This Will Forever Change How You Glue Boards Together

Panel glue-ups can be a bit frustrating when the individual boards start sliding around on you. Clamping cauls are great, but tapering the cauls will allow them to flex and put an even amount of pressure along the entire panel.

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[InspireWoodcraft]

I accidentally said "chamfer" a whole bunch of times instead of "taper". I have no idea why I did that, but they're "tapered" cauls.

[mindyhall]

You’re the best! Please keep creating content…love the straightforward, helpful, lack of gimmicks way in which you help us woodworkers out here!

[PureBloodWNC]

As a new learning/growing woodworker, tips like this are perfect in content, length and presentation. Much appreciated sir!

[willboudreau]

Brilliant!! I never realized that the same principle applies I've seen in loading a truck. Have you ever looked at an EMPTY 18-wheeler's flatbed trailer bed? They always curve up slightly toward the center, and that's so when they're weighted down under load they will straighten out level where they will provide the maximum resistance to deflection due to weight and going over bumps. In other words, you don't want the bed of the trailer to sag when you load it down. Same principle here. You need to apply a little English to "over straighten" your glue up pieces, and that will overcome the final friction the glue up boards present to the cauls, so the end result is a flat glue up.

[semosancus]

I created some of these years ago modeled after the bow clamp. The way I created the taper was to take a straight board and bow it, the run it through the table saw to rip one edge straight. Then I released it from the jig that created the bow and it snapped back leaving me a perfect arc. Then I ran through the planer to make a consistent width.

[branislavmitter]

It always amazes me how the most simple things you show can make your life so much easier. Thank you Sir!

[skigglystars]

Absolutely spot on. All my cauls have been "tapered" from the start. However just wrote TOP on the opposite side as well as tape on the contact side. Great tip for sure.

[jrutherford]

You really have some of the most practical and useful content on youtube. I am due for a glue up in a few days (probably turn into weeks knowing me) and this will be hugely helpful. I have clamping cauls already and often find these small gabs and just chalk it up to life lol but now this make so much more sense.

[marklapointe]

Love your videos. No BS no dancing just great information that is helping me improve. THANK YOU!!

[tomt]

And I’ll say it again, your channel is in my top 3 youtube woodworking channels (3 way tie for first place!), and I like your innovative, non-stodgy style! Well done Sir!

[TrevorDennis]

I don't know what is going on with the YouTube Algorithm, because I am subscribed to this channel but have missed a bunch of its videos. So after being so impressed with the Clamping Tips video I am working my way through the ones I have missed, and have immediately learned another truly stand out tip. I really like how your mind works.

[wadesam]

I have seen plenty of straight cauls, but the slightly tapered caul is new to me and makes perfect sense. Always great info and tips to remember.

[ronaldrice]

been doing that for over 50 years/ I am 74 retired woodworker

[dekesg]

Saw this in a Stumpy Nubs video. It works really well.

[abad_gtr]

i've always read about making these types of cauls...but have never seen the reason demonstrated as clearly/easily as you have here. excellent post my guy....thanks!

[HenkjanDeKaasboer]

I'm so often amazed with these little tips that have tremendous impact in setting up and finishing up. Stating that this would be due to me being a noob would not put credit where it is due. All these woodworking folks just being out here, showering us with these amazing tips and pieces of expert insight. Man, I love this.

[mattelias]

Awesome tip, 10/10. I've seen some other videos that attempted to explain how you can make 'tuned' cauls like these, based on both the length of the caul (more spring-y-ness) and on the degree to which you taper/crown the business side of the caul...
... and I am waiting for you now to explain this in your signature style so my brain accepts and understands it with the two variables. Think of it as 'advanced cauls' how-to.

[NWGR]

Excellent tip Jodee. I learned this one a long while back. There actually used to be a commercial outfit that sells curved cauls with slots for clamps, but they're so easy to make from scraps, I could never justify the cost.

[punkrockviking]

Whenever I come across one of your videos I always watch because I know it will be short and packed with useful info thanks!

[Sebastopolmark]

GREAT tip. Many times the simplest are the best! !! !!!