WoodRiver Clamping System

Comments about WoodRiver Clamping System :

I built a LARGE hope chest for my daughter that required 6 long and wide panels. In the past the glued up panels never quite came out exactly flat. But with these clamps they were perfect. I bought them on the advice of a friend, and I am glad that I did. You will not be disappointed.

Comments about WoodRiver Clamping System :

After reading the reviews I wasn't too sure I would be happy with this product, but had no trouble useing clamp

Comments about WoodRiver Clamping System :

This is hands down the best system for gluing up panels I have ever used. I don't write many reviews but this is a good tool and I was flummoxed by some of the mediocre reviews. I bought 2x2 pine to start for smaller panels at a couple bucks per 8' length and cut it to my specifications and ran it through a portable planer to ensure it was true and assembled the jig. The whole setup operation from opening the boxes to the first dry fit of boards I was to glue took less than 20 minutes and I was impressed with the clamping pressure and how it did not mar the surface of the boards even when I bore down on the cranks with all I had. The system is very well built. Took much less time than bar clamps, as I didn't have to fiddle around with shims to protect the edge. I also saved considerable time as I could go directly to a polishing plane and scraper as I did not have to remove much additional stock. It is helpful to have an efficient means of creating an edge that is flat and true, but if you're not there either with power or hand tools, I can't imagine how your joining boards to glue up in the first place. I will definitely be getting more as well as additional pads to have a full set of most commonly used lengths at hand.

Comments about WoodRiver Clamping System :

Recommend that you do not use 2 x 4s or pine. You are much better off using oak or maple. I recommend no matter what you use that you make sure that you make sure that that the final 2 x 2s are straight and flat. The initial assembly and project setup are critical to get expected results. The clamps will not compensate for material that is not the same thickness or severely warped material.

Comments about WoodRiver Clamping System :

I bought 3 sets hoping to help keeping boards from bowing when gluing up.....and turns out it was a smart purchase. These clamps require some prep work getting the wood boards square. I used 4x4 douglas fir posts and resawed them and joined/planed them square and true. Other reviewers commented on difficulty getting the boards square. This is one of those you get out of it what you put into. Take the time to prep the wood and you will reap the benefits of these clamps. The rest of the set up only took about 5 minutes to screw in all the pieces to the stock. I recommend dry fitting up boards for the first time you use them to get a feel for how to use them. It took me a minute but with a little practice I became a lot faster. I became a beleiver in this system as soon as I unclamped the first set of 3 boards I joined. I put a straight edge across 18 inches of stock and all I could do is laugh with amazement because the boards were dead on square. One little secret I did do was put clear tap across the boards to keep glue from sticking to the clamping boards. It worked like a dream.

Comments about WoodRiver Clamping System :

Takes too long to set it up. Better use flat lumber with clamps. Difficult to use on two different thicknesses. Rather buy more clamps with this money.

Comments about WoodRiver Clamping System :

As some have mentioned, it's a little awkward at first, but after you get the hang of it, it's really not hard at all to use. I ordered 2 sets to glue up some stair treds and risers. Fantastic results. I'm about to start on some really wide and long pannels for another project so I just ordered 3 more sets. I use a lot of reclaimed wood that is sometimes a little bowed and needs to be clamped hard during glue-up. Bar clamps tend to pull the ends up and cause a bow. These clamps don't let that happen. I'm not throwing out my bar clamps, but for wide glue-ups, these clamps are hard to top.

Comments about WoodRiver Clamping System :

These clamps ultimately do the job but it took hours to make the wood links. I used 2x4 stock as suggested. Getting them straight and flat was a job. Once cut the pine would bend on its own. The clamp would cause a bow in the middle of the links when tightned so I had to taper them. Setting them up to glue a panel takes some time but once set up they are simple to use but I don't understand what the advantage is over bar clamps? For all the work I got the same results.

Comments about WoodRiver Clamping System :

I built some end-grain cutting boards with my dad that involved gluing a bunch of boards together into a flat panel, cutting the panel into a bunch of strips, and then gluing the strips together into a cutting board. We had a really hard time getting the pieces to line up and be flat so we bought some of these clamps (after the fact). They are awesome. I have been gluing up a bunch of small strips of wood into panels to use for furniture and these clamps have been a lifesaver. The hold everything securely and keep it flat. The only downside is that they are kind of awkward to use because there are so many pieces...but worth the hassle.

Comments about WoodRiver Clamping System :

I found it to make the ends and middle of the table top all even which saves a lot of sanding