Beginner Clamp Question

[Keith Plechaty]

I'm a beginner woodworker and purchased the K5 and a large Kreg clamp. I intended to buy the XL, but by accident clicked on the L instead. Right now I plan on making a night stand. I'm attaching two 10x2 boards together. I know it's necessary to have a clamp, but I was thinking the XL would be better to use? But I don't have a clue. Should I return the L and get the XL?

[KregRep]

Hi Keith. I'm going to assume that you mean two 2 x 10 boards? If so, when you attach them together, the assembly's thickness will be roughly 3 inches. The Kreg Large Face Clamp can easily clamp materials and assemblies up to 5"-thick, so you have plenty of capacity to work with. You can learn more about your clamp on our website: https://www.kregtool.com/store/c28/face-clamps/p50/large-face-clamp.... Thank for your purchase, and happy building!

[Keith Plechaty]

Yes sir! The board is 2 inches thick, 10 deep and 30 long. Which way should I clamp it? From side or in some other way? Do you think the larger clamp would be better?

[Ed Ward]

With larger boards a pipe clamp or a larger bar or quick grip clamp may be the best solution. The screws will pull the boards together but the clamps help keep everything in line.

[Keith Plechaty]

Could you recommend something from amazon.com?

[Ed Ward]

As good clamps get expensive I cannot recommend not knowing you future needs.

If you have access to pipe, pipe clamps can be the least inexpensive for larger spans .

You will  need different clamps for different projects as you seem to be a new woodworker here is a link to a site that explains what some of the more popular clamps do ,this  may help you make a decision.

https://www.canadianwoodworking.com/tools/shop-clamps

[james wilhelm]

Hi Keith , from your post it sounds like you are joining two 2 x 10,s - edge to edge , the face clamp will work on the ends , but I would invest in a few bar clamps to hold the boards together till you drive the screws !!  You can get some inexpensive  light duty bar clamps  to start out, also pipe clamps are a good choice and not to expensive .   If you go to my home page and click on my pics.  you can see some of the different types of clamps that I use , hope this helps , have fun and be safe , JIM !

[Lee C McLaughlin]

For clamps I like what Harbor Freight sells.  Very inexpensive and they seem to be as good as anybody's to me and I've just about used all their types over the years.  I have more expensive brand's but I actually like the HF ones better - well except for the Irwin Quick-Grip.  I use those tons more than any other type clamp.  Anyway, for whatever it's worth my opinion.