Having lots of clamps doesn’t solve all your gluing up and assembly problems, but it does help to have options and to know which clamps to use for the job at hand. In this article, Bernie Maas narrows his discussion to those he finds best for furniture making. He explains how to choose clamps for your shop and for specific tasks, how to use them, how specialty clamps measure up, and where to find the ones you want. He addresses aim and pressure, laminating stock, gluing up panels, flattening misaligned joints, and squaring up carcases, among other topics.

From Fine Woodworking #106

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Stanley Powerlock 16-ft. tape measure

With its smooth lock, tough case, compact size, and excellent accuracy, this Stanley tape is perfect for workshop use.

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Lie-Nielsen No. 102 Low Angle Block Plane

With smooth, precise adjustments and wonderful balance, this compact block plane is a joy to use. It doesn’t have any bells and whistles, but there’s not a better block plane available for the money.

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Starrett 4" Double Square

Head is easy to remove, replace, and lock down; narrowest blade, at 5⁄8 in., made it easier to fit into tight places; hard to read under bright lights.

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