KellyJ Report post Posted May 15, 2013 Hi folks - I'm really getting into hand sewing now, but I'd like to use the old-fashioned saddler's clam (or clamp) to hold my work. You know, the one you hold with your legs... I could no doubt make one, as I am pretty good at woodworking, but I'd like to at least try to start with the real deal. Anybody out there have one they'd sell me? Kelly jons_k@Shaker.org Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Black Dogg Report post Posted May 16, 2013 Kelly, look on e-bay or in an antique shop in your area; there's always good deals to be had. If you want to try your hand at making one, get "The Art of Handsewing Leather" by Al Stohlman. This book has one of the best (in my humble opinion) designs for a stitching horse with excellent plans to build it yourself. I built mine fifteen years ago, it took me about two days (the glue had to dry overnight) and the thing has been working like a charm ever since. Total cost (if memory serves) was about $40, including some maple 1x4's for the jaws. Good Luck! Black Dogg Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
penguineer Report post Posted May 17, 2013 If you get stuck, a simple saddlers clamp can be made out of a sheet of plywood. Not as good in several ways compared to the real-deal steamed article, but is cheap and expedient. I'll see if I can find the photos from when I made the last one...... Cheers! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mijo Report post Posted May 17, 2013 Kelly, if you can't find a clamp then maybe consider a colt stitcher instead. http://www.sheridanleather.com/Colt_Stitcher_p/colt.htm I ordered one awhile back b/c I also had problems finding a clamp. I like it a lot as you can just clamp it to your work bench and it's well made. The only thing I didn't initially like about it is that it sits at an angle but I got used to it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Basically Bob Report post Posted May 17, 2013 Kelly, I have recently ordered and received one from Abbey England. I was nervous ordering from a company overseas but it worked out really well and I would definitely order from them again. Here is a link to a thread that would be worthwhile reading through. It's only a couple of pages long. I replied on that thread and on page two, included some photos of mine and the modifications I made to suit my personal needs. http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=47647&st=15 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
penguineer Report post Posted May 17, 2013 A bit abbreviated....... Made from a sheet of 3.7mm play - 1200mm * 600mm (long grain) Cut ply into six strips (three strips per side) Use liberal amounts of PVA to laminate each side together and form over piece of scrap timber, using clamps to hold in place until dry. Take care to make the top end "long", so that the two sides will press against each other(remember that you can always cut shorter). pic: two sides drying - note the length of the top end Use bolts to hold the base together, bolt in the middle has a wingnut to allow adjustments to pressure. Finished clamp: Original idea came from one of Ron Edwards books.... It's not the worlds best clamp, but its's cheap(<AUD$20) and easily made...... Cheers! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Leatherstrap1 Report post Posted May 17, 2013 Just like to reply with regards to abbey England I'm a uk based collar and harness maker and a customer of abbey saddlery and just like to say that they have lots of friendly advice to give and the clams I've had for years come from abbey Not sure what shipping cost would be to you but no doubt worth an email to ask. They have a vast range of tools and equipment to offer Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fowlingpiece Report post Posted May 17, 2013 I make mine similar to that above but with no wing nut and I use white oak steam bent. I include a set with my classes in 18th century leatherwork. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gumdrop Report post Posted February 3, 2015 I was looking for some oak or beech to make a clam from, then I had a brainwave ..... Oak Barrel Staves, I contacted all the people that refurbished barrels as garden ornaments and asked for a couple of staves. Two cost me £7.50 + carriage, I have not got around to cleaning them up yet as I have a lot on my plate at the moment, when I do i will post some photos. I posted this a a while back Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oltoot Report post Posted February 4, 2015 About 60 years ago I made one modeled after the lacing pony that Tandy sold only beefier and from oak. I glued up pieces and clamped them tight for a good while then shaped them with a horseshoe rasp and finished with sandpaper. Sewed sitting on the floor for about 20 years and then put them on base modeled after stitching horses, sawing off the bottom to match up to the base. I amstill using it. So if you are handy, go for it, if you aren't, punt. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
