Replies

1. 
   Kennor | Jun 23, 2005 05:49am | #1

   You should be able to lengthen the pipe clamps. Screw on a coupler on the pipe and screw on another length of pipe. Or you could use bench dogs on your work bench if that is an option. Once, for a large clamp-up of a heavy table top. I mounted blocks on a cheat of MDF on one side and on one end of the table top and mounted specialty clamps into the opposing sides (fairly cheap). These clamps screw onto a table top and move horizontally. It worked pretty well. They also make bench dog types, I believe, that will slide into a drilled hole. If you use the MDF method, place plastic down so you won't glue your work to the MDF. The Pipe extention should work fine, just thought I'd throw the other idea in. 

   I hope I was clear in my description. Good luck.

2. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Jun 23, 2005 05:49am | #2

   Pipe clamps are infinitely extendable: get longer pipe.   What's the issue?

3. 
   nikkiwood | Jun 23, 2005 05:49am | #3

   Assuming your pipe clamps use pipe (either 1/2 or 3/4") that's threaded on both ends, all you have to do is buy a coupler of the same size, screw it into the end , and add another piece of pipe of a size that will give you the distance you need. (The tail of the pipe clamp can be moved to the additional piece of pipe.)

   Pieces of pipe can be fitted together with couplers for any size clamp you might need.

   ********************************************************
   "I tend to live in the past because most of my life is there."
   -- Herb Caen (1916-1997)

4. 
   hammer1 | Jun 23, 2005 06:33am | #4

   I'm guessing you don't have pipe clamps, just bar types. You can hook two or more together just by going pad to pad, a little awkward but it works. You can also clamp a block to your piece and use a clamp to pull against it. A rope tourniquet works with some cardboard to prevent marking the work. Innertubes, bungee cords and surgical tubing are options. Draw pins are great for tenons, they will hold when the glue doesn't. This is also a good excuse to go get some more clamps. Can't have too many.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

5. 
   Steinmetz | Jun 23, 2005 09:35am | #5

   Don't forget using opposing wedges and a bench stop to wedge the thing together. Waxed paper or plastic to control glue or scratches. Steinmetz.

6. 
   Peter36 | Jun 23, 2005 10:53am | #6

   Use a ratcheting tie down strap. It will pull the entire assembly together.

7. 
   WillGeorge | Jun 23, 2005 08:25pm | #7

   You may not like it but if you are in a real bind.. Not sure what you are gluing up but...

   If you can take two 2X4 by 8... whatever... Nail a 2X4 across the two at one end (to fit your wood) take two more 2X4.. Nail one to the other end of the 2X4's.. Put the third against the wood and between the two 2X4 use a hydraulic or car scissors jack for pressure.. May need them small clamps the hold your wood to the 2X4's running the length.. Make sense?

   I use it on big doors all the time...

   
   

   ---

   Edited 6/23/2005 1:26 pm ET by Will George

8. 
   Midnight | Jun 23, 2005 10:53pm | #8

   clamp a large(ish) block at a point where it's suitable to hook 2 of your shorter clamps to make the span...

   Mike Wallace

   Stay safe....Have fun

1. 
   MarkRD | Jun 24, 2005 12:10am | #9

   I stopped in the hardware store to get some 10' lengths of pipe - sold out... I bought some connectors> I hope I have enough pipe with threads on both ends...Thanks,
   M.Edit: Only one piece of pipe had thread on both ends :-( so off to Home Depot I go for two more long pieces of pipe.And I don't remember who said it above, but I agree, you can never have enough clamps :-)Measure it with a micrometer, mark it with chalk, cut it with an ax.

   Edited 6/23/2005 5:22 pm ET by Mark

1. 
   nikkiwood | Jun 24, 2005 03:36am | #10

   The HD's around here will thread pipe for you -- yours or theirs.********************************************************
   "I tend to live in the past because most of my life is there."
   -- Herb Caen (1916-1997)

1. 
   MarkRD | Jun 24, 2005 04:19am | #11

   That's good to know... I'll bring my pipes when I visit...(years ago when I bought them, I purchased 2 12 footers and had the hardware store cut them in half - never considered threads on the other end - and my shorter ones all came from a deceased relative so I don't know why they were threaded only on one end...)Mark
   

   Measure it with a micrometer, mark it with chalk, cut it with an ax.