So as I get ready to start on some bigger projects, I'm looking at picking up some larger clamps. The cheap-o Harbor Freight blue/gray clamps have served me well for what they are. But I don't have any in the 24-36" range from them as I have heard they flex more than you'd like. So here are my questions:
1. Everyone always says "pipe clamps are a good value for long clamps". But do they mean 1/2 or 3/4 clamps? And is there a quality difference between something cheap like this and the Pony version that is twice as much? Do I care about pipe clamps with little feet? Or "deep reach" versions? Am I going to get pissed off at the cost of pipe for these?
2. For regular bar clamps, what should I be looking at for a clamp that won't flex/deflect? I know what a real cheesy clamp looks like. But what about some of the generics like this that places like Grizzly carry? Some of them feel pretty dang sturdy.
3. What's the deal with Quick Grip clamps like those from Irwin? I've got a couple shorter ones that I use around the house for various things. But I get the opinion that people don't usually use the larger ones for woodworking clamping. Is this just because they tend to be more expensive? Or is there a performance issue? Or am I just imaging the whole thing and everyone has a few of them? And if that's the case, do people use these or the big expensive ones?
I'm using Grizzly as the example links because I was at a Grizzly showroom today and their stuff is at the top of my mind. Just about any generic or name-brand clamps could be exchanged for the purposes of this conversation.