Simple Clamping Trick Eliminates Panel Bowing

A simple change in clamping technique is saving furniture makers hours of frustration during panel glue-ups. The method, popularized by veteran woodworker Paul Sellers, involves alternating clamps above and below the workpiece to balance pressure distribution.

The Common Problem

When all clamps are positioned on one side of a panel, uneven pressure causes the assembly to bow. Woodworkers then fight the curve, adding more clamps, which often makes the problem worse.

The Alternating Solution

By placing every other clamp on the opposite side of the panel, forces balance naturally. The result is flat panels without excessive clamping pressure or complicated caul systems.

This technique works equally well with pipe clamps, parallel clamps, or F-style clamps. The key is maintaining roughly equal spacing and ensuring clamp bars contact the wood at the same distance from the glue line.

For particularly wide panels, wooden cauls running perpendicular to the boards add additional insurance against cupping. Light wax on the cauls prevents accidental adhesion.