WTB Plano Glue Press/or Panel Max Glue Press

Hey Rusty, you can make these very easy if you have access to welding services or have a welder or know someone that can do it for you. You can save $ and do custom sizes. Even a used one with 3 clamps will run $200.00
I had one made that I used on a job and just left it there. I used Unistrut and Pipe clamps from Home Depot. Are we talking about the same set up?

The Curved Caul technique works far better than the Plano and you could mount it on the wall like the Plano and will cost virtually nothing as you use your existing clamps. The problem with the Plano other types of panel clamps is they lack that simple curve of the properly made cauls that keeps the registration of the middle of the panel. I’ve the fancy Taylor wheel of clamps and every system you can think of over 40 years but the curved caul is fool proof and the least expensive most versatile. It’s based on a very old veneer press technique which most folks don’t even know about anymore.

-- Few folks really know how to maximize the potential of their tools!

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I did consider a set of Bowclamps but they seemed a bite awkward to set up per the video I had seen.

Now clamps or curved cauls are very easy to make and every woodworker should have a dozen of them. If you can’t make these quickly and efficiently you have no business doing woodworking. It’s amazing how few people know anything about them. They are far superior to a Plano press and so simple to use. I can single handed glue up a 4’ x 8’ panel in one session by myself with perfect registration of the boards.

-- Few folks really know how to maximize the potential of their tools!

So you haven’t tried them and you think they would be awkward. Been using them for 40 years and there is nothing awkward about them. Your little sister could do a perfect glue up with them. The key is to mill your stock flat and of a consistent thickness. I’ve glued up panels 4’ x 8’ single handed and only had to scrape the glue beads off. I typically mill the wood to finish thickness and unlike many folks who glue up what will fit in their planer, then glue up the panel pieces. Waste of time. Also you don’t need bisquits, splines, dowels or dominos. More waste of time.

Don’t fall for the bowclamp nonsense of his computer designed cauls can’t be made as good by a person. Total marketing nonsense. If you can’t make a dozen cauls in an hour or two you should find another hobby .

-- Few folks really know how to maximize the potential of their tools!

http://www.finewoodworking.com/Community/QADetail.aspx?id=26546
Richard here is a link that shows how to make them fast and simple.

Sandhill thanks for the link on how to make them.

Rick my little sister died about 2 years ago so I don’t think she could do a perfect glue up with them. But thanks for the kind words….

Your welcome Hang in there.