Haha! Glad it helped, I don’t think there are many videos out there on cauls. Not the most exciting topic in the world, but they are so useful! Thanks for watching skippylippy!
Great showing of options here. I recall that in a previous video you said you were not too hyped on the second option-the four way caul. Am I correct that the only reason was, as you stated here, that you felt you made them too long? Having altered only that, you now are good with them. Thanks for putting these together for us to consider.
Hey Mike - Me too. I made a terrible table top a few months ago. It's twisted and uneven. LOL 😂 But I purchased the pair of 4-way clamps shown on this video and WOW did they make a difference! I was so pleased with the result on my second table top that I went ahead and tried making the cauls using the jointer and table saw method. They all worked great. So I would encourage you to try each option and see which one suits you best. You'll enjoy the results and I'm so happy I watched this video. (I watched it 3 times because I'm a bit "slow" 🤣)
You are so correct sir! In fact I debated on whether or not to show that or the jointer method. I saw the jointer method on another channel and I wanted to try it out. Excellent point and thanks for watching!
@@FlynndoggWoodwork You're welcome, this video is what those young folks need to know about the craft. I was watching one youngster and he was doing a great job but then he took out the weight lifting plates to place on top of his piece. I mentioned cauls would have helped him out. He said he'd have to buy some. I shared that I thought he should make some. I hope he sees your vid.
Good summary of different solutions. But that jointer method doesn't create angled caul, it it just a small step in the middle. Table saw method is much better or use hand plane that you start progressively further from the center.
Yes sir! You are correct, it doesn't have the curved profile that would be idea. I actually learned the jointer method from another woodworker, and I think its an interesting way to make one. But you are 100% correct. Ideally it would be better to draw a very subtle curve from the middle to the end of the caul and then use a block plane to shave down to the line. Thanks for the comment Me!
First of all.......I am jealous of your drum sander. I have been looking for a used one forever. Second......what is your method for keeping glue off of the clamps? Love your show!
Thank you so much Patrick! I actually have a video on how to get glue off of your clamps. I'll be honest, I'm not the best of protecting my clamps from getting glue on them... If I remember I use some blue tape, however, I always forget! A little white vinegar and some time is the best way I handle the glue on the clamps! Thanks for watching!
What are your thoughts in making the cambered cauls into the bottom of the 4 way pressure clamps. Would that do the same thing only better? Just my thoughts. Great video and thanks for taking the time to make it.
I love this idea. That would probably make these clamps much more effective. Using a hard wood as well as cambering them. Great idea!!! Thanks so much for sharing it and thanks for watching skiroy!
When making the tapered caul using the jointer, it would be safer to do the full board (each side) before cutting it in half. That way fingers do not get close to the blades of the jointer. Then use whatever method someone chooses to stabilize the wood to cut it in half on the table saw or cut it in half on a band saw.
I like this idea mike! Thanks so much for sharing. I agree using the jointer like this is a little bit scary and I'm always about finding safer more comfortable ways of doing things. Thanks so much for sharing and watching!
After thinking about chambering the bottom of the clamp, the only drawback I can see is that possibly the center of the camber needs to be in the middle of the glue up. Not sure if that would make a difference or not. Your thoughts?
Oh yes, I think you are right. You would have to really make sure that the center of the chambering was right on the middle of the glue up. If it wasn't I could see it having the opposite effect you were looking for. Great point!
You absolutely could Rian! In fact some of my first cauls were made out of 2X4's If you use pine however I would recommend making them a little taller. The nice thing about hardwood is that it has less of a tendency to bow which I encounter with most of my pine cauls. You will notice however that that 4 way clamp is made out of pine. Thanks for watching Rian!
