Clamping Tricks
by Alan Noel
Professional Wood Finisher
Everyone knows that when restoring an old piece of furniture or
building a new piece, there are always going to be some
clamping challenges along the way. Here at the shop we often
run into these problems.
Here are SIX tips and tricks to help ease the clamping challenge:
-
Cut up inner tubes into long strips. These are great for irregular shapes.
Wrap once over itself then pull and wrap the joint and finish off by wrapping
over and under itself again.
-
Sand bags also work well with irregular shapes.
-
Blocks of smooth heavy granite work for veneer repairs. We get scraps from a
headstone business.
-
Strap clamps
are great for round surfaces like curvy french chairs.
-
Rope is another solution for round shapes. Tie the rope around the
piece and then insert a strong piece of wood, wrapping once around
itself then twist til tight. Position stick so it won't unravel to keep it tight.
-
Cut profiles for clamping blocks that produce two parallel surfaces for clamping.
Look around your shop for other ideas and send them to me!
Visit Highland Woodworking's
Wood Finishing Supplies Department
Alan can be reached directly via email c/o Alan Noel Furniture Refinishing at
anoelfurniturere@bellsouth.net
.
Visiting Atlanta? Attend one of Alan's upcoming highly informative Highland Woodworking wood
finishing seminars:
July 18-19, 2015
Antique Restoration
August 1, 2015
Spray Finishing
August 12, 2015
Finishing the Finish
