Project by kiefer | posted 05-18-2017 12:10 AM | 1846 views | 8 times favorited | 38 comments | ![]() |
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I have several ratchet straps that I purchased (4 Pack $ 9.99 ) and used some of the strap on my box clamp set
Project
http://lumberjocks.com/projects/303162
And when looking at the mechanism and leftover strap I thought maybe this would make a clamp .
Well here is my proto type clamp design made from Baltic Birch plywood scraps and seems to work quite well .
Easy to operate just pull the strap and the rear jaw comes up against the material to be clamped and a couple stokes of the ratchet lever is all it takes to tighten and a upward stroke and pulling the release handle and it releases the tension .One concern I had was glue sticking to the strap and doing a test sample ( Pic 5 )
I was satisfied that it does not appear to be a problem
A very inexpensive clamp to make with enough clamping force to glue up a panel from boards that is properly jointed .Counting the cost of one ratchet strap a foot of dowel and some scraps and leather pads I would put the total cost is $3.00 each .
I will make a video on this with the details and post it .
Klaus
-- Kiefer https://www.youtube.com/user/woodkiefer1/videos
38 comments so far
doubleDD
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7318 posts in 2008 days
#1 posted 05-18-2017 12:22 AM
This is a real nice clamp Klaus. Similar to a bar clamp but with a wider area to support the material. Nicely done. My harbor freight band clamp would collect glue onoccasion but with some well diluted BLO and mineral spirits, no more problem.
I also like the way it stands off the table.
-- Dave, Downers Grove, Il. -------- When you run out of ideas, start building your dreams.
peteg
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4273 posts in 2788 days
#2 posted 05-18-2017 12:34 AM
A more than useful (& clever) way to make use of xtra clamps, another great idea for the troops kiefer
cheers
pete
-- Pete G: If you always do what you always did you'll always get what you always got
shipwright
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#3 posted 05-18-2017 12:37 AM
Nice one Klaus. The plywood industry should be sending us free sheets! :-)
-- Paul M ..............If God wanted us to have fiberglass boats he would have given us fibreglass trees. http://thecanadianschooloffrenchmarquetry.com/
kiefer
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5618 posts in 2632 days
#4 posted 05-18-2017 12:42 AM
Thanks Dave
The I beam bar make it a bit lighter also besides making it wider giving a better to keep it upright and also makes a good track for the clamping heads guides and overall a easy build which you will see in the video .
Klaus
.
-- Kiefer https://www.youtube.com/user/woodkiefer1/videos
BobWemm
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2435 posts in 1891 days
#5 posted 05-18-2017 12:43 AM
Great idea.
Thanks for sharing.
Bob
-- Bob, Western Australia, The Sun came up this morning, what a great start to the day. Now it's up to me to make it even better. I've cut this piece of wood 4 times and it's still too damn short.
kiefer
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5618 posts in 2632 days
#6 posted 05-18-2017 12:45 AM
Thanks Pete
I hate having stuff laying in the drawer so this is a good use for the ratchet straps .
Klaus
-- Kiefer https://www.youtube.com/user/woodkiefer1/videos
chippewafalls
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#7 posted 05-18-2017 12:45 AM
Another way of making something useful better. Great way of thinking outside the box. Thanks for posting.
kiefer
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5618 posts in 2632 days
#8 posted 05-18-2017 12:47 AM
Thanks Paul
Yes that would be nice but I have a cabinet buddy that keeps me fairly stocked with off cuts that are useful for this kind of project .
Klaus
-- Kiefer https://www.youtube.com/user/woodkiefer1/videos
kiefer
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5618 posts in 2632 days
#9 posted 05-18-2017 12:49 AM
Thanks Bob
It’s always a pleasure to share and you are welcome .
I also like the feedback .
Klaus
-- Kiefer https://www.youtube.com/user/woodkiefer1/videos
kiefer
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5618 posts in 2632 days
#10 posted 05-18-2017 12:52 AM
Thanks Chippewa
There is always another application but sometimes it takes a while to come up with it .
Klaus
-- Kiefer https://www.youtube.com/user/woodkiefer1/videos
woodshaver Tony C
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#11 posted 05-18-2017 01:11 AM
Another great idea Klaus! I like that the clamp is wide also and sit straight up on it’s own. How about some wax paper to keep the glue off the belt.
I’m still using my old pipe clamps. :(
Super job again!
Thank for sharing.
-- St Augustine FL, Experience is the sum of our mistakes!
bushmaster
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2974 posts in 2247 days
#12 posted 05-18-2017 01:27 AM
nifty, nifty. an entirely new idea, Truly a better BOARD TRAP.
-- Brian - Hazelton, British Columbia
Jim Jakosh
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20284 posts in 3070 days
#13 posted 05-18-2017 01:45 AM
Nice clamp, Klaus! Another fine product of the Kiefer Tool Company!!
Thanks for the idea!!..................Jim
-- Jim Jakosh.....Practical Wood Products...........Learn something new every day!! Variety is the Spice of Life!!
MinnesotaMarty
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126 posts in 1182 days
#14 posted 05-18-2017 01:47 AM
Neat idea. I am going to try mine with leftover microlams. No give with microlam material. should make a pretty stout bar.
Thanks again Klaus for posting your ideas.
Marty
-- I can see the cheese heads from here and it is great.
kiefer
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5618 posts in 2632 days
#15 posted 05-18-2017 02:16 AM
Thanks Tony
Pipe clamps are OK but are hard to keep straight up and down .
This clamp has a wide stance which is nice and the strap and glue seem to stay separated so far .
I waxed the clamp down pretty good so glue should come of easy .
-- Kiefer https://www.youtube.com/user/woodkiefer1/videos
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