clamping table tops

[Jens Jensen]

I was going to build a coffee table and use 1x4 for top but will run into problem when clamping.How do you clamp down if you run out of clamp length to get into middle of table?? I do have sets of pressure clamps that has a 2x2 on top and bottom of the clamp and when you tighten the clamp it pulls wood together and same time it pushes pressure on surface and bottom .Any other ideas?????

[michael pope]

Try taking a piece of plywood(make size in proportion to the area you need clamping.),drill 4 holes,2 in opposing edges (larger than the clamp head size..about 1 1/2 inch in diameter)about 4 inches in from the corners so essentially it looks like 4 equal holes in each corner.Then extend your clamps one to each hole and apply the pressure equally and it will act as a press down extension for your clamps...be sure to use either plastic or wax paper in between the plywood and your table surface to counter any mistaken ply gluing to the top...good luck..

[Jens Jensen]

That sure looks simple and see why it wont work,Ill give it a shot ,Thanks buddy

[Jens Jensen]

I have the clamps in this web site ,They are the ones with screw handles on end and 2x2's on top and bottom.I think they are 4 or 5 pictures down the page I wonder if they would work as well.

[Mark Lesch]

Why not use pocket screws to hold it ?

[Jens Jensen]

I will but to get the perfectly flat table top is what has to be accomplished and only way is to clamp it down first

Mark Lesch said:

Why not use pocket screws to hold it ?

[Jens Jensen]

That sure sounds kije what I will do ,this is gorgeous.Thanks friend

JD said:

When I built my dining room table I used 48" long - 3/4" pipe clamps across the width of the table. I used 1"x6"x8' red oak planks. I clamped the first 2 lengths together, lined everything up flush and screwed in the pocket screws. Then I would add the next plank etc etc.

[mo khan]

All you need is kreg quick clamp that is wide enough to hold down two lengths together. you clamp where the pocket hole is and drill the screw. then you move to the next hole. I recommend one hole every 300 mm or so (10- 12 inches). you can make a table top as big as you like as long as each individual piece is lesser in width than the clamp. I have the medim clamp with a reach of 140mm ( 6inch) and I've made many tops without a problem.