Assembly I-beams---how long?

[Jay Yoder]

I am making a set of assembly ibeams to allow for more adequate clamping options and wondered how long i should make them. The table they will be on is 30 wide, but seledome would I need 30 inches...i was thinking of 24" long...any thoughts?

[Frank Drew]

Two points: It's really impossible to know what kind of work you'll be doing in the future, so plan for maximum flexibility.

Additionally, if you guess wrong and eventually need something longer, make a new set.

[Jay Yoder]

Excellent point Frank! They are simple and cheap. MDF makes a mess, so i would rather not have to make any more than needed!

Two points: It's really impossible to know what kind of work you'll be doing in the future, so plan for maximum flexibility.

Additionally, if you guess wrong and eventually need something longer, make a new set.

[Sam Layton]

Jay, depends on what kind of work you want to do. I built mine 8' long to glue up stiles and rails, etc. Works great for me.

Sam

[Glen Butler]

Jay, depends on what kind of work you want to do. I built mine 8' long to glue up stiles and rails, etc. Works great for me.

Sam

How does this help you glue up stiles and rails?

[Sam Layton]

Glen, I have a lot of interior doors to build for my house. I laminate the stiles and rails for the doors. Using the I-beam allows me to laminate the stiles and rails flat.

Sam

[Dan Forman]

This is interesting, I'd like to know more. I understand the rail and stile thing, in what other ways would these be useful? Thanks.

Dan