Making Cams and Cam Clamps

If you need a lot of clamping power, making your own cam clamps is an inexpensive way to go. Nick explains how to design a cam that will not slip under pressure, and walks you step by step through the construction of four clamps, each with a different bar, wood and metal, round and rectangular. This allows you to choose among several options for high strength, low cost, and ease of construction.
We offer a digital project plan for these clamps, including detailed instructions, FULL SIZE templates and patterns for the jaws and cams, an in-depth tutorial explaining how to design your own no-slip cams, and detailed drawings with both Imperial/English and metric dimensions. You can find it in the Workshop Companion General Store at workshopcompan... .
To see all of our videos and SUBSCRIBE for more, see: / @workshopcompanion .
And please visit the WORKSHOP COMPANION GENERAL STORE where we offer a wide selection of Nick's BOOKS and PROJECT PLANS in digital format: workshopcompan... . All our plans feature both English/Imperial and metric measurements. And you can pick up one of Nick’s books FREE just for visiting!
To follow us on social media, try:
FACEBOOK - / workshopcompanion .
INSTAGRAM - / workshop_companion
For our non-English-speaking viewers: Closed captions can be set to any language. Click on “CC” (Closed Captions) at the bottom of the screen to turn them on. Click on the gear (Settings) and a menu appears. Click on “Subtitles/CC” and another menu will appear. Click on “Auto Translate” and a menu of languages will appear. Click on the language you want for the closed captions and you will be returned to the video -- closed captions will appear in the language you have chosen. If these captions cover up some of the action, place the cursor over the captions, press and hold the left mouse button, then drag the captions to where you want them on your screen. Release the mouse button and they’ll stay there.
Para nuestros espectadores que no hablan inglés: los subtítulos se pueden configurar en cualquier idioma. Haga clic en "CC" (Subtítulos) en la parte inferior de la pantalla para activarlos. Haga clic en el engranaje (Configuración) y aparecerá un menú. Haga clic en "Subtítulos/CC" y aparecerá otro menú. Haga clic en "Traducir automáticamente" y aparecerá un menú de idiomas. Haga clic en el idioma que desea para los subtítulos y volverá al video; los subtítulos aparecerán en el idioma que haya elegido. Si estos subtítulos cubren parte de la acción, coloque el cursor sobre los subtítulos, presione y mantenga presionado el botón izquierdo del mouse, luego arrastre los subtítulos a donde quiera que estén en su pantalla. Suelte los botones del mouse y permanecerán allí.
Our Music is Licensed through Epidemic Sounds - www.epidemicso...
And thank you so much for your time and interest!

[@GrantSR]

I love how every one of these videos is perfectly scripted and perfectly storyboarded. You know exactly what point you need to make. You figure out exactly what you need to do to communicate that point (speaking, demonstrating, or showing an animation). Then you weave them all smoothly together. Your videos are a masterclass in making ANY kind of educational video.

[@woodshopnerdery]

Agreed, 100%

[@WorkshopCompanion]

You should remember that I was a reasonably successful how-to author for 40 years, until the Internet convinced folks they didn't need to read anymore. Writing a good script is not all that different from writing a good magazine article. At it's heart, it's just telling a good story.

[@GrantSR]

@@WorkshopCompanion I didn't know that. I learned most of my woodworking by reading. (That's what you did when you were too poor for a table saw.) I did most of that learning in the space between 54 years ago and 30 years ago. So there is a chance that I have actually read some of your work. Though, a lot of the books that I learned from were written in the 40s and 50s. I'm a former technical writer, like you. But most of my professional stuff is for industrial use: internal software training, EPA documentation, painting ships, and such. But I eventually want to make KZbin videos as well. Mostly about using some of the obscure software that I like. Part of why I watch your videos is to pick up on your style, and decide which parts of your style I want to emulate. I don't think I will be adding a ring to a hammer so I can twirl it like a pistol. But it's cute when you do it.

[@jessec8562]

That’s exactly what I was thinking.

[@Mighty_Atheismo]

@@WorkshopCompanion Your books are the best Nick! I've had a bunch em on load for the library so many times! I love that I can just look up exactly what I need with no nonsense or wondering "does this guy know anything or does he just wanna shill for woodpecker and festool?" Downside of the books is your dog ain't in any of em.

