West for a reasonable price.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Mark, In my Workshop Notes #10 video I tell everyone about Timbersource who now do the most competitive online service in the UK. Unlike other outfits they will send just a single piece of wood if required and this really suits me as I am a long way from them. The wood is ash. Peter

[@markfinney8783]

Thanks for this, I will check the video out and their website! Brilliant.

[@matshallsten19]

Hi. What is the dimension of these clamps? 🇸🇪

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Mats, You can make them any size you like. Peter

[@richardhawkins2647]

Hi Peter, that really helpful, exactly what I want to make. Could you give the dimensions you used please. They look like ideal proportions for what I want to make. Thank you.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Richard, I am away from the workshop but each half of the body is about 240 mm x 40 mm x 50 mm. Peter

[@richardhawkins2647]

@@NewBritWorkshop Thank you Peter. That helps. Take care.

[@rodw]

I enjoyed your video Thank You

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Rodney, Many thanks. Peter

[@nestorshahaf6788]

great job What is the clamp size, total length? Is there a connection with thread rod size?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Nestor, It is about 240 mm long and the rod is 8 mm. I would not go any small for the rod size for a clamp of this size. Cheers. Peter

[@nestorshahaf6788]

thanks peter

[@eversleyowl]

Another nice video Peter! One, no doubt dumb, question if I may. What purpose are the two dowel nuts that you drill out performing?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

They are held in place on the threaded bar by the two nuts on either side. That way they anchor the end of the 8 mm bar in the (respective) wooden clamp block. Peter

[@eversleyowl]

OK, understood Peter. But if you did not drill the perpendicular 12mm hole for the barrel nut could you just drill an 8mm hole through the jaw with a 15mm and 18mm recess at the respective ends? Then the two nuts would lock against the wood?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

The problem then is that the stress will damage the wood. The barrel nut spreads the load and stops the wood from splitting. Peter

[@eversleyowl]

OK, again makes perfect sense. Having now seen how inexpensive they are seems no point in not using them. Thanks again for the video and being so helpful in responding to comments. I hope one day to bump into you so I can thank you in person.

[@michaelrafa100]

These aren't exactly like the Jorgensen clamp. The original uses both left and right hand threads and dowel rods. There are clamp kits available with the correct hardware but the cost is nearly the same as buying a pre-made clamp.

[@lorettacrabtree7816]

Very useful 😊

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@neilsumner1929]

Great video Peter, I've been thinking about making some of those clamps for a while. Now I have a full 'how to' video to follow. Can I ask what you think of the Zyclops ratchet. Is it as useful as they appear? Can it perform as a ratchet and screwdriver as well as the individual tools it replaces. Or is it a bit clumsy at both operations? Thanks -Neil

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Neil, I use the Zyclops quite a lot and it works really well. Obviously it is a "Jack of all trades" and so there are some compromises when used as a screwdriver. However, having everything in one pouch is very useful. Peter

[@Jimwho77]

Great informative video as usual. Easy to follow. Was that a new Festool sander or an RTS 400 with a special should on it? Looked like a special dust collector attachment.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Jim, It was a standard RTS 400 with the supplied protector. The dust collection is standard as well. I now have TWO go to sanders, the ETS EC 150/3 and the RTS 400. Cheers. Peter

[@Jimwho77]

New Brit Workshop Thanks Peter. I don't think we received them in the US. Mine is about 3 - 4 years old and I use it all the time on smaller projects. I to have the 150/3 and it's my go to sander.

[@profifox2168]

Hi. thank you for video. I Have followed it and clamps don't work as those clamps are supposed to. problem is with the design you have used, in case you have 2 same direction rods (not opposite) you have to have threaded dowel bold of both rods on the same clamp and not opposite as you have shown. If you build it as shown, using this clamp is cumbersome and you can't operate them as one should (easy parallel closing and opening). I have fixed mine and they work as expected but it is something that could have been mentioned in video.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Yes, there are many designs for these and some are better than others as you have discovered. The great thing is that you have used your initiative and found the design that suits your needs. Well done. Peter

[@mrthoth9239]

Hi Peter, As always, a great and well presented video! I have what is probably a stupid question: I notice that other hand screw designs eg Jorgensen have the barrel nuts mounted offset from the centreline of each jaw - is there a technical reason for this, or is it just style? The clamps I built from your design work perfectly so I am just curious!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

I did not know that and do not know why. Cheers, Peter

[@mick1gallagher]

That should be obvious more meat in front of the dowel nut fo strenth

[@harrymason1053]

Just use ordinary nuts and some gorilla glue. Save some money. No need for nylon stops on the nuts.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Thanks Harry. Peter

[@vonhier]

Hello Peter, thank you for this video. I watched an old shipwright on YT a few days ago. These guys have wooden clamps which are no longer available today. (kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6mqaqxnrs2dY9U - in the video at 13:51 min) The idea is to have a clamp like yours but double-sided so that pressure is archived by just one nice rod and the opposing end of the clamp. Now I will follow your instructions to make some double sided clamps for my amateur boat workshop. Very helpful. Greetings from Germany U.K.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Ulrich, Many thanks for this. Peter

[@24revealer]

Hi Peter, Here is a great link to instructions on the Shop Fox clamps with measurements: pics.woodstockint.com/manuals/d3016_m.pdf