How to keep the clamp on the corner without damaging the corner?
Print This Article
You need to clamp diagonally across a case. The problem is the clamp has a flat face and needs to be steady on the point of the corner and not damage the corner when clamping pressure is applied.
A simple solution is to create a ‘V’ block adapter. The idea here is that on one end you cut a ‘V’ whose sides are 45 degree angle cuts. At the point of the V will be a 90 degree angle. From the point of the V measure up at least one inch and then cut off the wood. This provides the place for the clamp face to sit on.
You can use just about any scrape of wood you have laying around the shop. Hardwoods will hold up better to the clamping pressure over time. Soft woods will distort and new adapters will need to be made eventually.
Note: Do not cut the V into the end grain of the wood. When you apply clamping pressure the corner of the case will act like a wedge and will split the adapter in half right down the grain.
The ‘V’ cut should be a cross cut into the grain of the adapter wood. You can use dimensional lumber such as 2 x 4 or 2 x 6. Cut the ‘V’ into the side of the board instead of the end grain.
You can also use 3/4 inch thick hardwood. Glue two scrapes together to form a 1 1/2 inch thick block and cut the ‘V’ into the side of the grain. Glue the wood first and then cut the ‘V’. Then either screw or nail the two halves together to provide additional reinforcement to keep the boards together.
You don’t just have to have a 90 degree adapter, you can experiment with different angles on the ‘V’s legs, as long as the point where the ‘V’ legs come together is 90 degrees.
Why would you want to make these other angled adapters? Simple, suppose you are assembling a cabinet whose dimensions are twenty four inches by sixty inches. The angle at the diagonal measurement take is not 45 degrees. So, having a set of adapters for the various common angles that you work with will help give you a sturdy clamping point with less wobble and wiggle room.
Did you enjoy this article? Why not leave a comment below and continue the conversation, or subscribe to my feed and get articles like this delivered automatically to your feed reader.
Comments
No comments yet.
Leave a comment