[@TheMindanaoJournal]

This is the MOSTEST SIMPLIESTEST clamp I have ever seen on the tube. Mostest DOABLE too without those highend equipmentry normally being shown by mostly all vloggers. Thank you. You are now my IDOL.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@paulbarry1417]

I watch every single one of your videos, Nick. I wish I could have had you as a shop when I was in school. I would have begun my woodworking much earlier. Thank you as always!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome, and thank you for the kind words.

[@Michael-ix8fc]

so do I 💪🙂

[@LitoGeorge]

I just LOVE the tip on drawing those spirals. No more need to reprint multiple pages of Fibonacci spirals to fit the stock I have for the project. Also, the cams make incredible clamps on the worktable, or even bench hook with dog holes drilled into them. Glue a piece of sandpaper/rubber tube strip over the face and they act as planing stops, or all kinds of "vices" on top of the workbench. Thank you Mr Nick!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Good tip. A acquaintance of mine has round bench dog holes, and two of his dogs are cams. He just puts scraps of wood between the work and the cams to close the gaps as necessary..

[@TheAlchaemist]

Tip: For the bar you can use the extremely hard wooden sticks from regular sweeping brooms. They usually all come in the same diameter and in that way you can easily get very long clamps if needed.

[@HouseDoctorRay]

Thank you very much. I need a cam for something else. Your explanation is perfect.

[@shawnjacobs4111]

Thank you Professor Engler. I'm not a woodworker, but I thoroughly enjoy your videos.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@bbkobudo]

The cam explanation was super helpful, and explains why a previous cam build that I had done consistently failed. In retrospect (and with the explanation) it makes sense now.

[@wallter3643]

I enjoy watching your videos, Nick. You really have a talent for telling complex things in simple words. Thank you for your hard work.

[@awbonfanti]

i just notice the write "lasciate ogni speranza voi che entrate"...being italian, i appreciate a lot! thanks for all your suggestions and tricks explanaited! cheers

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Yep, those fourteenth-century Italian poets are always good for a chuckle.

[@TheBockenator]

Every time I watch one of your videos I glance at the view count and wonder what you did to make KZbin artificially limit your numbers. Great writing and content, Nick.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying.

[@rfrhoad]

Wow! I wish you were my shop teacher way back in the day! You have the ability to explain complicated things simply, which is a rare thing. Keep up the great work. Cheers!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying -- and cheers to you.

[@breakinn403]

Even people who don't work with wood enjoy your entertaining videos. And for those of use who do we get the added benefit of learning a new tip. Thanks for making them for us😉

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@pazmaniaoh6341]

I’m closing on 50 years old, and when I see a post from you I get filled with child like glee. Thanks for all you do!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@haroldnewton3135]

You do a fantastic job every time! Really a joy to watch!!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@Exodus5K]

Nick, you're running one of the best woodworking channels on KZbin. Well done sir.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@chris-C8]

I love this channel. It's one of the few woodworking channels that teach something without being a shill for x company.

[@johnford7847]

Thanks, Nick. I've been reading and now watching you provide useful information about woodworking for decades now. Always to the point and always useful.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Creeping up on five decades! Thanks for saying.

[@thefuryish]

I wish you was my teacher when I was at school. I would have learned so much more. I find your videos informative and engaging. Thank you.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@cyberwolf6667]

How great is that, I wish you would have made this video a few years ago. I’ll start making clamps this weekend before the holidays!! My father will love it. Thanks

[@fayz44awad]

thanks prof. u r great carpecher (carpentry teacher) 👌❤

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic, Nick! Thanks a bunch!!! 😃 There are LOTS of useful tips there! I'm definitely going to try it! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Same back at ya.

[@ArtHeld]

Once again your plans are the gold standard. Thank you!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome. And thanks for saying.

