My Besseys have been getting in the way and needing a rack for a long time. I really got tired of lugging them across the shop so decided to build a rack for them- at least a prototype to test out my ideas.
First, I wanted a mobile rack- on casters- so I could bring all the clamps to the project/area where I need them.
Second, I thought about how I usually carry and hold the clamps. I usually grab the bar, not the tightening handle, and carry them jaws down. I carry them by the bar because I can pick up and carry 2 -3 clamps in each hand.
I hold them jaws down since I've had the adjustable jaw slide down the bar and pinch my hand. So, I decided the clamps should sit on the rack jaws down, actually rest on the top of the jaw rather than hanging from the jaws like almost all the clamp racks I've seen.
So here is what I came up with. This prototype is made from scrap 2 X 4's and MDF left over from my assembly table. The base measures 24" X 30." Each half of top of the base slopes toward the center at 6 deg. to ensure the clamps don't fall over or off the rack. I will likely add dividers near the top of the "A" frame assembly. The rack is currently loaded with 44 clamps (most purchased during the Bessey frenzy of two years ago) and include 4- 12", 14- 30", 20- 40", 2- 48", and 2- 56" clamps but as built can hold up to 64 clamps of various sizes. I loaded the clamps facing the opposite direction on the back side so the bars do not interfere with clamps from the other side. Once loaded the rack is heavy. It rolls ok with Hartville Tool casters. You can see the other details in the pics. I will use it this way for awhile to see how it works out before I make a new and improved version.
The base:
Checking the angle and height for the rest.
Dados cut in the base top for the lower dividers. Base top and rest attached.
Dividers installed, casters attached, and loaded with 44 clamps.
An end view.
Close-up of the lower part. I'll likely add some end pieces here.
Close-up of the upper part showing staggered bars. I'll likely add dividers to keep the bars from sliding sideways.
First, I wanted a mobile rack- on casters- so I could bring all the clamps to the project/area where I need them.
Second, I thought about how I usually carry and hold the clamps. I usually grab the bar, not the tightening handle, and carry them jaws down. I carry them by the bar because I can pick up and carry 2 -3 clamps in each hand.
I hold them jaws down since I've had the adjustable jaw slide down the bar and pinch my hand. So, I decided the clamps should sit on the rack jaws down, actually rest on the top of the jaw rather than hanging from the jaws like almost all the clamp racks I've seen.
So here is what I came up with. This prototype is made from scrap 2 X 4's and MDF left over from my assembly table. The base measures 24" X 30." Each half of top of the base slopes toward the center at 6 deg. to ensure the clamps don't fall over or off the rack. I will likely add dividers near the top of the "A" frame assembly. The rack is currently loaded with 44 clamps (most purchased during the Bessey frenzy of two years ago) and include 4- 12", 14- 30", 20- 40", 2- 48", and 2- 56" clamps but as built can hold up to 64 clamps of various sizes. I loaded the clamps facing the opposite direction on the back side so the bars do not interfere with clamps from the other side. Once loaded the rack is heavy. It rolls ok with Hartville Tool casters. You can see the other details in the pics. I will use it this way for awhile to see how it works out before I make a new and improved version.
The base:
Checking the angle and height for the rest.
Dados cut in the base top for the lower dividers. Base top and rest attached.
Dividers installed, casters attached, and loaded with 44 clamps.
An end view.
Close-up of the lower part. I'll likely add some end pieces here.
Close-up of the upper part showing staggered bars. I'll likely add dividers to keep the bars from sliding sideways.
When I need a clamp, I'm generally 1½-2 steps away from my wall-mounted clamp rack at all times!!! :lol:
