Woodworkers place these rigid bars across a panel or veneer before applying clamps. The caul spreads the localized force of the clamp jaws over a wider area, ensuring a tight, flat glue line and preventing the clamp from denting the workpiece. They are often slightly bowed in the middle to apply maximum pressure at the center of a wide panel.
Heard on the job
Tape the edges of the caul so it doesn't get glued to the tabletop during the glue-up.
Insider tip
Wrap your cauls in packing tape or rub them with paste wax so any squeezed-out glue will not stick to them.
Also heard as
- clamping caul