5 Best Clamps for Cutting Boards in 2023
When choosing the best clamps for cutting boards, think about the sorts of jobs you will be doing with them, your budget, and how often you will be using them. With so many various brands and types of cutting board clamps to choose from, it can be difficult to know which ones are worth the money and will work for you. We have collected a list of the best clamps for cutting boards for all your projects to help you make the best decision possible.
What Is The Best Way To Clamp A Cutting Board?
When making a cutting board, several engineering considerations must be made. If you want a contrast, then maple, birch, beech, and cherry are the ideal woods to choose from. Choose wood with growth rings that are as near to 90 degrees or parallel to one edge as possible. Remember that the expansion/contraction along the annular rings is roughly twice that perpendicular to the rings. When gluing together your strips, make sure the grain runs in the same way. To put it another way, don’t glue a quarter sawn edge to a flatsawn edge.
Then, like a laminated cutting board, butcher blocks are constructed by gluing together strips of wood. These laminated panels are then flattened and brought to the same thickness using a planer. The panel is then crosscut into strips of blocks of the desired thickness for the cutting board. The grain of these block strips is then bonded together again in the same ways. If you don’t pay attention to the grain orientation, the block will break and/or the joints will pull apart.
A type II PVA glue will suffice, but you must ensure that everything is done correctly to get adequate adherence. Your glue faces should be freshly cut and flat. If they were cut more than a few days ago, give them a new coat of 320 sandpaper and block them to keep the faces flat.
Image | Product | Details | Price |
---|---|---|---|
WEN Quick-Adjust 36-Inch Steel Bar Clamps | Check Price | ||
Bessey H Style Pipe Clamp | Check Price | ||
PONY 50 Clamp Fixture | Check Price | ||
Bessey Clutch Style Bar Clamp | Check Price | ||
IRWIN 24-Inch QUICK-GRIP Bar Clamp | Check Price |
What Is The Best Method To Keep A Cutting Board Stable?
To keep your cutting board in position as you operate, you don’t need any fancy grips or devices; all you need is some old-fashioned creativity. This simple method, used by expert chefs, can keep your cutting board from sliding all over the counter while you dice and chop. Knife safety 101 dictates that you protect your cutting board from sliding.
The simplest approach to keep your board steady is to wet and wring out a paper towel. Then spread it down flat on the counter before placing the cutting board on it. That’s all. The moist paper towel works as a grip, keeping your board in place. You may need two paper towels if your board is really huge, but that’s it. You can cut to your heart’s content once your board is stable.
5 Best Clamps for Cutting Boards Reviewed
Now I will provide you with a list of the top 5 best clamps for cutting boards for making cutting boards fast and easily.
1. WEN Quick Adjust 36-Inch Steel Bar Clamps
Overview
Brand: WEN
Product: WEN 10236F2 Quick-Adjust 36-Inch Steel Bar Clamps
Material: Steel
Included Components: Two Clamps
Item Weight: 2.6 pounds
Key Features
- Design for quick adjustment: shut the clamp without activating any buttons.
- A 36-inch steel rail and a 2.5-inch throat are included.
- Non-marring pads protect your work from scratches and scuffing.
- Two strong F-clamps clamp your workpiece with a clamping force of over 1200 pounds.
When was the last time you needed to clamp cutting boards? If you’ve done that before, you are probably familiar with some clamp used to make cutting boards. I am not going to tell you anything you don’t already know about clamps. But you can take my words, WEN Quick Adjust 36-Inch Steel Bar Clamps are exceptionally good in this matter.
The 36-inch steel bar and 2.5-inch throat provide users the most flexibility to suit the demands of a wide range of tasks. Users may close the clamp without touching a single button thanks to the quick-adjust function. The clamp remains tight until you remove the release lever and open the jaws again. The ridged shaft makes stops every.05 inch, and the extra micro-adjustment knob gives you even greater precision. To increase the force of your hold on your workpiece, use the micro-adjustment knob. The 600 pounds of force generated by these two clamps is protected by non-marring cushions.
