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To keep boards flat while gluing up a panel, use lengths of U-shaped steel strut channel as flattening bars. Set them across the panel, tighten their wing nuts just enough to hold the boards flat, then use separate clamps to pull the glued edges together.
What you need
- U-shaped steel strut channel, cut into pieces a few inches longer than the widest panel glue-up.
- Wing nuts and hardware compatible with the channel. Check that the hardware fits the channel you choose; the WOOD Magazine tip does not specify an exact channel size or hardware model.
- Woodworking clamps to close the glued joints, plus a mallet for small alignment corrections.
- Waxed paper if you are working with high-tannin wood such as oak or walnut.
WOOD Magazine’s July 7, 2020 tip describes strut channel as often called Unistrut, the name of a major brand, and says home centers sell channels in 10-foot lengths. Those are the tip’s general sourcing details, not universal dimensions or a product specification. Read the original tip.
How to use strut channel on a panel glue-up
- Cut the channel pieces. Make them a few inches longer than the widest glue-up so they extend beyond both sides of the panel.
- Arrange the channel and hardware. Set the channel pieces across the panel assembly and fit the compatible hardware and wing nuts. Put waxed paper between the channel and oak, walnut, or other high-tannin wood to help prevent staining.
- Flatten the boards lightly. Tighten the wing nuts only enough to bring the boards into a flat position. The channel is a flattening aid; avoid treating extra tightening as a substitute for bringing the joints together with clamps.
- Clamp the joints. Apply your woodworking clamps to pull the glued edges together. Continue until glue squeeze-out appears.
- Check and correct alignment. Look along the board edges to see whether they remain flush. If a board has shifted slightly, tap it into alignment with a mallet. If needed, tighten the wing nuts a little more.
Why use a separate flattening aid?
Panel clamps pull neighboring board edges together, while strut channel helps restrain boards from rising or shifting out of plane as you clamp. The method is therefore an aid to alignment during the glue-up, not a replacement for edge clamps or careful joint preparation. The original tip offers no controlled performance measurements or comparison with other flattening methods.
Precautions and limits
- Use only enough wing-nut pressure to flatten the assembly, and check the board edges as you work.
- Protect high-tannin woods with waxed paper where they contact the steel to help avoid staining.
- Confirm that the channel and its hardware are compatible before assembly. The cited tip does not give channel width, depth, gauge, finish, load rating, or a particular hardware model, so do not assume every channel-and-hardware combination will fit.
WOOD Magazine credits the July 2020 tip to Dennis Sheehan of Antioch, Illinois. It describes a practical shop method, not a tested product specification.
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Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 3
Bestseller No. 4
Rank #4
LookFox 1-5/8" Strut Channel Trolley Track, 4.8 ft (57.5 in), 1 Pack
- ☑️【Industrial-Grade Structural Support】Made from heavy-duty 12-gauge steel, this U strut channel provides robust and stable support for heavy-duty roller systems, ceiling suspensions, equipment installation, and pipe/cable tray systems. It serves as the core foundational component for movable suspension systems in workshops, warehouses, and garages.
- ☑️【Thick High-Zinc Coating】Featuring a professional galvanized finish with a zinc coating thickness of up to 275g/㎡ and zinc spangle, it offers excellent rust and corrosion resistance. It withstands harsh environments and is suitable for indoor and semi-outdoor.
- ☑️【Designed for Trolley Systems】With a width and height of 1-5/8 inches, it is fully compatible with most same-sized channel accessories and trolley on the market. Paired with standard track suspension brackets, it enables the construction of a complete trolley system.
- ☑️【Efficient Installation and Flexible Adjustment】① This u channel measures 4.8 feet (57.5 inches) in length and can be easily cut to adjust the length. ② Pre-punched short slots on the back allow for flexible positioning and quick installation. ③Comes with 2 end caps to protect your strut channel and create a clean finished look.
- ☑️【Versatile Multi-Scenario Application】Suitable for industrial, commercial, and residential applications such as pipeline routing, cable tray support, seismic bracing system construction, and garage storage system setup. It meets the needs of various environments, including workshops, warehouses, and factories.
Rank #3
Strut Channel, 5 ft. L, Aluminum, 14 Gauge (2 Pieces)
- Price For: Pack of 2 Strut Channel Size: 1-5/8" x 13/16" Item: Strut Channel Length: 5 ft. Strut Channel Material: Aluminum Slot Type: Slotted Hole Spacing: 2" Center to Center Strut Channel Style: Standard Gauge: 14 Hole Size: 9/16" x 1-1/8" Country of Origin (subject to change): United States
Rank #2
SKTREX 5 Feet Length Strut Channel Trolley Track,1-5/8" high and Wide 12 Gauge Metal Steel u Channel with Short Slotted Back Channel - Pre-Galvanized Zinc Finish for Durability (Pack of 2)
- [Versatile Support] This strut channel is ideal for Wheel Trolley Assembly, supporting electrical wiring, plumbing, and mechanical systems, thanks to its sturdy 1-5/8" width and height.If you want to use Wheel Trolley Assembly in strut channel, please buy our trolley track hanger, you can search for ASIN: "B0BNZYQ6P1"
- [Durable Pre-Galvanized Zinc] The silver finish has been treated with pre-galvanized zinc, providing long-lasting corrosion resistance that can withstand harsh conditions.
- [Convenient Slotted Back Channel] The 9/16" x 1-1/8" short slotted back channel allows for easy installation and adjustment, saving time and effort on your construction or maintenance project.
- [Customizable Length] Measuring 58 inches long, this strut channel can be easily cut and adjusted to your desired length, providing greater flexibility and versatility in any application.
- [Reliable Support] Whether you're building a new structure or retrofitting an existing one, this high-quality strut channel provides dependable and secure support for a variety of applications.
#1 Best Overall
SKTREX 5 Feet Length Strut Channel Trolley Track,1-5/8" high and Wide 12 Gauge Metal Steel u Channel with Short Slotted Back Channel - Pre-Galvanized Zinc Finish for Durability (Pack of One)
- [Versatile Support] This strut channel is ideal for Wheel Trolley Assembly, supporting electrical wiring, plumbing, and mechanical systems, thanks to its sturdy 1-5/8" width and height.If you want to use Wheel Trolley Assembly in strut channel, please buy our trolley track hanger, you can search for ASIN: "B0BNZYQ6P1"
- [Durable Pre-Galvanized Zinc] The silver finish has been treated with pre-galvanized zinc, providing long-lasting corrosion resistance that can withstand harsh conditions.
- [Convenient Slotted Back Channel] The 9/16" x 1-1/8" short slotted back channel allows for easy installation and adjustment, saving time and effort on your construction or maintenance project.
- [Customizable Length] Measuring 59 inches long, this strut channel can be easily cut and adjusted to your desired length, providing greater flexibility and versatility in any application.
- [Reliable Support] Whether you're building a new structure or retrofitting an existing one, this high-quality strut channel provides dependable and secure support for a variety of applications.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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