double C clamps

[Stray Feathers]

Thanks, BlindBo, for showing how you do it. One of my issues has been that my mould did not have a smooth curve where the tail block sits. So I took some time and modified that so it works better to clamp the block when in the mould. I managed with two cam clamps, and some spring clamps to make sure the loose ends were tight, and got good glue squeezeout all around. I also wanted to share the clamping caul I made up (some time ago) to straddle the latch on the mould, which makes it much easier to position clamps. Bruce W.

[BlindBo]

I like your spreader idea. I’ll check tomorrow to see if I have enough grip in my double clamps to add a spreader. Getting the clamps to bite on the mold can take a little juggling.

I use to glue them w/o the mold (sort of freehand) using large, square blocks that I can secure to my work bench and adjust the centerline distance to match the plans. Stew Mac suggests adding curvature to your gluing caul blocks by adding a tin coat of bondo and clamping it to the end blocks (obviously with wax paper in between) to create a matching curve. Since going to the mold clamping and the need to have a flat neck joint, I don’t worry about the radius on the tail block too much.
Take care

[Bob Gleason]

I also have not been able to get as tight a joint with these as I can with 5 clamps, which what I usually end up using. I don't find it too difficult to juggle the clamps. The double clamps are a good conversation piece though!