Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: Gus on April 14, 2013, 12:29:10 am

Title: C-Clamps?
Post by: Gus on April 14, 2013, 12:29:10 am

Howdy Y'all,

My mixed match set of wood clamps is starting to get the better of me.
Add to that fact that I don't have nearly enough of them to get the job done without Chess-Like planning so I don't run out mid project.
So I'm thinking I need to pick up 10 or 20 new/used C-Clamps.

With all that said what Brand and Size C-Clamps do you find work well for you?
Did you pick up a set of the same size and manufacture of clamps?
Or did you just pick up one or two here and there?

I am using Gary Davis style cauls, 2x4-2x6 construction.
So I'm guessing 8" C-Clamps might be the minimum size?

Thank You for your thoughts and advice.

-gus

Title: Re: C-Clamps?
Post by: osage outlaw on April 14, 2013, 01:04:37 am

I bought all my C clamps from harbor tool.  They were cheap and plenty strong enough to clamp down a bow.  Their 12" bar clamps are nice to.

Title: Re: C-Clamps?
Post by: MWirwicki on April 14, 2013, 09:10:59 am

I buy mine at Harbor Freight.  We have a store near me.  You can also do online/mail order.  My most used are the 3" and 4" sizes.  Should have at least one 5" for holding the handle section to the form.  If I remember correctly you can get the 3's and 4's for around $2.99 & $3.99/ea. 

Title: Re: C-Clamps?
Post by: Eric Krewson on April 15, 2013, 11:01:12 am

I have some that are 40 years old, some that are a couple years old, most American made but a sprinkling of good quality Chinese and almost worthless el-cheapo ones from who knows where.

I have from 6" to 1" and once bought a new one, usually 4", when I walked by them at Lowe's, every few weeks.

I recommend some 2" and 4" with a few 6" for clamping the handle section to your table. if you are going to be at this bow making stuff for a while buy American. The ones that break on me are always Chinese, never broken an American  c-clamp.

I have about twice as many now as when I took this picture, made the table for glue=ups and to store my clamps, real handy.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v181/ekrewson/bow%20making/bboglueuptable.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ekrewson/media/bow%20making/bboglueuptable.jpg.html)

Title: Re: C-Clamps?
Post by: MWirwicki on April 15, 2013, 12:45:05 pm

A few of mine...

Title: Re: C-Clamps?
Post by: osage outlaw on April 15, 2013, 12:55:43 pm

Those are the same ones I have Matt.