Stitching Pony/clam Question

[5shot]

How is this style of Stiching Pony supposed to function? Are the jaws supposed to provide sufficient tension for stitching and then the cam is used to release the work?

I have one that my dad gave me, and I expected it to have a way to tension the jaws, not release them. Also, is it supposed to have a base of some kind?

Thanks,

John

Edited November 22, 2013 by 5shot

[Black Dogg]

Hi John,

The jaws on this style of pony are indeed supposed to provide their own tension; the lever is used to open them.

In the picture it looks as though yours have "relaxed" a bit over time and won't close all the way or they could have been made for heavier items. If you want to use it just put a strap around the narrow part and tighten it up that way (a ratchet type buckle would work best).

Those ponies don't have a base, they were meant to be held between your thighs while you were seated on a chair. You could always mount it to a low bench if you like a fixed clamp.

Hope this helps!

Black Dogg

[J Hayes]

You could use a carriage bolt through the jaws with a wing nut removing the cam. Also you could screw a short 2x6 on the bottom forming an upside down T and sit on it. Possibilities are endless, those jaws have a very nice shape.

[5shot]

Thanks for the replies. That one isn't mine, but mine is just like it. After doing some more research, I wet the jaws in a tub of hot water, then blocked the lower half and clamped the jaws shut for a week. I sanded it all down, lined the jaws with leather and oiled it up. Looks and works great now.