Lapstrake clamps from scrap 2 X 4

[Gib Etheridge]

Haven't worked on it for a while, but it's almost time to glue the first lap on "Pop's Dory". I'm going to screw the laps tight while the epoxy or Sika cures, then remove the screws, drill the holes out to a uniform 1/8" and fill them with dowel. It's not wise to try to pull joints closed with screws, better to clamp them then add the screws to avoid splitting, so some easy to use clamps are in order. Here's how I made them, just in case it helps anyone considering doing the same.

Marked for bandsawing;



Rough sawn


Sanded to shape;



Pads and blocks and holes drilled;



Pad and block glued;



Once the pad and block is glued they get a bit more sanding on the stationary belt then some hand sanding. You'll see a washer under the head of the carriage bolt but I found that it works better to drill to just the size of the bolt then tap the shoulder into the hole. The hole drilled for the other end of the bolt is a bit oversized to prevent binding when opening and closing the clamp. The leather hinges are held on with 4 brass escutcheon pins, could be glued as well, but there's no stress on the hinge when in use so the glue is not necessary. The nylon washer is there to reduce friction when tightening.


One more photo, next post, only 6 allowed per post.

[Vernon]

I may have to have some of those, useful.
No shortage of scrap material around here to use up.

I see your last picture got put in a new thread.

[Gib Etheridge]

Bumping this so it will be with the other half of this "2 thread thread", just in case it will be some help to someone.

[Todd Bradshaw]

Very nice! Now search the very eary issues of WoodenBoat for an article entitled something like "The Brenne Clamp", It's similar, but equipped with a wooden cam for one-handed operation when your other hand is busy holding down or twisting the plank. Same basic deal - mostly wood with minimal hardware, and a few would be a nice addition to your clamp stable. After all, you can never have too many clamps.

[John Meachen]

Anything like one of these?



Not the best representation,but I hope it conveys the principle behind some I have been impressed by.The ease of use is only really appreciated after you have tried to wrestle with some of the alternatives that use wedges or single bolts and no hinges,while trying to get a plank on a glued surface.

[Todd Bradshaw]

They were in WB#29. I'm remembering two long curved pieces, hinged together at the back. A metal strap spanning them near the middle and a wooden cam with a handle was attached to the strap and did the squeezing (but it's been a very long time since I last looked at it). I just remember them being simple, elegant and not very difficult to build. Maybe somebody can scan a picture or drawing and post it, as I don't have that issue.

[MN Dave]

I think Todd meant these:



The ones in WB 29 looked a lot better, but the mechanism is the same. We made some at the Alexandria Seaport Foundation in the evening open shop. It was a little tricky to get the curvature just right.


And where else but the Wooden boat forum would you find another interesting clamp idea along with the plans to make them: