Vises and jacks are basic elements of professional woodworking. Its use is very useful in most constructions. Therefore, today we want to give you some tips for using them.
Vises and clamps for woodworking
When we are assembling the wood, the vises and clamps help us to fix parts during the gluing process. In the case of the frames – structures of more than two pieces are joined – is where these tools take greater prominence. Thus, they facilitate the joining of the assemblies in a stable and controlled way until the drying of the adhesive.
To ensure a correct union of two pieces, we have vises and clamps. For practical purposes its use is the same, changing only its shape and size. In this way, the vises would be used for precision work and thicknesses up to 15 centimeters. On the contrary, the clamps are bigger and are destined to projects that require more strength.
Can I use a clamp instead of a vise to attach small parts? Yes, but we must control and supervise the assembly with more care. For these reasons it is advisable to use a clamping tool according to the size of the frame or assembly.
Use of wood vises
The woodworking and joinery elements that require more than one piece of wood are formed by assemblies. Their union is achieved, in addition to the form of the assembly, by the vises and clamps.
In a frame, for example, the assemblies will be held together by these fastening elements while the adhesive is dried. The vises are placed perpendicular to the uprights and following the direction of the axis, controlling at all times the degree of pressure.
It is important the angles that form each union. It is advisable to use a squad or false squadron to see if the joints are at 90º or the inclination we need. If we see that we deviate, we can help a hammer to correct the deviation. But be careful, the blows should be done on the outside of the wood as we probably will mark it. Thus, avoid marking the wood and leave the typical sinking with the shape of the hammer.
By experience, we advise that the placement of the vises be carried out with care, as well as pay close attention to the degree of pressure. If we distribute the effort on each side, now one vise now the other, we can better control the union. Otherwise we must correct it constantly, deforming even the wood.
Tips for greater precision
In addition to the angles, it is important to look at the surface level. If a lot of pressure is exerted it is possible that we fold the pieces, so it is advisable to help one level to avoid it. Otherwise, if the force exerted is insufficient, the joints will not finish joining, leaving a space between both pieces.
On the other hand, it is important to take good care of the tools. If we do too high pressures for the measurement of a vise or a clamp, we will end it by bending or breaking.
Finally, if we have used liquid glue to join the assemblies, it is important to clean all that protrudes from the joint.
We hope we have helped you in the use of woodworking vises and clamps.
See you in the next post 😉
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