Official Luthiers Forum!

The idea borrows from the pipe type vise, but there are a few differences.

clamp this on any bench you wish :



These clamps ( like most ), have removable ends.
The clamps are attached by a single wingnut/screw going into T-nuts at the base of the bench board , so they can move in a slight arc.
This allows the jaws of the clamps contact at an angle to hug the radius of the back or top at the edges of the instrument. There are three width positions for the right clamp.
Soft rubber hose pieces go over the bars and a 2 " saftey strap of adjustable length ( velcrose ) is attached.
Two loose strips of carpet are hooked adjacent to the
instrument's sides so that pressure is not put on the back or top plates


I have 3 different lengthed thin ply backed carpet cauls



This widest one for working the sides



This narrow one for working the upper bout/heel etc . Also handy for smaller instruments like mando's etc .




Store away and the clamps are ready for other duties

_________________
CRAIG LAWRENCE of AUSTRALIA
_____________________________________________

me likey

Very clever! I like the strap.

_________________
Ken Franklin
clumsy yet persistent
https://www.kenfranklinukulele.com

Cheers Ken and Mr. Potter

The same clamps ( but different colour ) are now available under the 'Irwin' brand. These one's have the 305 mm. jaw opening and work very well . Carpet pieces are ex-samples from a furniture store.
I'm very pleased with the vise . Because the clamps can be set in a slight arc ,it hugs the guitar very firm to suit top/back radius' without risk of damage to the instrument. Just the thing for end grafts, heel fitting and sanding/scraping the sides/bindings etc .

_________________
CRAIG LAWRENCE of AUSTRALIA
_____________________________________________

Craig,

Thanks for posting this. I am going to build one for my own use.

Max

_________________
Max Bishop
Brighton, Michigan

Hi All,

Been lurking for a long time,and not contributing, but on this topic, i had recently had the same problem.Benefits of my version are that it has zero engineering,was free from scraps, is in place within the bench when not in use(no interference) quick to build(roughly 15 minutes other than glue drying, and a variety of widths and lengths can be held,and you only hold the guitar while using, no fumbling with clamps and three hands.Also you can hold and work your piece with only finger tightening the nuts, or wrench them if you feel a little insecure. However, i can safely say i've worked a body with a router,plane , sanding etc.., all by just hand tightening the nuts. Required: 2 lengths of threaded rod(1/2 inch is good and stout)4 washers 4 nuts 1 piece of 2x3 or 2x4(i use the bench itself as the otherhalf of the vise),2 pieces of carpet,glue, sharp knife, 1/2 inch drill bit( and drill both sides at the same time for tight alignment) The pics should explain the rest.It has been really handy to have the large width as well. Mine is 30 inches. I used my cell for the pics and they came out a little dark,my apologies. If you can't lighten the contrast, i may be able to get better shots if requested Best regards,
rory

Craig - That is ingenious! May I borrow the idea?

Rory - Your idea is really good, too. Do you have any padding on the 1/2 inch bolts?

Thanks both for sharing!

_________________
Steve Walden
Aspiring Builder,
Bartlesville, OK

Good ideas all and I need something like that as well. Guess I need to scrounge around the shop.

_________________
Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

Stunning Idea Rory, I'll be printing off some photos I think

John

_________________
Formerly JJH

I learn more from my mistakes than my successes

I told you guys I needed something like that. Today I needed to route the neck relief for my adjustable neck joint so I used a couple of deck screws to attach the cradle from my binding jig to the bench. Add a couple of clamps and waalaa! Although it worked fine for what I needed today, I really need to build something better.

_________________
Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

Hi Steve

No protection on them yet, since the gap varies depending on what you hold, but it would serve well in case of a mishap. Thinking of a heavy wrap of electrical tape so as not to interfere with the retraction when not in use.

Rory