You can create some simple shop hold-downs by using some store bought sand and a few jugs.

When I’m face-gluing wide panels together or mounting veneer to substrate, it’s easy to clamp the perimeter but harder to make sure the center area is pressed flat. Instead of using a veneer press or a vacuum bag, I turn to my “heavy helpers” for the weight I need. They’re simply plastic windshield washer jugs filled with sand. The jugs were freed from the trash bin of my local gas station. I use play sand because its fine consistency is easy to pour into the containers.

When I’m face-gluing wide panels together or mounting veneer to substrate, it’s easy to clamp the perimeter but harder to make sure the center area is pressed flat. Instead of using a veneer press or a vacuum bag, I turn to my “heavy helpers” for the weight I need. They’re simply plastic windshield washer jugs filled with sand. The jugs were freed from the trash bin of my local gas station. I use play sand because its fine consistency is easy to pour into the containers.