Rockler doesn't want you to see this video

In this video, we borrow some handy gear from the electrical industry to build easy, practical woodworking cauls that don’t suck! You can make these using readily available hardware, in less than half an hour, using one ONE tool!

* Glue and chemical resistant
* Super flat and rigid
* Quickly adaptable to any size work
* Quick and easy to set up, use, and store
* And best of all… CHEAP! 🤑

Subscribe to our podcast: @TheNewCrankyWorkshop

Parts used in the video (NOT affiliate links)

Additional bolts, nuts, and washers should be available at your local hardware store.

As usual, no sponsorship, endorsement, merchandise, or compensation was offered or accepted for the making of this video.

Chapters:
00:00 Panel glue-ups used to stress me out!
02:17 Traditional woodworking cauls
03:02 Improved woodworking cauls
04:17 A better caul solution!

#woodworking #cauls #glueup #clamps #panels #table #furniture #diy #superstrut #unistrut #camclamp #glue #tools

[kevinstenger]

Having used thousands of feet of this stuff as an industrial electrician I can tell you that the 1-5/8” version is much stiffer than the 7/8” you show here, there’s also 3-1/4” deep if you really need stiff stuff. In addition, they sell heavy square washers so you can use the strut with the flat side against the wood to minimize denting of the wood.

[draztiqmeshaz]

Hey, so not that you asked but here's a mod to this that would help keep them flat. For each caul, set a small offcut from the piece being clamped (same thickness) on the other side of each bolt to counteract any flex that would bow out the middle.

[eliucornielle]

Everything about this video is great. The teaching, the humor, the idea, the production quality. Thank you for sharing!

[TrailToughTrailers]

I expect the enlightenment when watching Youtube vids, but when it also comes with HUMOR... wow... WOW hands down the best way to teach someone like me! Great idea, GREAT VIDEO

[DyE]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Also mad props for being able to make a great video. You strike a nice balance in your humour, teaching and video length.

[jontnoneya]

I absolutely LOVE practical, simple solutions like this that are also cost effective. Well done!!

[ASR_]

Hey Lee, I've been using unistrut as cauls for years and its great to see a quality video showcasing the different ways to go with this. I would add that there is also a deeper throat version of the strut which is what I had used in the past, especially for wider glue ups. One way to save a bit and have an even more flexible system is to use all thread which you can but in 5 or 10' lengths and cut it to length for thicker projects with 2 bolts and 2 washers per side. Few more pieces but it really gives an additional level of flexibility. Great video!

[richragan]

Super glad YouTube Recomended your Channel! Thank you Lee!

[warrenking]

Great idea, low cost, flexible, and easy to use! You nailed it.

[doofusmaguilacutee]

As a general contractor and finish carpenter, I mostly ignore all these DIY channels, but I have to admit, that this is a great solution!

[tomdeutsch]

One add-on for the sticklers out there; you could add some blue tape (or other thin shims) to the middle if you're concerned about getting full pressure at the middle.
Unistrut is a great idea - I never got the hang of making a curved caul on the jointer anyway and you're right, you need 6 hands to put them in place.

[adrianwoodworm]

Omg I don't even know where to start!
Ok, so first as a woodworker:
I wasn't expecting much from a video showing how to make some cauls. Boy was I wrong! What a great idea! I actually learned something and I will hit the hardware store this weekend and try to copy this!

As a content creator:
The editing is on another level! Wow! Yet again, there is so much to learn! The quick angle changes without beeing overwhelming, the great application of your humor, the flawless audio and light, the sharp and crisp video quality, the cleverly applied effects and filters, I mean every aspect is spot on!

As an impatient content consumer:
I wasn't bored for a second! This was perfect in length and very entertaining!

This Video is an absolute banger! I appreciate how much time and effort you put into this, thank you for sharing this jewel with the youtube woodworking community!!👌👍

[deepinthewasatch]

Just found your channel and love your style (and your workshop)! Thanks for keeping it both entertaining and informative.

[KeithOlson]

Great idea! ...and, to be a little extra with the longer ones, putting a small bow in each bar will help make sure that the center of the panel receives optimal pressure.

[JCG]

Allright, Old-School, you got my subscription. I like your style, editing, and personality. You kept my attention, and I learned something.
I would like to see more, please, so keep it comin'!

[johnpierce]

Personally I use wooden cauls rounded on one side to keep pressure in the middle, but good tip, and I love your style! Hitting subscribe right now!

[rogeranderson]

That is certainly a good 'off label' use. Gotta say, I have found the Rockler panel clamps darn easy to use, not fiddly at all, they even used some sort of paint that allows any glue that runs out onto them to be knocked off easily. With a couple of shims, I'm using them lately to clamp up some coopered chair seats, saving me having to build a special jig for the job.
All the Best to you. -Veteran '66-68

[jimsulsona]

This was my first video of yours that I have seen...and I LOVED IT! Great practical and cost saving solution, and I was extremely entertained by your sense of humor...you had me quite literally laughing out loud! Keep up the good work. And thanks to all the folks who offered great additional tips in the comments.

[keiththorpe]

You gotta great channel here. After many years away from woodworking (I was an assistant to a carpenter/cabinetmaker back in my 20s) I'm getting back into the trade. I'm learning a ton of great stuff from your videos. Keep 'em coming, partner!

[MathijsHeideveld]

I busted a rib from coughing a while back. This video got me laughing so hard, its busted again! Thanks for making my day a little better and giving me a way to save some money while you're at it!