Not wanting to threadjack Dan Forman's Well-Rounded Clamp Collection thread, I have a similar question, but more from a "getting started with good clamps" point of view.
I've decided to take advantage of the Gross Stabil sale at AllProTools, but unlike Dan, I don't have any other parallel jaw clamps like the Bessey K body. Like Dan, I'm trying to decide which size to buy, but I don't already have the four 24" and four 40" Besseys that he does. I do have six 1/2" pipe clamps (currently on four 24" and two 60" pipes, but we all know that's easy enough to change) and a handful of crummy 24" to 48" bar clamps that are essentially worthless. I'm thinking of a starter set of four of the GS clamps, because I'd like to try something that stays more square, but could use advice on what size(s) to buy. My current projects all seem to fit my 24" pipe clamps, but I'm leaning towards the 32" GS clamps. I'm thinking it gives me more than ample room for current work (and a bit beyond), and I can always use the pipe clamps on longer pipes for bigger stuff. Your thoughts?
Thanks in advance -
- Vaughn