Woodsteach Report post Posted August 1, 2012 I've been braiding my own stuff for several years. Only 3 and 4 plaits, and have used hooks, broom sticks, and even my toes to hold the material. Well now I've been progressing with 6,8 and 12 strands and was wondering how you pro's hold everything? By the way, I've read on here where everyone wants something cheap to practice on, so here is what I've used. Baler twine, both the synthetic and the natural. Also, I take old lariat ropes and separate the strands and use that to braid. They make pretty nice lead ropes. Thank you Woods Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
curlyjo Report post Posted August 2, 2012 Vise with a bent nail Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike516 Report post Posted August 2, 2012 I set a 2 inch screw with a wide head about a half an inch into the end of a 1 X 6 cut down to 2 feet long. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aggiebraider Report post Posted August 2, 2012 A vise of some type is pretty common. Put some leather over the jaws and you wont mark up your work. I actually made a stand with a couple flat pieces of steel at the top that tighten together with thumb screws. It works well if you are wanting to braid away from home, but its hard to really crank on it if you have to. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KnotHead Report post Posted August 2, 2012 Depending on the project, I'll use my braiding clamp that was made for me. In a dog leash project I'll use a clamp to hold the start of the leash in and then work the project up and out as the length of the leash increases. For the simple 4 strand braid I don't use anything to hold the braid, providing that the braid does not go over 20 inches or more. For my more elaborate project consisting of more than 10 strings I will use either a bench vise or my braiding clamp. Brian... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rcsaddles Report post Posted August 3, 2012 I have a homemade stitching horse that I do most of my braiding at. If I am travelling, I use a wood clamp to hold my strands to a table. If braiding a whip, I use a piece of leather and twine tied to a post. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Woodsteach Report post Posted August 5, 2012 Thank you for the great replies. Next question....do you hold the work horizontal or vertical? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aggiebraider Report post Posted August 6, 2012 Either way works just as well as the other. I kind of like vertical better, because if your clamp or vise is taller than your hands, you will be pulling the piece down over an edge. When vertical, there is nothing below your piece, just on the sides Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
