Adjustable Clamping Jig

Using heavy, bulky pipe or bar clamps to glue up small panels and assemblies is not a good match. You need a clamping method that's a better fit to the job.

My solution to this problem is the adjustable clamping jig you see in the photo above.The jig uses two parallel, pivoting arms to trap the workpieces. Clamping pressure is then applied by driving wedges between the arms and a pair of adjustable dowels. It's both effective and very easy to use.

The drawings at right and below show how the jig is constructed. The two arms are bolted into pivot holes near the outside edge of the ³/₄″ plywood base. An arc of ¹/₂″-dia. dowel holes radiates from each edge to provide the adjustability. Add a couple of dowels and a pair of wedges and you're in business.

Good woodworking,

Ted Raife
Online Editor, Woodsmith

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