The Ultimate Guide To Corner Clamps For Woodworking
Ever tried to build a frame for your woodworking projects without a corner clamp? Corner clamps for woodworking are about as much a necessity as a table saw. With out some kind of corner jig it is basically impossible to get perfect 90 degree joints when building frames. If you are like me you have tried building 90 degree jigs to clam to but found that they are cumbersome and time consuming to work with. When I finally spent the money on a good set of corner clamps for woodworking, I learned how hard mu jigs had made me work and how much inaccurate my corner joints had been.
When used properly corner clamps for woodworking unquestionably simplify and expedite your work! Whether you are and experienced woodworking professional, a hobbyist, or if you see yourself as something in between you owe it to yourself to purchase a set of woodworking corner clamps.
In this article, we will discuss the different types of corner clamps and how to use them.
What are Corner Clamps for Woodworking?
A corner clamp for woodworking is a tool used by woodworking craftsmen to hold pieces of wood together at a square while you make a glue joint. They have a V-shaped metal frame with a bent arm that can be pushed against the edge of the two pieces to be clamped and then tightened. The two work pieces are then held perfectly flush at a 90-degree angle until the glue is completely set. The end result is a perfect 90 degree joint with a barely visible joint line.
How to Use a Woodworking Corner Clamp
When working with wood, it is important to take care while clamping and cutting to avoid damaging the surface. Corner clamps are a great way to keep your work clean and accurate. When using a corner clamp, you will need to ensure that the jaws of the clamp are lined up perfectly with the corners of your workpiece. Once in place, use the pressure of the clamp to hold it in place.
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5 Best Corner Clamps for Woodworking Reviewed
Housolution Single Handle Right Angle Corner Clamp for Woodworking
It is no mistake that we have listed this woodworking corner clamp first. The Housolution right angle clip clamp tool is our favorite corner clamp. For most general-purpose corner clamping jobs this one will be the first go to in our shop!
As an additional bonus these corner clamps have a convenient hole for hanging storage and organization. Their lightweight durability design makes them perfect portability if your woodworking requires travel.
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Wetols WE705 Angle Corner Clamp for woodworking
This Wetols Corner Clamp was designed with the woodworking in mind. Wetols carefully considered the art of framing when they designed this clamp. To be honest this clamp was hard to place in second in this line up. With jaws that open close to 3 inches you may find that it is your first pick if you are doing wide picture frames. With the Wetols WE705 you will find a comfortable ergonomic rubber handle that easily maintains a firm grip.
By all appearances you may think that this Wetols angle clamp is just like others on the market. However, after the first use you will agree with us that this clamp is agile yet strong and makes framing a breeze.
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Sedy 97390 Band Corner Clamp for Woodworking
This corner clamp for woodworking is a slightly different type clamp. It uses a band that encompasses the entire perimeter in order to hold the four corner tightly together. Again this little guy is a “must have” for the woodworking shop. Where this thing shines is when assembling or cluing irregular shaped objects. While it can be used to assemble picture frames, you will find that holding all four corners while clamping this down can be challenging. We like to use this little belt type woodworking corner clamp in addition to the traditional vise type corner clamp, when we are assembling larger cabinets or boxes etc.
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Kreg KHCCC 90° Corner Clamp for Woodworking
Most corner clamps for woodworking follow the concept of a traditional vice. However, Kreg pioneered this vise grip type design. Some woodworkers actuely prefer this style of corner clamp simply because it is designed for one-handed clamping.
When it comes to storage space consumption the Greg KHCCC clamp has most other woodworking corner clamps beat! The are built out of high-grade aluminum alloy and are capable of claming both 90 degree corners as well as T joints. Kreg even has carved out clearance allowing you to nail or screw without the clamp jaws having to be removed!
On top of all the great features of these clamps we must note that Kreg always produces quality in their every tool! You can never go wrong when buying a name such as Kreg.
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Yanzi Spring Loaded Corner Clamps for Woodworking
These Yanzi Spring loaded corner clamps are perfect for the woodworker who is only working with small very light frames. These little clamps may not be strong enough for your larger projects. However if you are working with small and light you will love these little girls. Padded with rubber you will have confidence that you will not scare your wood or leave any clamping tracks! Additionally the outside corner of your work piece is left exposed allowing you to easily nail the corners.
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Royars Aluminum N3-90DPS Corner Clamps for Woodworking Positioning Squares
If your woodworking project calls for corner clamps with maximum versatility, then these clamps are for you! Sometimes you are working on a project that has obstacles or unique nuances that prohibit the use of traditional vise type corner clamps. These Royars corner clamps offer a wide latitude of diversity that we woodworkers sometimes must have. With 6-7 positioning options along the approximately 5 1/2-inch rail you are sure to find the optimal location for your clamp.
These inexpensive clamps will serve you will.
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Tips for Using Corner Clamps for Woodworking
There are a few things to keep in mind when using corner clamps:
- Make sure the clamping surfaces are flat and level. This will ensure that the clamp is applying pressure evenly across the joint, preventing distortion or warping.
- Choose the right size clamp for the job. Too small a clamp will not be strong enough, and too large a clamp may cause damage to the wood or object being clamped.
- Use caution when moving an object that’s being held by a corner clamp; use a solid surface with enough mass or another sturdy support if necessary. A careless move could result in damage to the clamp or object being held
Corner Clamp Quality
If you have ever had a tool fail, during the process of completing a project you will sympathize with the necessity of quality. Of course, most tools fail because they are being used slightly beyond the scope of there intended application. But we woodworkers would never do that, right?
The reality of woodworking is that there is no one-size-fits all application for any process. This is especially true of the clamping and gluing process. Therefore, it is advised that you keep a range of clamp styles available for your project array.
A corner clamp for woodworking is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks. With a little bit of patience, practice, and a quality corner clamp you can become an expert at using corner clamps for woodworking.