[lowpolyjoe]

Is it too far off topic to start a thread about where people turn for their woodworking tool needs? Is there already such a thread?


In a recent trip to Lowes i think i spent more money on clamps than i had spent on all the drivers in my recent L/C/R build

I think this is a pretty big part of the DIY scene and it might be helpful to hear from experienced builders about the best places to get good value tools.


For example, I just recently discovered Rockler, which i would have liked to hear about sooner:

http://www.rockler.com/retail/retail.cfm


My only other comments of any use would be: bar clamps from harbor freight are trash, their pipe clamps are 'good enough'. for a little more money, the Bessey pipe clamps at Lowes (with feet) are the best value i've seen outside of tracking down a deal online. the feet are nice for stability and the turning action is a lot smoother than the harbor freight models.


thanks,

joe

 

[blackoper]

I like to go to auctions of closing woodworking plants.. Talk about good tools for cheap. You get whole pallets full of stuff

 

[stidrvr]

Some woodworking forums will post deals. For example www.sawmillcreek.org had a section where people would post deals going on a Amazon or Rockler etc. The clamp deals that they would run were really good. The deals that were the best was on parallel clamps. Although lately it seems that those are in the past.


Another good option is when Menards (if in your area) has the Made In America sale. They'll have the Jorgensen Parallel clamps on sale dirt cheap. Menards also has a Brown Bag sale too, where anything you fit inn the bag is xx% off.


Around October Home Depot usually has their tool sale. In the past they would have a scale of dollar amounts and then a savings to go along with it. If you spend $250+ get 50 back spend $300 get 75 back and so on. This is how I bought my table saw and brad nailer.


That's about all I can think of for now.

 

[ufokillerz]

I totally missed out on this deal, because i bought clamps elsewhere recently

http://cgi.ebay.com/250851750122

this is a excellent deal.

 

[auburnu008]

I have some Bessey clamps and also bought the clamps below. They are pretty similar. This is another excellent deal.

http://www.amazon.com/Denali-30-Piec...920931&sr=1-14


Includes four 6-inch clamps, six 12-inch clamps, four 18-inch clamps, eight 24-inch clamps, four 30-inch clamps, four 36-inch clamps.

 

[smokarz]

yeah, i spent about $250 on Jorgensen pipe clamps a few months ago.

 

[lowpolyjoe]

good stuff guys. keep it coming.


guess i should have started this thread before i bought all my clamps, eh? lol .... that Denali deal seems pretty sweet but i don't know if i can justify another $100+ on clamps.

 

[ufokillerz]

 http://www.lowes.com/pd_199348-52800...ductId=1057319


i bought a few of these recently, and they are not bad for the price, used a movers coupon and all with it.

 

[auburnu008]



Quote:
Originally Posted by lowpolyjoe /forum/post/20803811


good stuff guys. keep it coming.


guess i should have started this thread before i bought all my clamps, eh? lol .... that Denali deal seems pretty sweet but i don't know if i can justify another $100+ on clamps.

You can never have enough clamps

 

[Tankramer]



Quote:
Originally Posted by auburnu008 /forum/post/0


I have some Bessey clamps and also bought the clamps below. They are pretty similar. This is another excellent deal.

http://www.amazon.com/Denali-30-Piec...920931&sr=1-14


Includes four 6-inch clamps, six 12-inch clamps, four 18-inch clamps, eight 24-inch clamps, four 30-inch clamps, four 36-inch clamps.

Just placed an order. Thanks

 

[servojohn]



Quote:
Originally Posted by auburnu008 /forum/post/20803855


You can never have enough clamps

So true.


I have Jorgensen pipe clamps, Bessey K clamps, Irwin quick grip, Bessey corner clamps, 24" Cam clamps, Jorgensen F clamps, c clamps, spring clamps-they all get used sometime, and I've seen shops that easily dwarf my meager collection.


Along with a sturdy bench, and a good vise or two, some of the most important items in my shop.


I kept a couple of different clamps on my Amazon wishlist for years, and it became a bit of joke during Christmas that I couldn't seem to get enough clamps.


Best regards,


John

 

[mav52]

You want clamps, go here.

http://www.justclamps.com/

 

[lowpolyjoe]



Quote:
Originally Posted by auburnu008 /forum/post/20803855


You can never have enough clamps

i heard this over and over but never believed it until i tried to veneer my builds. now i need to build a clamp stand

 

[Drew Eckhardt]



Quote:
Originally Posted by auburnu008 /forum/post/20803855


You can never have enough clamps

Right.

 

[lowpolyjoe]

Sorry to bump an old thread but i'm looking for some related feedback.


A few people linked to awesome clamp set deals when i first started this thread. I'll probably be asking for some clamps for xmass and wondering if there are any good sets out there these days. I did some searching on Rockler and Amazon but didn't find anything stellar. Anyone see anything good lately?


Thanks,

Joe

 

[Regnar]

Home Depot has a pretty good deal going on for 4 Irwin 6" Quick Grips for 13.88. I picked up 3 sets and have already used most of them. Might go back for some more. I wish they would do a deal for their longer ones.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

 

[lowpolyjoe]

you guys think this is a good deal?

http://www.amazon.com/Denali-30-Piec...090460&sr=8-23


on the fence about it.

 

[flyng_fool]

Seems like a good deal for a 30 piece set.

 

[lowpolyjoe]

i snagged that Denali deal. now i HAVE to build something new

first thing i noticed with these is that they don't have a 'release latch'. i've pretty much only bought Harbor Freight clamps up until now - i don't think i've had any without release latches - what are the feelings of the hardcore woodworkers on that situation? i haven't tried using them yet so i have no opinion about it yet.

 

[lowpolyjoe]

After using the Denali's a few times, i think i prefer clamps with the latch or clutch or whatever you call it.


When trying to put them in position, the Denali's too easily drop the lower part of the clamp at certain angles when no pressure is agains the jaws.


This is especially annoying since i built a clamp stand and the Denali's won't stay snug in place unless i want to actually crank them down to apply pressure on the jaws. For my clamps with a clutch i can just slide the jaws together and that is enough to keep them held fast in place so they aren't flailing around when i wheel the clamp stand around the garage.


On a positive note, i tend to torque my clamps down pretty tight. I killed several harbor freight specials that way. So far no failures with the Denali's