How to Clamp Curved Wood With Surgical Tubing
Clamping a woodworking project is usually straightforward. A few F-style clamps or bar clamps can provide all the pressure you need for most glue-ups. But when you're working with curved or irregularly shaped parts, traditional clamps don't always work.
The jaws may slip off rounded edges, and getting clamping pressure exactly where you need it can be frustrating. Even a band clamp can be difficult to position and may leave dents or marks on delicate corners.
Fortunately, there's a simple solution that works especially well for odd-shaped woodworking projects: surgical tubing.
This inexpensive, flexible material stretches around curved surfaces, grips the wood, and provides adjustable clamping pressure without requiring traditional clamp jaws.
Why Curved Woodworking Projects Are Difficult to Clamp
Most woodworking clamps work best when their jaws press against flat, parallel surfaces.
F-style clamps are great for assembling cabinets, boxes, and furniture, but they can be difficult to use on projects with curved or irregular profiles.
Even clamps with swiveling pads may not grip securely against rounded surfaces. As pressure increases, the jaws can shift or slide out of position.
Band clamps offer another option, especially for larger assemblies. However, the tension of the band can concentrate pressure along edges or corners, potentially leaving dents in softer wood.
This becomes a particular challenge when gluing up band saw boxes.
During construction, the back of a band saw box is often cut away to remove the interior waste. After shaping the interior, the back is glued in place again.
Because the box has a curved outline, holding the pieces together while the glue dries can be tricky.
That's where surgical tubing comes in handy.
Why Surgical Tubing Makes a Great Woodworking Clamp
Surgical tubing is a flexible rubber tube that stretches under tension.
It's commonly available at hardware stores and can be cut into lengths to suit different projects.
Two characteristics make it especially useful for woodworking glue-ups.
It's stretchy. As the tubing wraps around a workpiece, it stretches and creates tension that pulls the parts together.
It's grippy. The soft rubber surface helps keep the tubing from sliding off curved or irregular shapes.
Unlike a conventional clamp, the tubing doesn't require flat surfaces for the jaws to grip.
Instead, it conforms to the shape of the workpiece, allowing you to position the wraps where additional pressure is needed.
The soft material also helps protect delicate surfaces from the concentrated pressure that can occur with metal clamp jaws or narrow bands.
How to Clamp a Band Saw Box With Surgical Tubing
Using surgical tubing as a clamp is surprisingly simple. The key is stretching the tubing as you wrap it around the project.
Step 1: Prepare the Glue Joint
Start by making sure the mating surfaces fit together properly.
For a band saw box, apply glue to the cut surfaces where the back will be reattached.
Position the pieces carefully so the edges are aligned.
Before wrapping the tubing, it's helpful to make a dry run to determine where the wraps should go and how much tubing you'll need.
Step 2: Wrap the Tubing Around the Workpiece
Hold one end of the surgical tubing against the box and begin wrapping it around the curved shape.
Stretch the tubing slightly as you make each wrap.
The tension creates clamping pressure, while the rubber surface grips the wood and helps keep the tubing in position.
After a couple of wraps, the tubing should hold itself in place, allowing you to continue wrapping without losing tension.
Step 3: Position the Wraps Where Pressure Is Needed
One of the biggest advantages of surgical tubing is the ability to direct clamping pressure.
As you wrap the tubing, position each loop over the areas that need to be pulled together.
You can move the wraps closer together where additional pressure is needed or spread them out to distribute pressure over a larger area.
This makes it easier to clamp curved glue joints that would be difficult to reach with ordinary clamps.
Step 4: Secure the End of the Tubing
Once you've wrapped the tubing around the project, tuck the loose end beneath a couple of the existing wraps.
The tension and friction of the rubber help hold the end securely.
Check that the glue joint remains aligned and that the tubing is applying pressure in the intended locations.
Allow the glue to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions before removing the tubing.
Tips for Using Surgical Tubing as a Clamp
A few simple precautions will help you get better results with this clamping technique.
- Use the right amount of tension. Stretch the tubing enough to close the joint without distorting or damaging the workpiece.
- Position the wraps carefully. Concentrate pressure over the glue joint rather than simply wrapping the entire project at random.
- Check the alignment. Make sure the parts haven't shifted as you tighten the tubing.
- Protect delicate finishes. Test the tubing on finished or easily marked surfaces before wrapping the project.
- Inspect the tubing. Replace tubing that shows cracks, cuts, or other signs of wear.
- Keep control of the loose ends. Stretched tubing can snap back if released suddenly, so secure it carefully.
- Make a dry run. Practice wrapping the project before applying glue so you can work efficiently during assembly.
Other Woodworking Projects That Benefit From Surgical Tubing
Although this technique works especially well for band saw boxes, surgical tubing can be useful for other small or irregularly shaped glue-ups.
Consider using it for curved decorative boxes, small sculpted parts, shaped wooden handles, or other assemblies where conventional clamps can't get a secure grip.
The ability to wrap around a workpiece makes surgical tubing a versatile addition to your collection of woodworking clamping accessories.
For larger assemblies or joints requiring substantial pressure, conventional clamps and purpose-built clamping fixtures may still be the better choice.
An Easy Clamping Trick for Awkward Glue-Ups
Not every woodworking project has flat surfaces that are easy to clamp.
When you're gluing curved or irregularly shaped parts, surgical tubing offers a simple way to apply pressure without struggling to position conventional clamps.
Its stretchy, grippy surface conforms to the shape of the workpiece, stays in place, and allows you to concentrate pressure exactly where it's needed.
Best of all, it doesn't require an elaborate jig or expensive specialty clamp.
Keep a length of surgical tubing in your shop, and the next time you're faced with an awkward glue-up, you'll have a handy solution ready to go.
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