Interesting article.  I will have to confess that pipe clamps were some of my first clamps and are my go-to clamps for most edge glue ups.  I find them easier to use than the parallel clamps that I own (Bessy and Jorgenson).   I also like the fact that I can buy different lengths of pipe or couple them together for a variety of sizes without buying more clamps.   When edge gluing, I normally do one over and one under along the length.  And I have Masonite pads that I've hot-glued on the jaws.  I do prefer black pipe, though, as I think the heads slip less with them.  I have never had a problem with staining along the glue lines.

 

https://www.finewoodworking.com/2020/06/22/the-mighty-pipe-clamp

Same for me, grew up using them, and have plenty to do most work.  But anyone that wants to send donations my way, know they are going to a good home.  

Good read.  I get how waxing the pipe would help, but would it also cause the moving end to slip just when you don't want it to?

Just now, JimM said:

Good read.  I get how waxing the pipe would help, but would it also cause the moving end to slip just when you don't want it to?

 

 

I noticed this tendency when using older cam style clamps.  Switched over to the friction plates and have not encountered that. Most of the videos I see now have the fancy parallel clamp style.  They are nice but pricey and unlike a pipe clamp which you can use a coupler to make longer they are limited in size.  Overall probably not an issue but still, when I need it a coupler gets the job done.  

5 minutes ago, Gunny said:

I noticed this tendency when using older cam style clamps. 

Those can be a problem both on galvanized and black pipe. As for glue sticking, I just place a strip of wax paper on the pipe before setting the wood on it. My son and I built the railings for his 2-storey log home, which meant we needed a few 6' clamps. I wanted to buy them from him when the job was done, he told me to take them. They'll come in handy, I'm sure!

1 minute ago, HARO50 said:

I just place a strip of wax paper on the pipe

 

 

Good tip!

I use the wax paper also. Cheap and glue doesn't stick to it.

I've often used wax paper when using pipe clamps. Usually, I just lay it across the surface of the wood. Works for me. The long and the short of it is exactly that. I've used pipe clamps as long as 20' for squaring up items in my years of welding.

Edited January 24, 20215 yr by Al B

Like the pipe clamps for longer jobs but for under 20 inch K body works for me. Of coarse they have lots of dust on both types now as I don't do much with them, with the current project an exception.

There's a bunch of 3/4" black pipe clamps in my shop. I made MDF plates for each end. They're 6" tall and, sloped on two edges, kinda wedge shaped with holes for the pipe. The wide 4" side makes for for a base and the 3" side is the clamping surface.  Handy for the over and under clamping jobs. 

There's always wax paper handy and, I've used packing tape...definitely not recommended. 

With my bad wrist a pipe clamp handle is much easier to use.