Rockler Mini Deluxe Panel Clamps Instructions

General Safety Warnings

This product is designed only for specific applications as defined in the instructions and should not be modified or used for any manner not described in these instructions. Use only recommended accessories. Before using the Mini Deluxe Panel Clamps: READ, UNDERSTAND and FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND SAFETY WARNINGS. KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS READILY AVAILABLE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

• Always confirm that you are using the most recent version of the Instructions and safety warnings for your product (see the Instructions link on the product page at Rockler.com).
• Before using another tool with this product, always read, understand and follow the instructions and safety warnings in the owner's manual for that tool. If you do not have the owner's manual, obtain one from the tool's manufacturer before using it with this product.
• Before using any chemical with this product, always read, understand and follow all safety warnings and guidelines in the manufacturer's Safety Data Sheet (SDS; formerly called "MSDS"), especially regarding:
  • How to safely use the chemical, including potential hazards and recommended first aid measures;
  • Personal safety equipment required to safely use the chemical (e.g. gloves, eye protection, mask/respirator, etc.);
  • Proper and safe handling, storage and disposal of the chemical.
• Before using this product, review and verify that all tools to be used with it have safety equipment installed and are in proper working order as defined by the tool's owner's manual.
• Do not use this product until you have read and are confident you understand:
  • Product Specific Safety Warnings (p. 3);
  • Setup and Use (p. 3-4);
  • Mounting the Storage Rack to a Wall (p. 4).
• The user assumes all risk and responsibility for the proper and safe use of this product and for ensuring product suitability for the intended application.
• It is the sole responsibility of the purchaser of this product to ensure that any anyone you allow to use this product reads and complies with all instructions and safety precautions outlined in this manual prior to use.

Standard Shop Safety Practices:

• Keep children and bystanders away from the tool operating area;
• Do NOT use power tools in explosive environments, or in the presence of flammable liquids, fumes or dust;
• TURN OFF AND UNPLUG all power tools BEFORE making any adjustments or changing accessories;
• Remain alert and use good judgment. Do not use this product if you are in any way impaired by medications, alcohol, drugs or fatigue;
• Keep your work area well lit and clean;
• Dress appropriately. Secure loose clothing, remove all jewelry and tie up long hair before using this product;
• ALWAYS wear safety glasses, hearing protection and respiratory protection that complies with NIOSH/OSHA/ANSI safety standards;
• Use dust collection tools and dust face masks to reduce exposure to dust;
• Use safety equipment such as featherboards, push sticks and push blocks, etc., when appropriate;
• Maintain proper footing at all times and do not overreach;
• Do NOT force woodworking tools.

These warnings and instructions do NOT represent the total of all information available regarding tool safety, use and technique. Always seek out opportunities to learn more and improve your skills and knowledge.

Product Specific Safety Warnings

An image shows the Rockler Mini Deluxe Panel Clamps holding together several strips of wood to form a panel. The blue clamps are positioned on a workbench, with the Rockler logo visible.

Setup and Use

1. Place two of the Rails (1) on your work surface with the teeth facing down and pointing toward you. The rails will stand on the integrated feet at the ends.
2. Fit a Headstock Assembly (2) onto each bottom Rail (1). The pin of the lower arm of the Headstock Assembly fits into the U-shaped notches in the Rail. Turn the articulating handle on each Headstock Assembly to fully retract the clamping bar.
3. Fit a Tailstock Assembly (3) onto each bottom Rail (1). Setting the pin one or two grooves larger than the final panel width is not a problem because of the clamp mechanism's range. Figure 1.
4. Lay out the boards for your panel on the bottom Rails (1) between the Headstock Assemblies (2) and the Tailstock Assemblies (3). Lift the top arms of the assemblies to fit the boards in.
5. If the boards don't fit, or if there's a lot of extra space, adjust the Tailstock Assemblies (3) in or out as necessary. There are knurled pin extensions on the Tailstock Assemblies to make it easier to open the arms.
6. Apply glue to the edges of your boards and position them for clamping on the bottom Rails (1).
7. Working on one clamp at a time, grab the top Rail (1) and orient it so the teeth are facing up and toward you. Lift the top arm of each Headstock Assembly (2) and begin sliding the Rail through the Headstock toward the Tailstock Assembly (3). Lift the top arm of the Tailstock Assembly and slide the Rail until the Headstock Assembly locks into the U-shaped notch. Allow the pin of the top arm of the Tailstock Assembly to fit into the same notch as it did in the bottom Rail. Figure 2.
8. Verify that all Headstock Assemblies (2) and Tailstock Assemblies (3) are locked in corresponding slots in the top and bottom Rails (1).
9. Turn the handle on each Headstock Assembly (2) to apply clamping pressure to the boards, making sure the joints are flush as you increase the pressure. Small discrepancies at the joined edges are normal; simply give the boards a tap with a dead-blow mallet to bring the joints flush.
10. Once the glue has dried, loosen the articulating handle and remove the panel.

A diagram displays the components of the Mini Deluxe Panel Clamps. Item 1 is the Rail, a long blue bar with teeth. Item 2 is the Headstock Assembly, a clamp mechanism with an articulating arm and handle. Item 3 is the Tailstock Assembly, similar to the Headstock. Item 4 is the Storage Bracket, a metal piece for mounting. The diagram also shows a close-up of a Headstock Assembly being attached to a Rail, with its pin fitting into a U-shaped notch.

Figure 1 shows the panel clamping setup. Boards are placed on the bottom Rails. The top arms of the Headstock and Tailstock Assemblies are lifted to accommodate the boards, and then lowered. A hand is shown turning the handle of a Headstock Assembly to tighten the clamp.

Mounting the Storage Rack to a Wall

1. Use a stud finder to locate a wooden wall stud in the area where you want to mount the Storage Bracket (4). Mark the center of the stud.
2. If mounting using the center set of holes on the Storage Bracket (4), use a level to extend the stud centerline vertically, making sure it's plumb. Hold the Storage Bracket up to the line and mark the drilling locations for pilot holes on that vertical line.
3. If mounting using the outside slots, first mark the pilot hole location at the center of the stud and then use a level to extend a horizontal line in the desired direction. Hold the Storage Bracket up to the line and mark the second drilling location.
4. Drill a 1/8" diameter pilot hole for each screw being driven into a stud. If the second screw will not go into a stud, make sure to use a wall anchor or toggle bolt rated to hold at least 25 lbs.
5. Attach the Storage Bracket (4) with at least two screws (not included); at least one of these must be a #10 x 21/2" screw driven into a structurally sound solid wood stud.

Another diagram (labeled Figure 1) illustrates the mounting of the Storage Bracket to a wall. It shows the bracket being held against a wall, with pilot holes marked for screws, indicating the need to align with a wall stud.

Parts List