Sash Clamp Heads - Advice

[bugbear]

Oh, and some cork tile stuck to the faces is a nice refinement.

Or the (Robert Wearing?) idea of pads with a slot (open mortise, like a bridle joint) to ride on the bar.

BugBear

 

[Eric The Viking]

Here I disagree. While it's true that the pins always fall out just when you least need them to, I think nuts and bolts would be a PITA.

I've left mine slightly snug on the bar for that reason (gives you a fighting chance of getting the pin back when in a hurry!). But you made me think of an idea:

I've a kit of small O-rings from Toolstation. It gets used mainly for plumbing, but the smallest ones are pretty useless (at those sizes they have to be an exact replacement for whatever, usually). String or fishing line would let one stay on the pin, but still let you get the pin out quickly if you decide to move that end at the last minute. It may be too much fuss tho.

I don't like bolts (or at least, machine screws) because of the thread damage over time - they'll cut into the wood and the cramp head will cut into them. And I still prefer the Marples (diagonal slot) sort to the Record ones (have a set of each).

These are the dog's whatsits (Marples copies):

The tail end jams on the bar (square!) as you apply force. or you can 'set' it by tapping the face with a hammer. That aspect is better than a sash cramp, IMHO.

Tilgear sell them no longer, but I've seen some under the "Faithfull" brand. Dunno about the quality, although the picture appears to be an Acme thread:

 

[bugbear]

One other tip if yours are the older ones which have a metal pin which holds it on to the wooden bar - I have replaced the metal pins on mine with bolts and nuts. Helps to prevent lots of cursing and swearing as the pin drops out and the cramp head falls off at a critical moment (the newer Record cramp heads come with bolts and nuts as standard).

Cheers :wink:

Paul

IIRC there used to be a brand of clamp where the pin was captive in the heads, and retractible on a spring - anyone recall more?

BugBear

 

[Benchwayze]

I would try to find some box-section mild steel of the right size.
Fill it with a piece of scrap timber, and drill the holes where you need them. Then use the 'square-tube' (Box section) instead of timber.

EBay is a good bet for suppliers.

John

 

[Alf]

Regarding the use of bolts, it's not as though you tighten the nuts on 'em with a spanner or anything - you just twizzle a nut on a tad. No more time consuming or awkward than sticking a pin in the, er, pin...

Agree on the slanted slotted variety of head - mine are Paramos and always my first choice over the Record ones I also have.

And BB, the captive spring variety of pin is certainly ringing bells, but then I wonder if I'm not thinking of a sash clamp instead.

 

[Benchwayze]

why use timber at all? I use 50x25x3 box section.

Excused my ignorance, but what is a box section?

Froggy,

Did anyone answer?
It's the generic name for square or rectangular metal tubing. E.g. Paddy Hopkirk Roof-bars.

John

 

[studders]

why use timber at all? I use 50x25x3 box section.

Gareth

I used to use that too. Two reasons why I went back to Wood..

1. They weighed a lot compared to Wood.

2. I need some Box Section for a Project. :lol:

It does make for some very strong clamps though, too strong really.

 

[studders]

I drilled the pins for "R" clips.

Top marks for a top tip.

I shall go and relieve my Car Shop friend of his supply.

 

[Benchwayze]

I shall be using the legs from my Triton extension table, (Which isn't much use, and I don't have the space either) for a project involving 4" castors!



John :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[Tony Spear]

Regarding the use of bolts, it's not as though you tighten the nuts on 'em with a spanner or anything - you just twizzle a nut on a tad. No more time consuming or awkward than sticking a pin in the, er, pin...

Wing nuts are even quicker!

 

[Benchwayze]

I'd wax them, unless you really want to glue them to your project...

I just stamped.. 'Keep away from glue' on mine ALF. It seems to work.

:lol:

Actually I nick my Lady's grease-proof paper!

John

 

[xy mosian]

That horrible brown packing tape works well for repelling glue.
xy

 

[Mekkemikkel]

I'm thinking about buying some of these from Axminster: http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-3-off-aminster-deluxe-cramp-head-sets--package-deal-prod800765/

Does someone have any experience with those?

 

[Benchwayze]

Mikkell,

I bought two pairs of those. I haven't used them yet, but I am sure they will work.

Unless I am thinking of clamping timbers for a new HMS Victory, then to me a cramp, is a cramp, is a cramp.

I like the best, but I don't mind using cheapies in a pinch. (Excuse the pun!)



John