Are the Rockler Panel Clamps really worth it? $$$

In this video I do not only a review but also a full glue up using the Rockler Panel clamps, talked about the pros and cons and see it in action on a real table build
⚒Tools Used in this video:
► my favorite mechanical pencils: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Deluxe Panel Clamps: amzn.to/3FcibfO
Glue Brush: amzn.to/3ZMEFgU
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[@kb6dxn]

They are a pain in the ass to use, I have the small ones (1 pair) and use them as wall art now.

[@joshuabray37]

Thanks for this review! This is exactly what I need. I normally use domino's for alignment, and F-Clamps to keep tight. I just need clamps to prevent the panel from warping. It sounds like these will do just what I need.

[@JHGWoodcraft]

Awesome! Glad I could help out!!

[@thisoldman7142]

Very informative video. I assumed the clamps applied equal pressure in both directions, in and together. I might DIY some and play around with some ideas of my own. I wonder, if the “arms” of the end pieces were shorter would there be more inward pressure of the two bars?

[@JHGWoodcraft]

Yeah you get more pressure from the sides than top and bottom.

[@DKWalser]

Very nice review. This type of clamp can make panel glue ups easier. The basic design is fairly old, you can buy hardware kits that allow you to make your own for a lot less than Rockler charges for theirs. Rockler's version has a few improvements over the traditional design, such as the magnetic feet. Woodpecker's version (still more money) incorporates even more improvements. Still, a hardware kit for two of these clamps costs about $60, and the resulting clamps will do the job just as well as either Rocker's or Woodpecker's versions. Personally, I'd rather make four of these clamps for less than the cost of two of Rockler's clamps. YMMV.

[@JHGWoodcraft]

Yeah that is a great point, you are definitely paying extra for some features, is there a kit you would recommend?

[@CowsGoM3ow]

@@JHGWoodcraft Rockler, woodriver, peachtree, amazon and others sell a 4 way panel clamp hardware kit. Traditionally used with wood as the caul. Shopsmith sells them hardware or with the wood. Other youtubers have used superstrut/unistrut as the caul.
$40 - $55 for hardware to make 2 clamps I believe.

[@frank3283]

I've had those clamps for about a year. I only have done one glue up with them, it was a nightmare. I couldn't keep anything aligned, the center clamping bar in the head wouldn't stay centered on the work piece, nothing worked right. MAYBE I'll give it another go before I sell them.

[@JHGWoodcraft]

wow that's unfortunate!
I wonder what the issue was why it wouldn't align. Well I hope it works for you next time, or maybe try one of the alternatives in the comments.

[@Jdavid1976]

Gotta respectfully say I don't think this is a very fair review due to the use of biscuits. How are the clamps supposed to completely flatten if movement is restricted like that?

[@JHGWoodcraft]

Yeah that's a fair call out!
I will say having used these claps and others with and without biscuits my results were essentially the same. Even with the biscuits you can still get buckling.
Now if you join material 1/2 or thinner it doesn't seem to flatten as well.
You do make a very good point. Maybe I should redo without the support. thank you for checking it out and providing feedback.