- Joined
- Jul 11, 2003
- Messages
- 3,258
Hi Everyone,
Today I had a flash of inspiration! I decided to toss the rickety old handle clamp I was using. It was made of 2x4 and threaded rod. It worked, but was just plain ugly and took a while to get it "just right". I was always looking for that clamp to do more than it was capable. So after pacing the shop for about 20 minutes this morning, I saw a Jorgesen wood clamp in a box in the corner, and the creative spark ignited the rest of the days work. So here's the first pic of what I came up with:
Here is a close-up of the clamp itself. If you notice I staggered the clamp screws (5/16-18). I'll eventually install some threaded knobs to tighten the clamp with:
Side view. The base it 3/8" plate. I chopped off the stationary part of the Jorgie clamp and milled it to 1/2 wide. Then I milled a 1/2" groove in the base plate to make a 90 degree setup. After welding, a little cleaning up and I was ready:
Back view:
There are three things I really like about this clamp. 1) The head of the threaded clamp part swivels. Its great to use, because as you can see on the partially-finished knife I have clamped up, the pommel is slanted to the antler handle. (be kind... its far from finished). I also like, 2) the fact that as I glue up the handle, I can get completely around the knife with the wipe-up rags. Its very sturdy in there too. Finally, 3) I like how the clamp adjusts to the bevels of the blade. With an old piece of leather in there, its very solid - with very little application of force to the clamp screws.
Today I had a flash of inspiration! I decided to toss the rickety old handle clamp I was using. It was made of 2x4 and threaded rod. It worked, but was just plain ugly and took a while to get it "just right". I was always looking for that clamp to do more than it was capable. So after pacing the shop for about 20 minutes this morning, I saw a Jorgesen wood clamp in a box in the corner, and the creative spark ignited the rest of the days work. So here's the first pic of what I came up with:
Here is a close-up of the clamp itself. If you notice I staggered the clamp screws (5/16-18). I'll eventually install some threaded knobs to tighten the clamp with:
Side view. The base it 3/8" plate. I chopped off the stationary part of the Jorgie clamp and milled it to 1/2 wide. Then I milled a 1/2" groove in the base plate to make a 90 degree setup. After welding, a little cleaning up and I was ready:
Back view:
There are three things I really like about this clamp. 1) The head of the threaded clamp part swivels. Its great to use, because as you can see on the partially-finished knife I have clamped up, the pommel is slanted to the antler handle. (be kind... its far from finished). I also like, 2) the fact that as I glue up the handle, I can get completely around the knife with the wipe-up rags. Its very sturdy in there too. Finally, 3) I like how the clamp adjusts to the bevels of the blade. With an old piece of leather in there, its very solid - with very little application of force to the clamp screws.
I'll start another thread for that. Thanks.
thanks for posting it Jeff...
