Pipe clamp lenghts?

The last time I bought pipe for clamps, I got the 4’ sections of pipe and picked up a few couplings. That way I didn’t have just one big long clamp. I can use them at the 4’ mark or fit them together for an 8’ piece.
- JJ

CJ,
My longest pipe clamp is about 5’. I took all my various lengths to the plumbing supply place and had them put threads on BOTH ends of the pipes. Then I got a bunch of “nipples” or couplers so I can screw the pipes together and make longer clamps, when I need them. My pipes range in length from 2’ to 5’ long.
Lew

-- Lew- Time traveler. Purveyor of the world's finest custom rolling pins!

I think it really depends on what types of projects you want to do. If you plan to do a lot of cabinet face frames, or large table tops, the big ones are great. If you plan to glue up a lot of small panels, you want a ton of 2 and 4 foot clamps. I have all 2, 4 and 6 foot clamps, and have only needed longer ones a couple times, then I just couple two together.

Seen these?

http://www.amazon.com/Bessey-BPC-34-4-Inch-Style-Clamp/dp/B0012YNJRO/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=IOOCKX82ED9C3&colid=KFTNH7FTIMSN

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

I just bought some from harbor freight and have (4) 5’ clamps with the feet to keep them off of the bench for glue ups then I am getting more with out feet for top clamps.

-- http://aewoodworks.webs.com

I mostly just build furniture.

-- CJIII Future cabinetmaker

Like some of the others have said. Thread both ends of your pipe and couple them when you need longer clamps. I’ve noticed I rarely use a clamp much longer than 4’. Most of the time 1 and 2 foot bar clamps work the best for what I do in the shop. On project sites 3 and 4’ are much more common. I prefer 3/4in pipe instead of 1/2. Much stronger and not much heavier.
Most box stores or plumbing stores will thread the ends as a service, ie no charge. I have gone to steel yards and picked up 20’ lengths cheaper then had a machine / welding shop cut and thread various lengths for me pretty cheap. Two stops but it saved some money and I got to see some guys I knew.
Hope this helps, Later BTKS

-- "Man's ingenuity has outrun his intelligence" (Joseph Wood Krutch)

Personally, I would recommend to go with the 3/4” size and don’t even bother with the 1/2” variety. The 3/4” will not flex as much as 1/2” pipe. As for lengths, for my purposes, a pair of 3’ and a pair of 5’ length clamps will cover 99 percent of all cabinet projects. For shorter applications, I prefer the F-style bar clamps and the Irwin quick clamps. For larger projects, you may want some longer, but that combination will cover a lot of applications.

Doc

-- Hey, woodworking ain't brain surgery. Just do something and keep trying till you get it. Doc

I have found , like the others here, that buying shorter pieces of pipe with both ends threaded is the best way to go. Just add a coupler and you have a longer clamp. I made 2- 24” and 4- 48” clamps. Then, when I need a longer one I often take the ends off one of the other clamps and turn the other end around and add the coupler and I have a longer clamp made from the standard one. I use the Harbor Freight clamp ends with the 3/4” black pipe (because it will not slip like galvanized). I have found that after a bit of use, the little grabber starts to slip on the HF clamps because they are not hardened and the teeth flatten out. I sharpen the teeth with a 3 corner file and I’m good to go for a few more years.

If you are going to buy pipe in 10 ft sections, buy 2, have each it cut to 2-4’ and 1- 2’ section and have all the ends threaded. I have found that a 5’ clamp will stick into my little workspace too much. I use the 2’ clamps the most.

-- Jim Jakosh.....Practical Wood Products...........Learn something new every day!!

Simple way to make longer clamps, use chain.

Start with 2 pieces of 3/4” pipe about 3’ long. On one, place the screw asssembly. On the other, the adjustable ‘foot’. Then drop a piece of chain thru both pipes. Stick a bolt thru the chain at each end so it cannot slip. By changing the location of the bolt, you change the length of the clamp.

I’ve used this system to clamp system to pull cabinets over 30’ long into position .

The only secret is finding the chain. Your local big box store probably will NOT have the chain you will need. My supply house has several chains that will fit.

-- Rustfever, Central California

I have 52”, 40” and 30” pipe clamps this covers 48”,36”and 24” for most general clamping. Plus I can couple pipes for longer lengths. I cut them the longer lengths to take into account for the pipe clamps ends.

-- I don't make mistakes, I have great learning lessons, Greg

I use this foam insulation on black pipe, the black can come off and get on your project.

-- It must be jelly baby, cause jam don't shake like that...