[@DannyZNINJA]

Thanks for the upload! Your channel introduced me to your books and it's been very eye opening and a good reminder of how much modern woodworking has shifted away fom the idea of being self sufficient and making as many tools, jigs as ones skills allow. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Professional woodworking still depends on tool-making skills. My crew built old-time aircraft and exhibits for aerospace museums for twenty years, and my barn is full of jigs, fixtures, and templates that we had to build for fabrication and assembly. Every professional woodworker I know has jigs and fixtures that they consider absolutely necessary for the types of products that they make. Once upon a time, apprenticed woodworkers made ALL of their tools as part of their apprenticeship. This changed with the industrial revolution, but it is still common -- and necessary -- to make unique tools to help build unique projects. Oftentimes, I put more effort into designing and making the jigs for a project than I do the project itself!

[@ja34namsf09]

Delighted... you spun the cam clamp right at the end and I just beamed. Thanks for everything you teach us Nick! I can't wait to build these, I keep buying bessy clamps, and it's getting expensive. But I purchased a huge skid of hard maple off cuts from a local cabinetry company. I'm thinking I could make at least a thousand of these with all the wood scrap I have.

[@KayRoepke]

Your channel is still one of my favorites to watch. Kudos to both you and Travis (and Bella!)

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks much from all of us.

[@Alejandro1957]

This video is a great piece of knowledge and a perfectly executed film

[@hpayandah]

not woodworking companion, but wordowrking master. we appreciate your videos!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@colrodrick8784]

Thanks Nick. Been a while since I've wattched your videos, but definitely worth the time invested. I never seem to have enough clamps (ever), and I'm told that you need a few to build a boat. What a good opportunity to spend some money supporting someone who is doing good things and to grab some templates and plans to expand my clamp collection.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome, and thanks for the support.

[@Pyatigor4anin]

Отличная подача мастер,БРАВО!!!!!!!

[@fredio54]

So many little gems of knowledge in this video about a very simple tool. I've never even used a wooden cam lock style clamp in my life, but some of the tips apply to life more generally and even those which I already knew were a pleasure to hear again from you :-) it'd be neat to meet yiu some day. Fingers crossed.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for he kind words.

[@raydriver7300]

That was brilliant. You are an excellent teacher. As always, thank you for sharing 🌞

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@ntnguyen1]

this is exactly what i need. thank you so much

[@jvmorse]

I am thrilled when one of your presentations shows up. This one was right up there, can’t wait to try this on my own…

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying.

[@tatehogan5685]

I love the industrious approach you take to shop tools and jigs. Plus the way you teach is very easy to understand and most of the time there are valuable mini lessons hidden in with the main. Thank you for the content and I can't wait to get home from work so I can go to the shop and make a few of these! And I can't forget to thank Travis (?) For the video animation to help make each lesson easier to understand!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

I appreciate that you thought to thank Travis; he really is half the team. I'm just the guy in from=nt of the camera; it''s Travis that makes it all so watchable.

[@Dickie2702]

Sir, I salute you. You are as finer comunicator of fact and passion as you are a craftsman.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@marcbarash6045]

Another great learning video, Thanks Nick

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@StefanTarras]

I wish Nick was my grandpa.

[@BDL090754]

Just like the comments below, I really do enjoy watching and listening to how you explain and narrate your videos - Excellent stuff, Thank you.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@alexsafonov7270]

great stuff, I love it. thank you for this lesson 🙏🏽

[@TheTimutube]

What a lovely chap.great delivery and content.Tim in uk

[@24.k.g.f.97]

Right on brother thanks. Making my morning shop build up a relaxing process.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@kevinwelsh7490]

you should be on TV, excellent explanation and demonstration. very objective to the task and useful. I want to make some special purpose small cam clamps from polyethylene board stock for fishing kayak. This information will help tremendously.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for the kin words.

[@Florin8B]

This channel should have millions of subscribers :) in my opinion:) Great work!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@ИгорьЗакервашевич]

Life is good😊 Thanks😮

[@AB-C1]

Excellent video, tutorial and demonstration! Spot on! Cheers from London 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Cheers back from Ohio.

[@musicbymark]

All your videos are wonderful and enjoyable Nick!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying.

[@eldybellacetin8167]

Thank sir your videos are great and easy to follow

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@krenwregget7667]

great video, you can never have too many clamps.

