87, страница 46

what's new in

Pipe Clamps

Pipe clamps aren't all the same. New options make them better than ever.

NEW FEATURES

90 ShoDNotes No. 87

Clutch Plates

first piece, or head fixture, screws to threads at the end of the pipe. A handle attached to a threaded shaft allows you to apply clamping pressure. The other piece is an end fixture that slides over the opposite end of the pipe. This part has a series of metal clutch plates that bite against the pipe at an angle to hold the fixture securely in place.

Pipe clamps have always looked much the same. But recent innovations have changed all this.

You'll also find larger clutch plates on the clamp. This makes it easier to squeeze them together , ^ when you make adjustments.

The foot of the clamp is wider and longer. This gives them more stability and raises the pipe higher. So it's easier to turn the handle.

Sure-Foot Clamp. The Rockier clamp you see in the main photo above is a lot like the standard pipe clamp I mentioned earlier. But this

The blue clamp you see in the left photo is the Irwin Quick-Grip Clamp. What I like most about this pipe clamp is it eliminates the need to have any threads at all on the pipe. Instead, a set of clutch plates on each clamping fixture grabs onto the pipe to hold both fixtures in place. This means you can cut a pipe to any length and start using the clamp right away — without having to rethread the end of the pipe.

A Clamp Storage. To quickly store the Rockier clamp all you need to do is hang it by the built-in lip on the foot.

Screw Handle

Pipe clamps continue to be a basic clamping solution for many woodworkers. They're quick to make, inexpensive, and easy to use.

The Shop Standard. The orange Pony clamp you see in the left photo is the one most woodworkers think of whenever pipe clamps are mentioned. It consists of two pieces that fit right over the pipe. The

Clamping Face

Non-Threaded Pipe