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I have two Kreg bench clamps, the older model with the larger metal base and now this one with the smaller base. Very handy to have one, but even better to have two. The only real difficulty is installing them into your workbench as you need to rout out part of the bench for them, but once they are in, they are quick and simple to use for a variety of clamping needs. Naturally, they are great for holding joints for pocket hole screw assembly, but have plenty of clamp force for just about anything else as well.
Kreg makes a klamp that comes with the master kit or can be purchased separately, it is simply a vise type of clamp with enlarged pads which you can move to the frame easily without hanging the frame off the table to do a corner. Anchoring this clamp to a table and then expecting to use it to put together a face frame for a cabinet will give you frustration. It does not move to accomadate the frame so you'll have a time trying to balance the rails and stiles while you're attempting to connect one joint. I took a half sheet of plywood and knotched 3" X 3" cut-outs along two paralell edges where I can pull the frame to the edge of the plywood without hanging off and place the klamp in the cut out to clamp the jiont that I place over the opening and screw it together. Some of your frame will probably be hanging off the table unless you have these expensive clamps spaced about one foot apart- very expensive, not practical for the cost or performance.
For years I have made-do with my own clamping system, often with a great deal of frustration. Installation was a little tedious until I made a jig for routing out the plate pockets. This is a tool well worth the purchase price. It is quick and easy to use.
It just works great anytime i need to clamp something down for routing or belt sanding (scribing) shelves or anything. I happen to mortise the plate into my rockler router table top so I can easily clamp down style and rail pieces for drilling. this is a great addition to my kreg rocket pocket hole jig system. also for joining the pieces it works great as well. its great. just clamp down the two pieces and they remain secure while screwing them.
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