DocBlake Posted August 27, 2020 #1 Posted August 27, 2020 When starting my "Independence" build, I felt I needed a keel clamp. Rather than buy one, I made one from stuff I had around the shop. The clamp is made with all hardwood and a plywood base. If you use simple hardware, the whole clamp will cost less than $10. With fancy star knobs, maybe $20. The clamp is solid and versatile. Plus it is fun to build. The .pdf file includes step by step instructions with photos and detailed, measured drawings. Enjoy! Doc's Keel Clamp.pdf Canute, RichardG, AON and 2 others 5 Quote Dave Click on images in posts to view them in full resolution! Click on the builds below and link to the log. Current Builds: -Gaff-Rigged Sloop, 1/4 Scale (3" = 1') -Chapman Water Hoy 1768 by DocBlake - Scratch Build - 1:48 scale -Hannah - 1:32 scale, Scratch-Built Plank-on-Frame Admiralty style -Generic Sharpie by DocBlake. 3/4" = 1' scale. NRG plans. -Fair American 1780 by DocBlake - Lauck Street Shipyard - 1/48 scale - POF -Independence 1775 by DocBlake - Artesania Latina - 5/16" scale -HMS Triton Cross Section by DocBlake - 1/24 scale Completed Builds: -Bomb Vessel Granado 1742 Cross Section - 1:32 Scale Scratch Build -British Capstan circa 1777 by DocBlake - FINISHED - 1:16 Scale -HMS Blandford - Cross Section - Scratch Build -1/32 Scale -17th Century Battle Station by DocBlake - HMS Mordaunt - 1:32 -17th Century Naval Cannon - 1:12 Scale -Royal Navy Ship of the Line Cross Section by DocBlake - (Mamoli's "Constitution") - 1:93 scale -Armed Virginia Sloop 1768, 1/48 scale. -Virginia Pilot Boat "Swift", 1805, 1/50 scale -18th Century Naval Battle Station, 1/24 scale -Armed Virginia Sloop 1768 "Patrick Henry", 1/32 scale, Lauck Street Shipyard, POF, Admiralty Style.
bruce d Posted August 27, 2020 #2 Posted August 27, 2020 Very nice, thanks. Canute and mtaylor 2 Quote 🌻 STAY SAFE A model shipwright and an amateur historian are heads & tails of the same coin current builds: HMS Berwick 1775, 1/192 scratchbuild; a Slade 74 in the Navy Board style Mediator sloop, 1/48 - an 18th century transport scratchbuild French longboat - CAF - 1/48, on hold
Jim Lad Posted August 27, 2020 #3 Posted August 27, 2020 That's a very 'swish' looking clamp! John Canute and mtaylor 2 Quote
Brewerpaul Posted August 29, 2020 #4 Posted August 29, 2020 Thanks for posting the clamp tutorial. I just printed the diagram pages and will make one ASAP. mtaylor and Canute 2 Quote
Brewerpaul Posted August 31, 2020 #5 Posted August 31, 2020 I took a little break from my Pride of Baltimore and made Doc's keel clamp. I shortened all of the working parts that I could, since I'm very short and as the clamp was it would have kept the ship too high to work on. Actually, it's still too high for me while sitting on my 24" shop stool. With the ship level, my eyes are at deck height which isn't too useful. I can tilt it for some tasks, others not so much. A simpler solution will be a higher adjustable stool. I bought the kit used and partially built (bulkheads installed,rabbet cut although not deep enough) and the seller included a stationary keel clamp. I pirated the actual clamp parts for this adjustable clamp, and also used the legs of that clamp on the new one,where the upright attaches to the base. Being lazy, I did not use any screws to hold it. I think Titebond II should be strong enough. DocBlake, mtaylor, Duanelaker and 1 other 4 Quote
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