long clamping straightedges

[disco_monkey79]

Apologies, I'm not sure if these have a specific name (and if so, what it is)...

I'm after one of those straight-edges that have a clamp at either end. Some have a slot along them to accept routers etc.

However, the longest I can find is about 1200mm, whereas I want/need one 1400mm+. I know I could source a straight piece of timber to use, but one of those clampy jobbies would be easier, especially as this is going to be a repetetive task.

Does anyone know (a) what the h*ll I'm talking about :lol: , and (b) if you can get them in the length I need?

Thanks!

 

[bugbear]

Shown in use here:

wip-sandpaper-storage-finished-t36816.html

3rd picture.

Googling the visible brand name gives:

http://www.drapertoolbox.co.uk/draper-c ... mp-0-65485

This one goes to 104" - 2600mm.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=25384

BugBear

 

[CHJ]

I have one branded "Trend" 1430mm long with clamping width of ~ 1280mm.

http://www.trend-uk.com/en/UK/productli ... Track.html

 

[DeanN]

I always use a length of MDF, as it feels more rigid when running a power tool against it. I've a couple of the shorter Trend clamps, but I'd be wary of the longer models bowing in the middle due to lack of support.

 

[MickCheese]

I have a couple of these but they have a tendency to slip, not good half way through a routed trench.

Mine are not a branded make, I do wonder if the Trend ones or the Record ones would be better.

Mick

 

[Shultzy]

Try these. I have one and have had no problems with it.

http://www.rutlands.co.uk/hand-tools/cl ... ide-system

 

[jimmy rivers]

I've used MDF like DeanN ...you can screw stops to it, put blocks on the back to keep it square, doodle all over it, work any length, wider to avoid flex and it doesn't really matter if you bust it

If you have one...another handy trick is the back edge of a railsaw rail using the ratchet or screw clamps that come with them to stop any slip. For light work such as running a one handed trim router (working decorative 'V' grooves for example) you can go freestyle - without the clamps 8)

Cheers Jim

 

[goldeneyedmonkey]

I had a non-branded version, 1200mm from memory, and it tended to bow in the middle a bit and was a PITA to clamp square. If I had to buy one again then I'd get one from a trusted make, and try before I buy if possible, to see how much it flexed if at all.

Good luck with it. Cheers _Dan

 

[woodstainwilly]

I also have an unbranded version that was a gift about 5 years ago.
I did try it a few times but there were problems. 1, it tended to move
when under light pressure and 2, it was a menace on work much shorter
than the tool because of the overhang.
It looks quite pretty hung on the workshop wall though.
Willy.

 

[bugbear]

If the OP's requirment is at a fixed length (e.g. full length on a 8'x4') perhaps a suitably rigid piece of MDF can be rigged into a home-brew "clamping straight edge" using carefully chosen "stuff" e.g.

http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.a ... 55&p=61994

http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.a ... 1645,31129

http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.a ... at=1,41637

BugBear

 

[Paul Chapman]

a suitably rigid piece of MDF can be rigged into a home-brew "clamping straight edge" using carefully chosen "stuff"

One good way of doing this would be to use two of the Trend end socket clamps. Just drill a 9mm hole in each end of the MDF

http://www.trend-uk.com/en/UK/product/1 ... lamp_.html

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[Racers]

Hi,

I have a length of ally extrusion that came from a partition wall its just 8 feet long and H shaped, with couple of clamps I can rip a 8X4 easily.
So you don’t have pay a lot to get something that will work.


Pete