Replies

1. 
   Shep | Nov 17, 2006 05:16am | #1

   Nice looking work!

   I've got 24 collins clamps, and am thinking about getting another dozen.

1. 
   basswood | Nov 17, 2006 08:05am | #2

   I've only got 12...and I ran out today (needed 16).That was a fun bit of window trim.

2. 
   DonCanDo | Nov 17, 2006 03:59pm | #3

   Thanks for posting that.  I was thinking about getting those clamps, but I wasn't sure how well they would hold a 90° joint.  If they can do a 45° joint, I guess I my concern is unfounded.  I just order some.  And I ordered the pliers while I was at it.

   -Don

1. 
   basswood | Nov 17, 2006 04:19pm | #5

   I did have one miter joint out of 16 on that octagon that the clamp did not want to grab. I'm not sure if the wood or that individual clamp were the problem. Those 45* corners are pushing the limit for these clamps, but they were a great help.With the Collins clamps I now pre-assemble door and window casing sets and hang them in one piece (after the glue sets and with the clamps still helping things hold together).

3. 
   blue_eyed_devil | Nov 17, 2006 04:09pm | #4

   Basswood. how do they grip? Do they have pointed ends?

   blue

    

1. 
   basswood | Nov 17, 2006 04:21pm | #6

   Yes, nice sharp points. They do leave a mark...about like an 18 ga. pin.

1. 
   Heck | Nov 17, 2006 06:39pm | #9

   So does a person need the pliers, or not?_______________________________________________________________

   If you are what you eat, I'm fast, cheap and easy.

1. 
   basswood | Nov 17, 2006 06:51pm | #10

   Get the pliers...unless you have something to prove.

2. 
   Shep | Nov 18, 2006 01:57am | #17

   Oh yeah, get the pliers.

   I've got pretty good hand stength, and have a hard time getting those little things open very far.

   I wouldn't want to shake hands with someone who can.

2. 
   Sphere | Nov 18, 2006 03:00am | #18

   What is the max jaw opening? I have been thinking about them, but just can't see how they'd help on a copper roof yet (G).

   Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   I have irriatable Vowel syndrome.

1. 
   basswood | Nov 18, 2006 04:05am | #21

   If you had any cornice crown work up there on one of your roof edges they might come in handy sorta like the inverse of this picture:

   
1. 
   Sphere | Nov 18, 2006 04:55am | #22

   We do. That is kinda what I was wondering about. They all one size fits all? Can ya tell I didn't chase down the source yet? LOL

   Thats kinda why I was asking you about the width.  I also have plenty of use here in the shop, some one just has to twist my arm a bit.

   Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   I have irriatable Vowel syndrome.

2. 
   basswood | Nov 18, 2006 06:34am | #23

   They open up to about 2" Having different sizes would be nice, but Collins only makes one size, as far as I know.

3. 
   Sphere | Nov 18, 2006 02:42pm | #24

   Thanks, I'll snag some and play around with them and see what I can come up with as far as use OTJ.  We rarely have miterd returns and sometimes PL glue some stuff.

   I bet as soon as I don't order some, I'll get a job where I need them...Murphy lurks in the distance.

   Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   I have irriatable Vowel syndrome.

4. 
   basswood | Nov 18, 2006 06:04pm | #25

   I think I would try using the clamps to hold the crown to the roof edge or fascia...they could come in handy even if you had no outside miter corners to clamp. If you are handling long pieces (12' or 16', etc.) it would be nice to be able to hold the crown in place and be able to fine tune position before actually nailing it up. Could be helpful with scarf joints too. Holding and manipulating the clamps with the pliers is awkward at first, but soon becomes second nature.

2. 
   BillHartmann | Dec 16, 2006 03:31am | #27

   There is a sheet metal clamp. But I don't know that you would have any use for it.Cleco Clamps.http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productselection.asp?Product=645But in looking for a picture of them I ran across one that does not need a hole.http://www.tunerschoice.com/xq/aspx/dept_id.356/display_id.545/qx/Product.htm
   .
   .
   Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.

