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Which clamps for the big stuff?


CedB

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I have a collection of pegs and clamps (including my beloved Bernas) but still find I need something meatier for larger jobs. Any recommendations?

Nigel (he who must be admired) has some of these:

P1090188_zps695c164e.jpg

Which I think are these:

http://www.diy.com/departments/bq-nylon-steel-clamp-spreader-l100mm-pack-of-2/241950_BQ.prd

There are also these:

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Hand+Tools/d10/Clamps/sd10/Babco+Ratcheting+Bar+Clamps/p94783

and we have a local store.

Which ones should I go for? Any advice?

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Being a woodworker by trade I have a whole range of clamps in the workshop, most too big for model making. Personally I dont like the spring clamps because you can never quite get the right amount of pressure, too little or too much resulting in crushing the work. Recently I dug out one of these I have had for years,which works like a conventional sash cramp enabling you to exert just the right amount of pressure,, beautifully made as well.

http://www.axminster.co.uk/pair-of-japanese-hatakane-brass-bar-cramps

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Personally I dont like the spring clamps because you can never quite get the right amount of pressure, too little or too much resulting in crushing the work.

Thanks Stuck. Yes, that's what I worried about, the 'click, click, crack' of a ratcheted clamp...

Recently I dug out one of these I have had for years,which works like a conventional sash cramp enabling you to exert just the right amount of pressure,, beautifully made as well.

http://www.axminster.co.uk/pair-of-japanese-hatakane-brass-bar-cramps

Those look gorgeous... but aren't the jaws a bit small (12.5mm) for holding, say, a fuselage? Axminster Tools too - went there once and was lucky to get away with money left in my wallet - what a 'man cave'!!

I'm wondering whether the F-clamp idea might be a good compromise as shown here, but sold out on the link:

http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234955635-plastic-grip-thingys/?p=1548647

There was a post from Paul at Modelling tools about these; he doesn't stock them now but hopefully he'll pick this up. I'm worried they look like a berna variant and I already have these.

Ponder, ponder.

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Did you ever go to the original little shop in the town center? , was impossible to walk out of that place with just what you went for!!.

Yes i do agree with you with the jaws being a bit small but you could modify them with little bits of wood. round parts will always be a problem, best to use two and span the part with some stiff material.

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These are the ones that I use, they are pictured holding together a 1/32 scale Spitfire XII conversion, "Newell Rubbermaid" Quick Grip, I cannot remember where I got them though.

SpitfireXIIBuild014.jpg

Cheers

Dennis

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