[@fdort3971]

@WorkshopCompanion😊 thanks for the lesson

[@davehubbard4207]

Great idea. I will have to make some. Thanks.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@evanambeault5463]

I love this man

[@louisvictor3473]

Small tip for this type of glue up that creates a mortise/hole. Plug the cavity with a plug made of a rather hard foam or a very soft wood, either of them completely covered in packing tape. The glue squeese will either squees somewhere else, or form at least be really thin and smooth splotch(film around the hole. You can even apply glue there to intentionally create a uniform smooth film in the hole for things to slide easily through it.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Good tip. And let me add this: If you wax the foam or the plug, the glue can't stick to it and it will be easier to remove. Travis and I make it a point to clean up as much glue squeeze-out as we can before it cures, using water. For cavities such as this, I would usually reach in with a small brush to clean it, but your method works just as well..

[@alberttreado3713]

Excellent use of shopsmith equipment!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

And Cummins and Delta and Milwaukee and ... a whole cast of characters.

[@TediumGenius]

Great job! Love this project and options, and perfectly explained and documented, thanks for your work!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@jamesnurgle6368]

in the tubular clamp you could cut a little wedge instead of the screw tightening the cam end to the bar. if you make sure the clamping action pushes into the wedge. I'll probably cut the wedge so it's got a lip on the narrow end so the wedge can only come out of the contraption when you take the bar out. that way you slide it into place, push the wedge in with your thumb and then hit the cam instead of having to deal with a screw

[@a9ball1]

That was a great video. I'm going to start making my own clamps now.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Good luck.

[@johnschemm6682]

A table saw tip that I have not seen on any KZbin video. I put a stop on my cross cut sled to keep the sled from moving beyond the point where the fence reaches the highest point on the blade.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

A nice safety feature.

[@friendlypiranha774]

I REALLY like these clamps😄

[@RafaelRivera2013]

Awesome! What a great DYI project to take on! Love the presentation, great work!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying.

[@brucewelty7684]

Thanks. St. Nick

[@markirish7599]

Wonderful craftsman

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@laurentdartois6560]

Great job, thx

[@rickculpepper709]

Amazing stuff mr nick

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@frodeleirvik]

Excellent advice and excellently executed video!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@Karpe_Deem]

WOOOOOOOO NEW VIDEO That's great actually, I'm making my own wood clamps with threaded rods. this is great

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@robschaffer2189]

Thank you for your videos! This is a great idea and I'm starting on some right now. Off to the shop!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome, and good luck!

[@howler5000]

Thanks for the video!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@B_Van_Glorious]

Ever time Nick, I swear. In the moment, I never remember the name of your channel but I inevitably click on every new video entirely based on its topic, like this video, per se, in my subscription feed, on making cam locks, and I say to myself "oh hell yea, show me them cam lock ways" and open it and, every time, out my mouth comes, "oh shit, I love this guy's work". Everytime. Without fail. I've seen all your videos. So, my guy, I applaud your choice of video topics. And I'll do my best to try to remember your channels name better 😂 But if i had i wouldn't be able to give you this compliment either, lol.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

It doesn't look like you need to remember it -- the algorithm seems to have your number.

[@loubob21]

Would love to see a video of how you would assemble an RTA cabinet, especially those dove tail drawers.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

We will do a video on kitchen cabinetry and installation some time in the future, but I doubt it will copy a commercial design.

[@ErshErshovich]

Really impressive, thanks for the idea! But I'm a little bit concerned about the pressure these clamps provide and how durable they are (because it's just a 3mm splinter on the movable jaw that makes it work). So, it would be a perfect addition to the video if you compared this design and that from a market in terms of price, grip and quality of panels glued in both types of clamps. Thank you once again and sorry for my English😌

[@shawncaudill424]

Great video

[@Jpres]

Very cool thanks so much for this video!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@celso01s]

Was missing your videos! Always great information, thanks

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@woodstover]

Love all your videos.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Love ya back.

[@V081WLBlue]

Fantastic!

[@drsbrettsavage]

Brilliant!

[@iron_auclair]

Bro you're just the best

[@willd2609]

I LOVE YOUR DOG

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Me too.

[@norwich8588]

@@WorkshopCompanion Your doggie is developing a fetching patina. I too can be capricious when it comes to dimensions, at first this sounds hellish complicated, but that is not a bad thing and your precise narration is a spur to engage the grey matter and rise to the occasion , Well done Nick!

