Clamping Cauls from Scrap 2x4s
David MunkittrickMake big glue-ups a cinch with clamping cauls made from scrap 2x4s. For cabinet cases and edge banding, you can’t beat clamping cauls to make glue-ups go faster and to spread clamping pressure evenly. These shop assistants allow you to do bigger glue-ups with fewer clamps.
Shop Made Clamping Cauls
There’s no reason to buy clamping cauls. All you need is scrap material. There are some distinct characteristics you need the caul material to have so they work as they’re supposed to. We’ll fill you in on the best material to use for cauls, and what you should avoid.
Making a caul is simple, and we’ll teach you how to do it. There are a few steps in making sure the caul is straight and true, and shop-friendly, and we’ll provide everything you need to make that happen.
In this video, you’ll also learn about identifying the “crown” or high spot, toward the middle of the piece of wood you’ve turned into a caul. You’ll mark the crown with arrows so you can take advantage of it when setting up your glue-up.
You’ll Use Your Cauls Often
Most of our woodworking projects involve some gluing and clamping. And most woodworkers have a collection of clamps used for woodworking, but you can never really have enough. With clamping cauls in you workshop, you’ll be able to take on bigger projects. Plus, you’ll find yourself wondering how you lived without them!
I was taught to make the crown on a caul rather than rely on hit or miss finding one, especially since he said he jointed and planed the wood. A hand plane can be used to create the crown.
Would like to know more about cauls and small projects jeeps and trucks
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Woodworkers Guild of America Video Membership
As someone who is enjoying growing my woodworking skills, I enjoy all of your videos. This one had a lot of great tips (like don’t waste my old 2×4’s on projects-save them for cauls). However as a novice, it would help to add a video showing how you use cauls on various types of projects. It’s hard to understand how they are used with just a few words – can you do a video showing how them in action?
PS – thanks for the great work!
Hello Charlie,
Thank you for your feedback. I have forwarded your comment to the proper department. We value your opinion, and it will help with the development of our online streaming community. We will continue to listen and work hard for your complete satisfaction.
Sincerely,
Sarah
Wood Workers Guild of America Video Membership
Did I miss something? You showed us what a caul is but I was expecting to see a demonstration on how this fellow makes his. Did I miss something?
How long should the 2×4 sit and acclimate before it’s steady enough to be turned into a caul?
Hi Scott. It’s hard to say without checking it with a moisture meter, but my guess is that if you bring a 2×4 into your shop and let it sit for a month before machining it, you should be ok. It’s always better to use a moisture meter, however, and just watch the moisture level until it is in the 10% range and stable for a few days before making any cuts.
Thanks
Paul-WWGOA
need info on cauls
Thanks for your inquiry. Did you have questions that were not addressed in this video? If so, please let us know and we’ll be happy to assist if possible. (ZD: 3729)