1. 
   Sphere | Dec 16, 2006 04:16pm | #28

   That second one was kinda cool..if I had some I am sure I'd find a use..maybe after the hollydaze..I am tapped out right now.

   Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   I have irriatable Vowel syndrome.

2. 
   BillHartmann | Dec 16, 2006 08:57pm | #29

   I have no idea how well those hold. It appears that they use spring tention and friction.The pin type clecgos are a mechanical clamp. The pin expands within a hole in the metall. Used to hole aircraft skins in place while the remaining hole are drilled. They will end up being filled with rivets..
   .
   Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.

3. 
   Sphere | Dec 16, 2006 09:08pm | #30

   We certainly use a LOT of rivets, but we mostly drill,rivet,drill,rivet..not ever a temp hold, unless I screw up and have to drill out a rivet..LOL

   Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   I have irriatable Vowel syndrome.

4. 
   frostybob | Nov 17, 2006 05:02pm | #7

   Very nice, Basswood

   It looks like they would work great for door and window casing.  Could you post a source for the Collins clamps?

   Thanks

   Bob

1. 
   DonCanDo | Nov 17, 2006 05:20pm | #8

   I just ordered some right from their website here:

   http://www.collinstool.com/base.php?page=collins_miter_clamps.htm

1. 
   frostybob | Nov 17, 2006 07:05pm | #11

   Thanks

   I'll be order'n those babies!

   Bob

5. 
   woodway | Nov 17, 2006 07:54pm | #12

   THOUGHTFULLY THUMBING THROUGH THE THESAURUS?

   
   

   ---

   Edited 11/17/2006 11:56 am by woodway

1. 
   basswood | Nov 17, 2006 09:19pm | #13

   Aliteration Almost Always An Amusement <g>

1. 
   woodway | Nov 17, 2006 09:46pm | #14

   I'll take that!

6. 
   CAGIV | Nov 18, 2006 12:28am | #15

   I'd leave them in place and call it "Art"

   

1. 
   basswood | Nov 18, 2006 03:34am | #19

   --"I'd leave them in place and call it "Art"I did like the look of the metal and wood...kinda sorta funky "Mission-esque."

7. 
   willflysatellitesforfood | Nov 18, 2006 12:37am | #16

   but bigger breaks are best bound by Bessey barclamps...

   sorry, seems someone should've sent a suitable statement steeped in sarcasm...

   (it's a slow news day at work...)

1. 
   basswood | Nov 18, 2006 03:53am | #20

   Plebians Prefer Pressure Provided by Pipes & Ponies

8. 
   basswood | Dec 16, 2006 02:47am | #26

   Used the Collins clamps again today on cabinet crown. They came in handy on both inside and outside corners on 90* and 45* angles.

   
1. 
   basswood | Jan 18, 2007 04:39am | #31

   All,I now pre-assemble most of my window casing sets on a work table. I glue, collins clamp, and pin the corners together on the table, then install the casing set as one piece.In most cases, I get better results and save time.

   
1. 
   Stilletto | Jan 18, 2007 05:06am | #32

   How long do you let the casing set with the clamps on them before you install them? 

   How much is that setup?  Clamps and pliers? 

   Just curious.   

    

1. 
   basswood | Jan 18, 2007 05:29am | #33

   It depends...I have made up a few casing sets late in the day and installed them the next day. Today, I knew the window jamb extensions were bowed and a bit out of square (dern framers ; ), so I installed each set as I made them. The Titebond 3 has a longer open assembly time so if reworking is needed I can take a set back apart.I evened up the 3/16 reveal at the top two corners, tacked the casing set in place, and checked the reveal at the bottom corners. Most windows are within an 1/8" of square, and the casing reveal can be adjusted as I nail it off, without opening the miters up.With the glue, pins and clamps left in place, I can move the sets and install them without problems...unless it is a very large window. I'm pretty careful with the "wet sets".With pine casing I pin the corners with two 18 ga. pins, with hardwoods I use a 23 ga. micropinner.I have 24 miter clamps and the pliers. Cost around $75 total.I pre-assemble exterior 1x trim sets too (with a Kreg pocket hole jig)

1. 
   Stilletto | Jan 18, 2007 02:16pm | #37

   Thanks Basswood,  they look like a handy item for trim. 

