Vergez Blanchard Stitching Clamp

[Mockingbird]

For those with experience with this type of stitching clamp, is the 105cm or 130cm more preferable?

Since it's used at an angle, isn't it annoying not being able to see the back side while you stitch?

[Macca]

you cut them to size

& it can only be used at an angle, the clamping requires your weight on it to work

as for annoying, thats all down too your technique, I find the vertical ones infuriating !

[Django57]

Hi Mockingbird , i have recently re-located back to UK and had to leave some of my equipment one being a Stitching clamp i made wasn't brilliant but did the job , i've been researching buying a clam or clamp similar to the one on you photo , i found this guy in France that sells them for €75 plus posting , this is where i found the website , hope it helps .

http://www.leboncoin.fr/bricolage/229819308.htm?ca=10_s

[Mockingbird]

Django have you tried Abbey England? http://www.abbeyengland.com/Store/tabid/77/txtSearch/clams/productid/74749/language/en-GB/Default.aspx

Might be far stretch for that guy to ship to Japan...

Here's an old thread on it: http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=51891

I was more wondering about whether to go for the 130cm or 105cm one. I think I'll jump on the 105cm one... seems like 130cm would need a stool or the likes.

[Django57]

Hi Mockingbird , i seem to remember reading that the Clam from Abbey was of a poor construction but i can't remember where i read it , you would be able to adjust the height easy with some threaded bar and a plastic foot , this ebay site is based in Korea if it helps .

(Just checked prices very expensive)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Many-leather-craft-tools-wooden-clamp-stitching-and-lacing-pony-table-ongage-/281369387237?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item4182ec20e5

Edited December 30, 2014 by Django57

[Mockingbird]

Hiya,

The ebay site you gave is prob http://elfitakorea.blogspot.ae/2013/10/pony.html

I don't know why the prices are so inflated on ebay compared to the site.

I'm probably going to go for the blanchard one for simplicity.

I have an ikea table at the moment that splits in half down the middle http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90116261/

I do find myself leaning my head left and right with the vertical clamp kind.

I'm guessing when the clamp is at an angle, the right side of the hole is visible already and I would only lean my head left to see the left side of the hole (or do it by feel?).

[DavidL]

I use it vertically, I move the (stiff) leather slightly to the left so I can see the hole looking straight ahead and once I have the awl in the hole I let go of the piece and it goes back to its original position. On softer flexible leathers I place the leather's stitching line an inch above the jaws of the clamp. The leather will want to naturally lean to the left or right on bigger pieces. I temporarily hold the leather vertical when I stitch with my thumb and pointer finger, when I finish the stitch the leather goes back slumped to the left where I can see the holes and position my awl without moving my head. There are many ways to do it but it works fine for what I'm after.

[Macca]

Hiya,

The ebay site you gave is prob http://elfitakorea.blogspot.ae/2013/10/pony.html

I don't know why the prices are so inflated on ebay compared to the site.

I'm probably going to go for the blanchard one for simplicity.

I have an ikea table at the moment that splits in half down the middle http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90116261/

I do find myself leaning my head left and right with the vertical clamp kind.

I'm guessing when the clamp is at an angle, the right side of the hole is visible already and I would only lean my head left to see the left side of the hole (or do it by feel?).

You don't really need to see it on the left, with enough practice you will use the same angle every time when pushing the awl through.

I use it vertically, I move the (stiff) leather slightly to the left so I can see the hole looking straight ahead and once I have the awl in the hole I let go of the piece and it goes back to its original position. On softer flexible leathers I place the leather's stitching line an inch above the jaws of the clamp. The leather will want to naturally lean to the left or right on bigger pieces. I temporarily hold the leather vertical when I stitch with my thumb and pointer finger, when I finish the stitch the leather goes back slumped to the left where I can see the holes and position my awl without moving my head. There are many ways to do it but it works fine for what I'm after.

that just sounds bizarre

[Matt T]

I ordered the 130 cm one, and it's pretty long. It could work with a stool, but I think I will cut it down to use in a chair.

[Mockingbird]

Just an update: I went with the 105cm one, it's perfect for normal swivel office chair. I found I use it with one foot on the chair leg, elevated from the floor.

A bit like when you have one leg higher when you rest a guitar on it.

There's no problem not seeing the back side. I punch the awl from the right side, and on the pull it helps guide the left needle in without seeing it.

Covered it with leather pads and sanded the wood to 1000 grit. Joy to use!