Clamping a Worktop

[Argyll]

I was told never to use pressure clamps when I mitre a worktop. I was told they don't hold the jig tight enough and to always use G clamps. Thoughts?

[steviejoiner74]

I've always used speed clamps,decent ones tho and never ever had a problem.

[afmfifgh]

I would have thought a set of Irwin quick grips would be just as good if not better. I bought a set a few years ago, the more powerful version and since then I have bought a lot more of different sizes - they have been invaluable in all different bits of work. My old man was sceptical when I first bought them but was amazed by them.

I haven't used them for a worktop but a lot of other things.

[speed]

ive always use g clamps,

id rather have the jig tightened down with a screw clamp over a friction type clamp anyday

[Colour Republic]

irwin quick grips for me.

But 1 type is suitable, the other isn't. I'm assuming you'll be able to tell which is which...

image.jpg (84.44 KiB) Viewed 5667 times

[fin]

this is what i use



though i did some worktops the other night and used some smaller clamps that are exactly the same just smaller. i picked em up for £3.50 for a pair from screwfix. they worked fine. probably better due to not getting in the way

[ayjay]

I would have thought a set of Irwin quick grips would be just as good if not better. .

They may be good enough, but they're not going to be better (as far as clamping ability goes) I'd trust my life to my old 8" Record G-cramps - have done in fact, I wouldn't do that with a plastic cramp.

@ fin - those are *F* clamps.

[fin]

biiiiiiiig F clamps.

ive had sliding ones before but eventually they stop clamping.

trouble with my trend ones is the red plastic parts keep coming off.

[Colour Republic]

I would have thought a set of Irwin quick grips would be just as good if not better. .

They may be good enough, but they're not going to be better (as far as clamping ability goes)

I promise you Ayjay those quick clamps (the blue and silver not the blue and yellow) are more than man enough to hold a jig in place without fear of it moving even a knats armpit despite whacking the jig by accident.

Irwin do 3 different types, the common ones, blue and yellow which have 150bls of force, blue and blue 300lbs of force and the blue silver at 600lbs of force.

If I thought manual G clamps where more suited I'd use them. Not saying g clamps are unsuitable as I'm sure thousands of chippies still use them in the above scenario, but not all quick clamps are created equal, some are very well suited and have a few minor added benefits over g clamps

[steviejoiner74]

never had one problem with them,I use the same clamps.

[ayjay]

I would have thought a set of Irwin quick grips would be just as good if not better. .

They may be good enough, but they're not going to be better (as far as clamping ability goes)

I promise you Ayjay those quick clamps (the blue and silver not the blue and yellow) are more than man enough to hold a jig in place without fear of it moving even a knats armpit despite whacking the jig by accident.

Irwin do 3 different types, the common ones, blue and yellow which have 150bls of force, blue and blue 300lbs of force and the blue silver at 600lbs of force.

If I thought manual G clamps where more suited I'd use them. Not saying g clamps are unsuitable as I'm sure thousands of chippies still use them in the above scenario, but not all quick clamps are created equal, some are very well suited and have a few minor added benefits over g clamps

I don't doubt that they'll do the job, (I even said as much), but I still maintain that a decent pair of G-cramps have more power than a plastic pair.

........................and, I just searched google - 8" Record G-cramps = 1809kg of clamping force - I rest my arse.

[Argyll]

irwin quick grips for me.

But 1 type is suitable, the other isn't. I'm assuming you'll be able to tell which is which...

image.jpg

I have no idea mate. Enlighten me.