The Hub

So, I made a modular clamp based on the split clamp idea. Started on a prototype about two months ago and finished it. What I was aiming for was a clamp that I could use on the BOTTOM of acoustic guitars as well as tops to clamp cracks, cleats, braces, patches etc. Especially a clamp that would access small openings like "F" holes, small sound holes etc. Essentially a way to get a clamp to areas not accessible to jacks, wedges etc., and would be easier and more effective then using fishing reels and guitar wire and other hard to place devices. Where more pressure needs to be applied to uneven cracks then magnates can provide. And not have to support the clamp with interior or exterior shoring. This is what I came up with. I think it works quite well and offers many options. It can be used with magnates to locate, cameras to locate, cauls with magnates, cauls epoxied to screw clamps, screw pads shaped into "v's" to center on braces, and on and on. And it can be configured to work on tops as well. I'm sure many uses will come up among the community. I've already used it to glue cleats on a classical and done dry runs on mandolins, arch tops from large bodies down to fitting inside of a 335 thin style guitar to dreadnoughts, and parlors. This model was made from simple cold rolled steel. It expands from leverage a bit but is stable and provides plenty of pressure. The new model is being made of 304 stainless and will be much more rigid and very stable. This goes to what Frank Ford, in his article on his split clamp, referred to as the clamp arms being "flimsy". I'm also making a smaller bar version to fit inside even smaller openings (the version shown is 3/8" square bar). The smaller version will hook up to the same outer assembly but have smaller cross section bar arms for interior components. I will make a video when I get the final model done. I hope this helps folks in the repair community!