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clamp has a few added features you'll find useful. First of all, the foot on the clamp is extra-wide. I especially like this because it means the clamps are more stable. So when you set several of them up, they aren't as likely to tumble over. Another great feature of this clamp is the pre-drilled holes in each clamping face. This makes it easy for you to attach oversized pads, cauls, or other types of fixtures to the clamps to handle unique clamping challenges. Finally, pipe clamps aren't always easy to store. But as you can see in the photo at the bottom of the UPGRADES As I mentioned before, pipe clamps with wider feet are more stable. So what do you do if you already have pipe clamps with narrow feet? Simple accessories can help you out. Clamp Saddles. The wide-based brackets on the saddles in photo A hold the pipe securely in position and prevent the clamps from previous page, the Sure-Foot clamp has a feature that helps you solve this problem. A small lip designed into the foot makes it easy to hang the clamp on the wall. If you're looking to buy new pipe clamps, you can choose the newer ones that best meet your needs. But to make better use of the ones you already have, you'll find a few simple clamp upgrades can really make a big difference. If you need to add a little more versatility to your pipe clamps, you might want to take a look at the Bessey Maxis Vario-Pivot clamp. This set includes two clamps, like the one shown in the photo at right. These clamps easily attach to almost any bench top, assembly table, or sawhorse. The clamps have a band for attaching the pipe as shown in the photo below right (K-Body bar clamps can also be used). Once installed, the pipe clamp travels 3" horizontally and 6" vertically. Plus, you can move it through a 270° arc. You can use this clamp whenever you need to stand a long workpiece on end and secure it in position for edge banding, like you sec in the photo below. It's also helpful for end drilling and planing a workpiece. And the ability to rotate the clamp makes shaping a handle or chair leg a whole lot easier. Range of Motion. The fixtures allow you to rotate the workpiece as well as move it up and down. moving around and turning over. A thumb screw lets you secure the pipe in the saddle, allowing you to place the pipe right where you want it. Conversion Pads. If your current clamps have narrow feet, you can quickly make them wider. Just slip the Sure-Foot conversion pads over the face of your current fixtures, like you see in photo B. This way, you get wider feet and workpiece protection. Zinc Pipe. Finally, one of the drawbacks to pipe clamps is they can leave marks on your workpiece. The black marks you see in the photo above result when the glue and black pipe react with the tannin in the wood, especially oak. To solve this problem you can use zinc-plated pipe (see margin photo) to protect the wood. Don't be tempted to try galvanized pipe from the home center though. The fixtures can slip on the pipe, making clamping difficult. Pipe clamps will always be a mainstay in my shop. But with the addition of a few new clamps and some simple accessories, they're now better than ever. Pivot your work with: Bessey Maxis ▲ A Better Pipe. To eliminate the marks that occur when you use black pipe (top photo), switch to zinc-plated pipe (lower photo). Wide Jaws. Large, | 4%" jaws allow ypu to quickly attach the clamp to almost any workbench, top or sawhorse. |