This WEN Quick Adjust 36-Inch Steel Bar Clamp has quick adjustable design. Just slide the clamp closed without pressing a single button. It has non-marring pads prevent scratching and scuffing to your projects. Its micro-adjustment knob creates additional grip and precision. So, don’t think twice, just buy this best clamp for cutting board.
Pros
- Quick-adjust design
- Non-marring pads
- Micro-adjustment knob
- 36-inch steel rail
- Clamping force of over 1200 pounds
Cons
- Little bit expensive.
2. Bessey 3/4-Inch H Style Pipe Clamp
Overview
Brand: Bessey
Product: Bessey BPC-H34 3/4-Inch H Style Pipe Clamp
Material: Black Oxide
Included Components: H-style pipe clamp
Item Weight: 1.1 pounds
Key Features
- Threaded spindle with black oxide coating; clutch components with zinc plating.
- 2 soft jaw covers are incorporated to protect items from being damaged while clamped.
- Clamps won’t tip over with an H-style base.
- When opening and shutting the clamp’s jaw, the crank handle clears the work surface.
The ‘H’ shape foot assembly of the Bessey BPC-H34 3/4-Inch H Style Pipe Clamp stabilizes the clamp in two dimensions, providing dual-axis stability. The extra-high base gives one of the best clearances from the work surface in the industry. Durable cast jaws, smooth operation spindle. This 3/4-inch pipe clamps with broad feet for stability and clearance for crank handle operation. Soft jaws are added to prevent soft items from being damaged.
This ¾-inch Bessel H-style pipe clamp will stabilize and raise your workpiece. Dual-Axis stability is provided by the unique foot shape. Long legs elevate your item off the work table, making it simpler to tighten. The cushioned jaws prevent your work from marring and the large gripping surface guarantees a secure grasp. Positive pressure is provided by the large handle, while the “clutch” action grabs the bar automatically. Durable cast jaws and handle with a smooth motion spindle.
It has zinc-plated clutch components, threaded spindle with black oxide coating. Its H-style base prevents clamps from toppling over. Crank handle clears work surface while opening and shutting clamp jaw. 2 soft jaw covers are incorporated to protect items from being damaged while clamped.
Instead of having a variety of lengthy clamps on hand for huge jobs, a few sets of Bessey H-Style Pipe Clamps and a few different sections of pipe are all you need to clamp anything. Air may circulate on all sides of the project with the H-style shape, which is beneficial for glued, stained, or painted items. Extra-high base provides the best clearance from the work surface in the industry. What more you need from a clamp? Just buy it to use it with your cutting board.
Pros
- Lightweight.
- 2 soft jaw caps.
- Zinc plated clutch components.
- Gives dual-axis stability.
- H style base.
- Cast jaw for durability
Cons
- Sometimes clutches don’t work correctly.
3. PONY 50 Clamp Fixture
Overview
Brand: Pony Jorgensen
Product: PONY 50 Clamp Fixture
Material: Iron
Included Components: 1 Clamp Fixture
Item Weight: 8.58 pounds
Key Features
- Cast Iron Construction.
- Clutch for Multiple-Disks.
- The clamping faces are 1-3/4 inches wide. By 1-3/4 In.
- Crank-type handle and 1-3/4-inch square clamp faces; mounts on any 3/4-inch pipe.
- Baked enamel fish on hardened steel structure with no holes, rivets, or notches
The PONY 50 Clamp Fixture has been the most popular and commonly used pipe clamp fixture design in the United States. Pony’s innovative steel multiple-disc clutch design ensures a solid grip and quick adjustment at any position along the pipe, with no risk of slippage or pipe crushing. Any length of 3/4-inch pipe will suffice as long as it is seven inches longer than your project. Made of sturdy, long-lasting iron casting. The clamping face measures 1-3/4 in.
