With this clamp rack always set up and ready to go, I can edge-glue 3/4-in.-thick boards in no time. And because the rack mounts almost flat to a wall, it takes up little floor space.

The rack is heavy, even before you add boards, so anchor it securely to wall studs or an equally strong structure. Mounting the upper cleat between 6 ft. and 7 ft. above the floor puts the rack at a good working height. The upper cleat has a 16º bevel along the front face to establish the angle of the rack.

The pipes rest in pipe-clamp clips (available from Hartville Tool; 800-345-2396; www.hartvilletool.com; part No. 46759). Horizontal fillers (3/4 in. thick) elevate the clips to bring the pipes to the correct height dictated by the pipe flanges. Vertical fillers (3/4 in. thick) support the blocking.

I mounted blocking between the pipes for two reasons. First, the blocking raises the stock off the pipe to prevent black stains. Second, the blocking brings the stock into what I call the “sweet spot” of the clamps.

I contend that the sweet spot is low on the jaws, not high, so the center of 3/4-in.-thick stock is in line with the clamp screws. Four or five coats of polyurethane on the blocking prevent glue squeeze-out from sticking.

To use the rack, first bring all of the sliding jaws snug along the top edge of the panel. Then tighten the screw jaws. If necessary, add more clamps from the front side to equalize the clamping pressure.

Drawings by Jim Richey.

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