Bridge clamps (Joint bridges)

As easy as the panel clamp method is, it can be frustrating to get boards to be on the same plane.  Bridge clamps…or joint bridges, are simple devices that can quickly be made in less than 30 minutes.  While you can spend a lot of money on a store bought set, these DIY sets can be made with a scrap of 2 x 4.  That means that if you ever need more of these, you can quickly batch them out to finish your project.

I’ve created a set of free plans here that will get yours built quickly.  Unlike most of the other one’s I’ve seen, these allow your clamps to nest so you’re not fighting to clamp them up.

Board Jack/Deadman bench

watch all steps in this video before starting

Please use the material and tool list below as a guide to finding the products locally.

Materials

  • 2 x 4 x 30 Construction lumber

Tools Needed/used

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Step by step instructions

1. Layout

The layout is simple.  We’ll draw a couple line down the length of the 2×4.  One line will be at 1 5/16″ and the other at 13/16″.  After both lines are made, we’ll section them off into their general end length (2 1/2″) and then draw another line on each of the previous lines, which will use an awl on.

Click image to see this step on youtube

2. Drilling bridge and nest

At the cross sections, we’ll drill holes out with a 1″ bit of some sort.

Click image to see this step on youtube

3. Table saw work

On the 1 5/16″ line we’ll divide the 2×4 in half.

Click image to see this step on youtube

4. Setting them up

Finally, to use them, we’ll place the holes between each joint, first lining up the bottom and then adding it’s pair to the top.  Clamping is easy as you’ll slide an f-clamp in.  Of course, you’ll still want to clamp the center with larger clamps of some kind…but you’re done.

Click image to see this step on youtube

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