Alternative to Clothes Pins for Kerf Clamps

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scamp
Posts: 223
Joined: Sat Mar 26, 2022 8:19 pm

Alternative to Clothes Pins for Kerf Clamps

Post by scamp »

Collecting tools for my first guitar kit build.
Been reading about using clothes pins with rubber bands for clamping the kerf for gluing.
Generally considered acceptable but not great solution.
Does anyone have any better recommendations on a reasonably priced kerf clamping solution?

Thanks
Skarsaune
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Re: Alternative to Clothes Pins for Kerf Clamps

Post by Skarsaune »

I use these
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$5 a container full, I have 2 containers.
Been working well for me.
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John Reid
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Re: Alternative to Clothes Pins for Kerf Clamps

Post by John Reid »

I've been using these:
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jread
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Re: Alternative to Clothes Pins for Kerf Clamps

Post by jread »

Here’s my chance to compliment John again. I’ve used several different vendors for the traditional kerfed lining. Some are more stiff than others. I’ve made my own too. Most are difficult to clamp with clothes pins

Well blues creek guitars kerfed lining is just right. Just the right depth in the cuts to lay it in and hold with clothes pins. Sometimes I use a spring clamp on the waist.
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Stray Feathers
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Re: Alternative to Clothes Pins for Kerf Clamps

Post by Stray Feathers »

All clothes pins are not created equal. If you go online and look for "strong clothes pins" you'll see many made in the US, with stronger springs, sometimes stainless steel. Look for heavier gauge wire and more wraps. Mine came from Lee Valley but it does not look like they list them any more. Traditional clothespins are 100% recyclable too. We use them as - um - clothespins, too. Bruce W.
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jread
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Re: Alternative to Clothes Pins for Kerf Clamps

Post by jread »

[quote="Stray Feathers" post_id=55643 time=1648570575 user_id=3336289 We use them as - um - clothespins, too.
[/quote]

The Mrs often asks if there are any clothes pins that aren’t sticky…
Kevin Sjostrand
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Location: Visalia, CA

Re: Alternative to Clothes Pins for Kerf Clamps

Post by Kevin Sjostrand »

I used to use cloths pins wrapped with rubber bands and they worked just okay. Now I use binder clips.....the kind you can get at office supplies stores. The mediums are about an inch wide. A but large for the tight waist of an OM size but if your kerfing fit is good you can use them there too. I think enough to do both sides at a time was around $12. Very strong clamping.
scamp
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Joined: Sat Mar 26, 2022 8:19 pm

Re: Alternative to Clothes Pins for Kerf Clamps

Post by scamp »

Thanks everyone for all the helpful suggestions.
I will check them out.

I did a quick check of the clothes pins I have laying around and couldn't believe the variability in closing pressure.

Also, I like the idea of maybe using binder clips.
Thanks for this suggestion.

I am building an OM guitar so I am concerned about the waist area.

I'm also a little concerned about the metal of a binder clip against the outside of the guitar.
I assume you can probably put tape on the outside edge to protect it.
Let me know if there are any better ways.
Kevin Sjostrand
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Location: Visalia, CA

Re: Alternative to Clothes Pins for Kerf Clamps

Post by Kevin Sjostrand »

I've never had the binder clip dent the side. Many different woods.....not an issue. With softwood it might be
tippie53
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Re: Alternative to Clothes Pins for Kerf Clamps

Post by tippie53 »

John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
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