     

    

2. 
   basswood | Jan 18, 2007 03:26pm | #38

   Yep. I use them on most of my trim jobs now. Nice for holding outside corners of base together too.

3. 
   Stilletto | Jan 22, 2007 02:45am | #40

   I ordered the pliers and two 12 packs of clamps today. 

   This is the part I hate,  waiting for them to get here! 

     

    

4. 
   basswood | Jan 22, 2007 05:22pm | #41

   I hope you like 'em. Handling the clamps with the pliers takes some getting used to. I've been using them for about 4 months now and it is now second nature to handle them.You might try using the Titebond 3 with them for cooler temps, longer "open" time, and for waterproof exterior stuff.Another way they come in handy is for dryfitting a series of joints before glue-up...let the clamps hold stuff together at one joint so you can check the next, etc.Let me know how you like them, when you get a chance...I'm off to put in a countertop.Catch you later. >8 )

5. 
   Stilletto | Jan 23, 2007 12:46am | #43

   I usually use Titebond III so that won't be an issue. 

   THe dry fit idea is a good one.   

    

6. 
   CAGIV | Jan 22, 2007 08:30pm | #42

   they're handy little suckers..

   to cure the waiting crisis, go directly to the nearest tools store and impulse buy something....

7. 
   Stilletto | Jan 23, 2007 12:51am | #44

   Thats a great idea! 

   What should I get is the question? 

   Maybe a Multi Router,  those look sweet.  I wonder how much those are. 

   18 volt impact driver,  maybe. 

    

     

    

8. 
   CAGIV | Jan 23, 2007 04:03am | #45

   Thats the great part, it doesnt matte what you buy as long as you buy something!

2. 
   Shep | Jan 18, 2007 05:30am | #34

   I use the Collins clamps with the smaller casings like those.

   But I like Jim Chestnut's clam clamps for wide casings. They've got plenty of clamping power for those wide joints.

1. 
   basswood | Jan 18, 2007 05:34am | #35

   I would like to get some of those clams too!I also heard that Collins is coming out with a larger, stronger version of their clamps

1. 
   Shep | Jan 18, 2007 05:48am | #36

   I trimmed an entire house last year where I could justify the cost. All 4-1/2" casings.

   The clam clamps really helped speed up assembly, and kept the miters tight.

   I bought 6 of them, and if I get another similar job, I'll get a few more.

3. 
   basswood | Jan 26, 2007 04:23am | #46

   Here is another sample of the clamps in action:

1. 
   Stilletto | Feb 12, 2007 02:45am | #47

   Used the Miter Clamps for the first time today,  they are sweet. 

   I preassmbled the crown detail,  cut it all at once, clamped and nailed it together. 

   View Image

   It was a choppy kitchen layout,  lots of ins and outs.  Some 22.5 degree corners,  some 45 degrees and a couple of 90's for fun. 

   View Image

   Kind of a close up of the finished cabinets. 

   View Image

   Thanks for the tool review,  they are worth the money.   

    

1. 
   basswood | Feb 12, 2007 07:33am | #48

   Looks Great!You wouldn't think those little suckers would make that much of a difference--money well spent though.You will find plenty of uses for them...torturing your apprentice, for instance. ; )

2. 
   AaronRosenthal | Feb 12, 2007 09:05am | #49

   Now, that IS sweet.
   I use mine every time I do trim work. Hopefully I'll need more soon. All I need to do is run to my local Lee Valley store.
   I do it different, tho.
   I cut, glue & clamp, then pin the joints with a 23 ga pin. Then go on to the next glue-up. Faster, and just as elegant.Quality repairs for your home.

   AaronR ConstructionVancouver, Canada

    

9. 
   unTreatedwood | Jan 18, 2007 06:41pm | #39

   I bought 16 last summer.  I made picture frames for Christmas presents this year, and those clamps more than paid for themselves.  I can't believe I didn't get them sooner.  Wish I'd thought of them...somebody really had a great idea!

   "The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a governmental program"  -Ronald Reagan