The finest ideas are frequently the simplest, which is why Pony Jorgenson is well-known among woodworkers as a manufacturer of some of the best clamps on the market, including their 3/4-inch steel bar clamp. There can never be too many of them in a store. They have a simple, durable construction with a crank handle, no holes, rivets, or notches, leaving little possibility for development. These clamps are suitable for a wide range of tasks, may be used on any length of pipe required, and can be counted on to maintain their grasp without loosening or slipping.
When the task is over, removing the clamps is always simple and quick. Some may argue that a clamp is a clamp, which is true to some extent. But, with so many brands to choose from, it’s no surprise that Pony Jorgenson clamps are so hard to come by. Pony Jorgensen clamps are hard to beat if you’re seeking for dependable clamps at a price that allows you to buy as many as you need.
Pros
- Heavy Duty.
- Durable cast iron body.
- Multiple disk clutch.
- Mounts on any 3/4-inch pipe.
- Hardened steel construction.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- Heavy Weight.
4. Bessey Clutch Style Bar Clamp
Overview
Brand: Bessey
Product: Bessey Clutch Style Bar Clamp
Material: Powder-coated finish, Zinc finish rail
Included Components: 1 Clutch Style Bar Clamp
Item Weight: 2.1 Pounds
Key Features
- Powder-coated finish.
- Zinc finish rail.
- 2 piece clutch plate system.
- Heavy duty bar clamp but nevertheless it serves well for the light to medium duty woodworking.
Bessey Clutch Style Bar Clamp is a heavy-duty bar clamp, it is suitable for light to medium duty woodworking. It is very suitable DIY projects. The build quality is great for the price paid. There are better clamps out there, including from Bessey, and there are cheaper clamps, but I think these are the best balance of price vs quality.
A multipurpose bar clamp, such as this 36-inch one from Bessey, may simply clamp material together or be modified to push material away using the spreaders. This version boasts increased strength and durability, as well as cushioned clamps that won’t scratch surfaces and a more comfortable grip handle. While C-clamps are among the most basic and important woodworking clamps, a bar clamp has a wider throat depth and is not restricted by the narrow throat depth of typical C-clamps.
Cast heads with a powder-coated finish prevent corrosion and chipping in the new Bessey F-Style clutch bar clamps. For opening and closing the lower moveable jaw, Bessey offers a zinc-finished rail with a two-piece clutch plate mechanism. Protective pads are included on both the top and bottom jaws of the Bessey clutch clamps, as well as a pleasant wooden grip.
It works great for amateur woodworkers. Bessey also has similar, more expensive clamps without the clutch, that you just rock to move. That gives a little more convenience, but at least for the level of amateur woodworking, it’s not worth the extra money. Then there’s the really nice parallel clamps which are in a whole different class. So, you can consider it if you are a beginner.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Heavy duty.
- Cast heads.
- Clutch plate system.
- Best for DIY projects.
Cons
- Protective sleeves can slip off.
5. IRWIN 24-Inch QUICK-GRIP Bar Clamp
Overview
Brand: IRWIN
Product: IRWIN 24-Inch QUICK-GRIP Bar Clamp
Material: Alloy Steel
Included Components: Bar Clamp, Handtools, Clamps
Item Weight: 2.75 pounds
Key Features
- Flexing and bending are reduced using an I-beam bar.
- A broad, ergonomic Soft-Grip grip on the bar clamp allows for greater clamping pressure with minimum effort.
- Clamping Capacity 24 Inch (60 cm).
- Throat Depth 3 1/8 Inch (76 mm).
The IRWIN 24-inch QUICK-GRIP Clutch Lock Bar Clamp is a value for money. It has a bigger and more ergonomic soft grip handle that allows for more clamping pressure with less effort. Larger clutch plates on the bar clamp enable for simpler release and enhanced durability and reliability, while an I-beam bar eliminates flexing and bending. 24-inch (60 cm) clamping capacity and 3 1/8 inch throat depth (76 mm).
