Review of Pony Frame Clamp

I make many picture frames, usually of exotic hardwoods, usually using a biscuit joiner, so I'm always looking for something that will make the gluing process easier. I'm very meticulous about measuring and cutting, so I *should* be able to get joints that butt correctly without gaps. But as others who do this kind of work know, even with perfect cuts, getting the joint set up to glue correctly isn't easy. Invariably, you think you've got it clamped up juuuuust right, then come back after the glue's set up to find gaping chasms between the pieces. This jig promises to make the process foolproof, but I found it doesn't work very well, especially if you anticipate using it for a long time.
The process: Put the jig on a table (or the floor), set the retaining corner pieces in the slots that allow you to place your picture frame in it; in other words, if you have a large frame, the corner pieces go into slots farther out on the four aluminum braces. (Note: The image above shows the corner pieces backwards.) Then you tighten a wingnut in the center to pull the braces inward. You cannot adjust the angles in each corner; they're all exactly 45 degrees. That should work, though sometimes, even if you've cut the wood properly, it'd be nice to be able to shim in a corner or two ever so slightly.
The fatal flaws in this device: One, one small wingnut tightens the whole thing, so it takes some effort to get the thing really tight. Two, it doesn't have any mechanism to flatten the wood vertically, so you must use clamps to make sure they don't ride up (even with biscuits, I find that happens occasionally). Three, the corner pieces are plastic, and apparently cheap plastic -- after tightening the jig too much, I broke one, making the entire jig useless.
I think this thing could be a very useful device, but it needs a better tightening mechanism and sturdier components.

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Product Description:
Sold as each. Self-squaring adjustable clamp for picture frame assembly. Clamps frames from 5 x 7" to 26 x 30". Simple operation: clamps all four corners simultaneously. Jaws are reversible for clamping both small and large frames. Unit folds quickly and easily for compact storage. Boxed. Manufacturer's number: 88094. Country of origin: Taiwan. Distributed by Adjustable Clamp Co.

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