if you are new to woodworking and in the market for some clamps, start here. skip the 1/2" ones for one reason: all the handy little clips and stand up pads are for 3/4" clamps. keep it simple.(p) i started my collection with 6 clamps and 12 different lengths of pipe. yeah, switching the clamps from pipe to pipe got old, but it was a start.  add more clamps and pipe as the budget allows and soon you will have an arsenal.(p) another thing, if you want a 36" clamp, get 42" pipe. remember to allow 6" for the clamps themselves.(p)i recommend shying away from "off" brand imitations. the quality always worried me. watch the sales and buy 'em on sale. just the today my local hardware store has them. i bought two more. (p)happy clampin'