There are so many good clamps on the market & IRWIN 24-inch QUICK-GRIP Bar Clamp is among the better ones. It is easy to use with good clamping power. It is a great clamp for gluing drawers. Quick to use and clamp tight without slipping. It is also easy to adjust and well built.
Irwin Clutch Lock 24-Inch Bar Clamp Clamps for soft-grip handle bars are offered with either a clutch-style lock or a passive lock. A broad, ergonomic Soft-Grip grip on the bar clamp allows for greater clamping pressure with minimum effort. Flexing and bending are reduced using an I-beam bar.
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Easy to use.
- Sturdy strong clamp.
- Heavy duty bar clamp.
- Ergonomic Soft-Grip handle.
Cons
- Sometimes it can slip off when tightened.
Buying Guide of Clamps For Cutting Boards
Now I will talk about some tips before buying a clamp for cutting board, so that you do not make any mistakes in your purchase decision process.
Price Range:
When it comes to selecting the finest clamp for cutting boards, cost is always a consideration. Because prices vary depending on quality, specifications, and brand. As a result, you must select the clamp with the greatest quality and highest specifications that is within your budget.
Materials Used:
The clamp’s durability is determined by the material it is composed of. Heavy-duty clamps are often constructed of drop-forged steel or cast iron, whereas light-duty clamps are made of resin or anodized aluminum.
Types & Purpose:
The sort of clamp you select will be determined by your intended use. Bar clamps, C-clamps, pipe clamps, right-angle clamps, and face clamps are just a few of the various varieties of woodworking clamps available. Choose a clamp which not only useable for cutting boards but also for other woodworking job.
Clamping Power:
Look for a clamp that will provide the appropriate amount of pressure for the job. Too much pressure can split or harm the wood, while too little pressure might make the process useless. In the specs of any clamp you are considering, look for the clamping force.
How Long Should You Clamp A Cutting Board?
If you use a woodworking glue like ‘Titebond’, it will take around 30 minutes. Yes, it is commonly assumed that you must clamp it overnight, but in truth, 30 minutes is plenty. It is recommended that you wait 24 hours before straining the joint.
Know More: Why Zebra Wood Isn’t the Best Choice for Cutting Boards
I’ve never had a glue joint fail in over 10 years of gluing together wood for cutting boards. The glue line will always be stronger than the surrounding wood if the joint surface is properly prepared. While large lumps of squeezed out glue might take hours to dry, the very thin coating in the glue joint cures considerably faster.
The glue in the joint is probably dry if you can feel a skin on top of the huge globs or notice a thin smear of glue has hardened. Glue ups are frequently left overnight. This isn’t essential, and it can make the room congested for others, as well as take the clamps out of service.
Frequently Asked Questions about Clamps For Cutting Boards
1. What Are The Different Sorts Of Clamps?
There are at least 30 distinct types of clamps available to exert pressure in various ways. The clamp’s type is determined by its design, while its cost is determined by the clamp’s material, manufacturer, and warranty.
2. How Many Clamps Will I Require?
For most projects, you’ll need at least two clamps, but the exact number depends on the size of the project and the PSI necessary (which is mostly determined by the type of wood you’re dealing with).
3. What Is A Cutting Board?
A cutting board (also known as a chopping board) is a sturdy surface on which to cut materials. Other types of cutting boards exist for cutting raw materials such as leather or plastic, in addition to the kitchen cutting board.
4. How Do I Keep My Woodworking Clamps Organized?
Woodworking clamps should be kept in an easily accessible position where they may be quickly retrieved as needed. A drawer in a tool chest or a pegboard with hooks to suspend the clamps while not in use are two of the finest storage alternatives. Shelf brackets might also be used to hold pipe clamps.
5. How To Make A Clamp For Cutting Boards By Yourself?
You can make your own clamp for cutting board. Watch this video to know more.
Conclusion
I try to help you when you buy a clamp for cutting board. Hopefully my comprehensive review will help you to buy the best clamps for your cutting board.