Planking clamp tool idea

[modeller_masa]

While I was frustrated by the uneven planking surface, I had a dream...

 

 

It could be more fun, faster, and fantastic if every clamping task was as simple as designing a 3D model.

 

 

 

I know many people use rubber bands instead of the heavy steel stuff, but I need more universal clamping tools for every angle and perspective.

 

 

[David W]

I understand what you are trying to accomplish with your "dream". My comment to that is how would you work around all those hold downs in the way of both your visual needs as well as trying to get your hands in between the brackets. Then since my Titebond ll and lll dry so fast as do most other PVAs I've used , adjust the planks plus tighten the many bolts evenly. Nice CAD presentation and idea though - wish I had that skill set

[modeller_masa]

Thanks for pointing out my intention, David. It is a vision of the "planking clamp tool," and sometimes I draw more specific concepts to materialize the vision by calculating engineering stuff. 

 

Same idea, different approach.

I tested the hair clip, but the spring wasn't strong enough. 

 

It seems better. I'll test the structure.

Also, I ordered a "long mouth spring clamp" to test the same idea.

[David W]

I'll be watching your progress with interest as I am struggling with something better for my needs. I haven't planked a thing until this past week for 50+ years when I was building model airplanes. Currently I have a couple plastic boxes with many of my woodworking smaller clamps including some you have shown along with a bag of rubber bands. My frustration level is running very high with hull planking.

[Jaager]

For POB,  looking at the complicated - elaborate - time involved  clamps in post #1,  I set out to imagine a less involved way to get a similar force.

 

I came up with an "L" shaped threaded rod.  The short arm would fit into a hole drilled in the mould.  There would need to be a series of holes.  They would need to be drilled before attaching the mould to the spine.

On the long arm:  a bar of wood with a hole to slide down the rod , a washer, a wing nut.  There may need to be wedge shaped shims under the bar to get direct pressure at 90 degrees on the plank.

 

The last plank would need another sort of clamp.

 

POF with spaces could use a straight rod  - a bar inside the hull with a hole and washer/ nut  at the inside end.

[modeller_masa]

I advanced the draft idea a little bit.

 

It uses the structure of cheap steel C-shaped clamps, which are made of pressed steel plate. The cost of each C shaped clamp is about 50 cents.

 

I don't have metal bending tools, so I tested my idea with wooden pieces.

 

It seems nice, but the depth isn't enough with the mini tip. Fortunately, the hard maple wood was very durable.

 

I added a modification. Now it has replaceable tips. Also, I can adjust the height of both ends.

 

Finally, it works.

 

OK... then... Where can I use this jig? It is still complex and not very handy, in my opinion. Building a new tool was fun, but I need to polish the experimental jig a lot...

Edited February 5, 2023 by modeller_masa

[modeller_masa]

That was nice application of cloth pegs, Spyglass. Good modellers are not picky about tools.

 

In the first plan, I missed action and reaction force, Jaager. The bolts could easily shatter planks if the inside of planks doesn't have adequate support. It is a reason I started thinking about clips.

Edited February 5, 2023 by modeller_masa