[@MistaBullas]

Love this guy

[@alexreid4131]

Absolutely brilliant!!!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@ron0126]

I’d like to see a video on that turtle step stool or plant stand or whatever it was.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

We thought that would catch someone's eye. It's an old, old design that Travis remanufactured as a favor for someone in his family. We captured the templates and may issue it as a project plan, if there's enough interest.

[@bamsebrumbamsebrumen5403]

Can't have too many clamps 😋

[@henryrossouw930]

Subscribed.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Welcome.

[@Sharp_Stone]

Gonna make myself these someday. I was wondering if it also doable with multiplex 🤔

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Have never built anything from multiplex, but I can't see why it wouldn't work.

[@GrantSR]

17:09 - When inserting the bar, one might also epoxy it in place to distribute the rotational stresses a little better, thus keeping it at 90° a little longer. Of course, this would make future disassembly more difficult.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Good point, but messy. And overkill for a clamp this size. The shear strength of two hardened 1/8" steel pins is 3,750 lbs. The jaws will collapse long before the pins do.

[@GrantSR]

@@WorkshopCompanion I'm thinking more about the pins compressing the wood than the pins themselves being compressed or bent. But, realistically, by the time that would is compressed, the rest of the clamp will probably be beat to hell and need to be rebuilt anyway. One could probably keep reusing those pins indefinitely.

[@geoffbrumpton8544]

Well clamp me to the table and call me Jed , another great video. 🤣

[@DIYenthusiastfreak]

Can you use a wooden dowel over the roll pin? Wondering if an all wood construction is possibe and still useful.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Sure. But a wooden pivot will not wear as well.

[@DIYenthusiastfreak]

Understood, your reply will save me a lot of frustration. Thank you.

[@CarlWinter-oy8uf]

Brilliant idea ----where is your templates ? Can I d\load em ? no ?

[@WorkshopCompanion]

workshopcompanionstore.com/products/cam-clamps-plan

[@magnusm4]

I will reinforce anything with either glue or more than one piece with dowels just to be sure. In case any uneven pressure somehow manages to scrape the two off of each other. I don't trust glue.

[@undoubtedcrow8010]

Are the plans PDF or hardcopy?

[@Sebastopolmark]

Hey Nick, I ordered the plans and they are easy to follow BUT, of course, I have a question about printing the plans full size (especially the cam) I tried full size 100%, actual size 100% and they still are small. Using an Epson printer if that makes a difference. Any suggestions from Nick or anyone and thanks! !! !!! Could not find any contact information on the website.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

I downloaded the plan from the store (to make sure I have the same one you do) and printed out page 13 (the cam template) on a Canon Pixma i6800. It came out a little small, but not so small it wouldn't have worked. I bumped the scaling factor to 104%, printed again, and got it right on the money. Different printers and different PDF reader apps print and display these files with slightly different sizes and distortions. Be sure to read page 14 where I explain how to deal with these discrepancies.

[@Sebastopolmark]

@@WorkshopCompanion GREAT thanks so much for the prompt reply CARPE DIEM! !! !!!

[@frankhill9527]

Do you offer on-site classes or workshops?

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Gawd no. Way too many codes to meet and inspectors to bribe to open this place to students.

[@nerimanaslanli9901]

👍

[@bwhite661]

He should sell raffle tickets where the lucky winner gets to spend a day in the shop with him building something.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Can I be eligible to win? I spend most of my days (1) writing script for these videos and (2) shooting these videos.

[@robschaffer2189]

I'd just end up petting the dog and watching Nick work... Guess it'd still be a win! :)

[@bwhite661]

@@WorkshopCompanion The star of the show is not eligible. Plus you'd just be stuck with yourself!

[@TangerineJuice.]

Wait a minute...that isn't a camera!

[@BobBlarneystone]

I eliminated the cam, and instead I put a thumbscrew in its place.

[@sandorbenyovics8170]

I am very thankful for the kzbin.infoUgkxbnOKZBE4evMO5V2vroHeCjq6d_MV6wJO that has been a tremendous help to me in building a perfect outdoor shed. I have been facing many challenges and difficulties for a long time, but this plan has guided me to correct the mistakes during the process. I am impressed by the projects and I express my gratitude to the creator of this collection of plans.