Clever cauls let one clamp do the work of four

When I started woodworking 50 years ago, I had only two pipe clamps, which still serve me well. So I developed this 4-in-1 clamping caul that allows one clamp to spread pressure over a long area. Although I have a lot more clamps these days, I still reach for my 4-in-1s when I don’t want to wrestle with multiple clamps, such as when I’m gluing solid edging to plywood panels. They are also handy for awkward glue-ups that require a deep reach.

The cauls create levers that exert even pressure at four contact points. They are easy to make from solid wood or plywood using a series of bandsaw cuts. Once you understand their basic design, you can make them in several lengths (and thicknesses) for a lifetime of use.

—Ed Cler, Villa Grove, Ill.