To ensure good clamping pressure when adding solid-wood edging to plywood panels, it’s not unreasonable to place a clamp every 8 in. or so. On a 48-in. edge, that means seven clamps.

With the new Bowclamp clamping caul, you can do the same job with two clamps. The Bowclamp is simply a length of hardwood with a precise, gentle curve routed along one edge, and a slot on the opposite edge to accept the jaws of the clamps. As you tighten the clamps, the curved face of the Bowclamp flattens, transferring clamp pressure along the entire length of edging. The Bowclamp can be used for glue-ups as well, such as keeping a panel flat or reaching across a large carcase to put pressure on a middle shelf.

The caul is available in three standard lengths: 2 ft. ($22), 3 ft. ($27), and 4 ft. ($32). Lengths of 6 ft. and 8 ft. are available as special orders.

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