Braze a short length of pipe onto the end of the threaded rod and
drill it to accept a tommy bar of^1 ⁄ 4 -in. steel rod. Peen the ends of the
tommy bar to keep it from falling out of the hole. In use, the work is
slid between the bars to ensure even clamping pressure, and the fixed
block is moved and pinned in the appropriate place for the width of
the work.
This clamp will handle work up to^3 ⁄ 4 in. thick and perhaps 24 in.
wide. The clamp could be scaled up using heavier materials for thicker
or wider applications.
An alternative use for the clamp is to prevent “spelching” (the split-
ting off of the end grain during handplaning). Move the clamp to the
edge of the board so its blocks are flush with the end grain. The clamp
may be used many times before its wood blocks need replacing.
—ROBERTWEARING,Shropshire, England
CLAMPING