If you don't have tools you can also check out some of the vocational schools in your area. Some of them may have continuing ed classes where you can work on your project or have 'open shop' on the weekends where you can pay a daily fee to use the shop.
Amazon sells a bunch of clamps made in china for about $20 - search on columbian 27200. I've seen the same kit at my local Lowes for around the same price.
My local HD does have the 16' shelving. One thing anyone should be aware of is that one edge is rounded over - they call it bullnose. If you want to trim that edge back to full thickness you may lose 1/4 - 1/2 inch.