If there is a simpler bar clamp, I have never seen one as simple as this one. I have wanted one of these clamps for a long time and now I have one. Made of 1/2″ square mild steel it has a reach of 3 1/3″ and can hold up to 12″ between jaws, with an overall length of 17″ to fit in a Medium Flat Rate box for shipping.
The prototype in the photograph is slightly shorter, clamps for sale will be slightly longer. Made by Master Blacksmith Mark Schramm, it took a couple of variations of the short piece to get it looking like the old images of this clamp.
With the addition of wooden clamp extensions [of any length] it can clamp very large panels, see illustration. Simple to use, tighten or loosen with a wooden mallet or hammer.
I am offering these for sale in The Full Chisel Store.
Stephen
Stephen:
Does one smack the “head” of the short piece (surrounding the long bar)to tighten the clamp, or can you strike the broader target of the “arm” of the short piece? I assume you have to hang onto the long piece to provide at least a little resistance.
RD
Comment by Roger Davis — March 12, 2013 @ 2:37 pm
Roger,
You smack the short piece below the bar to tighten. To loosen you hit the short piece above the bar, or tap the long straight end.
It does help to hold on to the long bar. I am just getting use to using the clamp it takes a little time to get to know its characteristics.
Stephen
Comment by Stephen Shepherd — March 12, 2013 @ 2:46 pm
… but is the gnomon included?
Comment by Jim B — March 12, 2013 @ 2:52 pm
Jim,
If you go to the Full Chisel Store under Tools, find the listing and you will see.
Stephen
Comment by Stephen Shepherd — March 12, 2013 @ 3:16 pm
Great new tool. We could have used some of these at the village. I miss working with you.
Dave
Comment by Dave B — March 13, 2013 @ 8:56 am
Sold two clamps
Comment by Stephen Shepherd — March 27, 2013 @ 8:47 am