Saddlers Clams - how to make.

karlitob

Hi all

I’m progressing along in my journey of trying to be reasonably competent in my leather draft hobby and I’d like to buy a set of saddlers clams. These are usually made of beech that are steamed and shaped in such a way as to hold a piece of leather for stitching under tension. See below link

But it’s £72STG and somewhere between £20-30 for delivery. So I’m wondering if I could do it myself or get them made somewhere.

I don’t have a vice though could get my hands on one. Don’t have too many tools really. Is it doable by DIY.

If not, who could I get to do something like this. Thanks all.

https://www.abbeyengland.com/saddlers-clams-best-7357.html

jack of all

The one in this video wouldn't be difficult to make and some cheap pine softwood would probably be fine to start with, you could always upgrade as your interest and skills improve

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dxp4YjY85dM

I made a simple leather sheath for a Morakniv myself recently and I could have done with one of those clamps! Although I think I'd like to get some pricking irons first, any suggestions for suppliers?

karlitob

jack of all wrote: »

The one in this video wouldn't be difficult to make and some cheap pine softwood would probably be fine to start with, you could always upgrade as your interest and skills improve

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dxp4YjY85dM

I made a simple leather sheath for a Morakniv myself recently and I could have done with one of those clamps! Although I think I'd like to get some pricking irons first, any suggestions for suppliers?

Hey

I’m still deciding on which pricking irons that I’ll invest in. I have a cheap set at 3.85mm and use an awl to make my hole.

This guy below is great. He makes a good point that the point (pun intended) of the pricking iron is to make a mark and not to make a hole per se. So with that in mind, the lad below suggests to buy cheap sets, blunt the ends, and polish them up. That way, you can buy a range of cheap pricking iron sizes. But the sizes between teeth, and the sizes between teeth in different sets (ie my 8 teeth and my 2 teeth) could be different.

I’ve polished mine up using a Dremel with sandpaper but it is hard.


http://andersenleather.blogspot.com/2016/08/dont-waste-your-money-on-expensive.html?m=1


Thanks for that. I know that guy and have looked at it. Had wondered if there was a way to use a bandsaw or even a sander to get the shape. But wondering if it would still have a tension in it.


Neighbour made this for me. It’s great. Can catch on nuts so I need to bury them, also opening and closing can be a pain so need some sort of clamp to open and close. It’s a bit tall also. He’s very good for doing that for me. Delighted with it.

I was looking for the clams for more space in the throat and to stitch over my knee rather than in front of me.

jack of all

Thanks for the reply. You could recreate the clam shell shape in the jaws using two or three strips of plywood laminations bent to the profile that you want and then glued and cramped while the glue sets. You would need to make up clamping cauls to do this so there would be a bit of woodwork in it and a bandsaw would make it easier to cut the caul profile to begin with. Your current set up could be modified by gluing shaped timber blocks at the jaw opening, lose the wing nuts altogether and maybe use a quick release clamp (Irwin speedclamp-type job) or small ratchet strap to close up the jaws.

karlitob

jack of all wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. You could recreate the clam shell shape in the jaws using two or three strips of plywood laminations bent to the profile that you want and then glued and cramped while the glue sets. You would need to make up clamping cauls to do this so there would be a bit of woodwork in it and a bandsaw would make it easier to cut the caul profile to begin with. Your current set up could be modified by gluing shaped timber blocks at the jaw opening, lose the wing nuts altogether and maybe use a quick release clamp (Irwin speedclamp-type job) or small ratchet strap to close up the jaws.

Can I use any of these type clamps instead of the wing nut that I use? Can’t seem to see how they work for a clamp.

https://www.flomax.ie/Catalogue/HAND-TOOLS-ENGINEERING/Clamps-Presses/Toggle-Clamps

karlitob

karlitob wrote: »

Can I use any of these type clamps instead of the wing nut that I use? Can’t seem to see how they work for a clamp.

https://www.flomax.ie/Catalogue/HAND-TOOLS-ENGINEERING/Clamps-Presses/Toggle-Clamps

Any advice on where I can pick something up to give me quick and adjustable clamping. Presume a locking nut would be helpful also. Thanks

dathi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnNuEiME1lQ

some thing like these instead of the wing nut ?