I was listening to a podcast where Philip mentioned how so many tools were built by people who had never worked in the craft and how obvious this was the first time an experienced person tried to use them. So with that in mind, I've never used or even seen a stitching clam in real life but it seems like a great idea to try and build one ;)
Actually, for full background, I am trying to order some overseas tools and it seems like I'll have a few weeks to wait until they arrive. In the meantime, while watching the videos here I figured I could use some woodworking experience to build a few things.
My question is, for those who have actually used a clam, is there something you'd ideally tweak about its design? I'm fairly tall (6'4" / 193cm) so I'm not sure how an off the shelf clam would fit me. I'm making mine adjustable in height within a range of 36 to 51 inches (90cm and 130cm) approx. The Blanchard ones appear to be 105cm and 130cm. When I take a scrap board and lay it across my leg it seems like something around 48" (122cm) would do it, but I'm not entirely sure where I should target the jaws of this thing being. In some pics I see people with them low, close the leg, and in others it seems much more upright by the chest. The Fred Moreau one that people rave about seems to be used very upright. But Philip seems to have his much lower.
Also, if it matters, I plan to work on small items for now - watch straps and wallets, so I don't think I need huge capacity. The jaws I have drawn below are about 13" deep and close to 3" high.
This of course is why I'll build the initial one from plywood before committing to final dimensions, but any input at this stage would really help!
Thanks, Jeff
I just finished the prototype and it feels comfortable when sitting on a 75cm stool. It's 120cm end to end (only because that's the longest the scrap of plywood I had here would accommodate). That said, I'm glad I didn't bother making it any longer. Sitting on a regular chair it feels a bit too long as is, i.e. too horizontal. I'll play with it a bit before shortening it. I don't normally spend extended time sitting on a stool, but is that the seating type most of you prefer for clam usage? I.e. if you had the option of a shorter clam and regular chair is there any reason that wouldn't work as well?
Here's my approach on this.
Buy a standard 105 cm clam in the first instance. Then get accustomed with it and try to fully understand its design's strengths and weaknesses. Only after that dare to think about what improvements can you bring to its design.
Otherwise you'll be in the exact same position with those who make tools without leatherworking experience. And that's exactly what you are supposed to be away from, the more so as Philip is criticizing them.
I'm 190 cm and for me a 105 cm clam now works wonder, but I will confess I had my struggles accommodating it to my work because I just could not understand its fundamental in the beginning. The 130 cm version was designed to be used on high stools.
The key to a clam is the stool height because that's the only variable in the equation. Let me explain. You adjust your stool height until your left foot is parallel to the ground WHEN your sole stands on a block of wood about 10 cm high (which you are supposed to keep it under that sole whilst you use the clam).
You will then place your clam on your left thigh and it will just naturally sit in its designed to work position so that the clam's jaws don't exceed your thigh. Your right foot will then sit over the clam in a lower than the left foot position. This is how it was designed to work. In this standpoint your clam's longitudinal axis should make about 60 degrees with the ground.
You should be aware and start from the premise that every tool design coming from traditional tool makers is pretty nailed down by literally centuries of experience and, other than esthetics, you just can't bring too much of improvement to them when it comes to functionality.
Good luck!
Cristian
@CrankAddict Honestly the height depends on where you feel the least tension as you stitch.
I think the little drawings in the FM image show an unsustainable elbow position, at least for long periods of time without discomfort.
Rather than make an adjustable length clam, make it too long, then incrementally remove an inch off at a time with a mitre saw until you feel everything feels right with your position. Personally I think you should be fine with a 120-140cm set of clams on an average chair.
Hey,
Regarding your design, I have a small remark:
The way you designed it, when you are using it, the force and tension from your leg will be pushing on the clam and the "extension piece" from the top. Since, the extension piece is installed on the top, and it is the piece that is touching the ground, the force and tension will be transfered to the bottom plate (the one attached to the clam) and a good portion will also have to be supported by the hardware.
I would switch the extension piece to the bottom so that when in use, both the clam and the extension piece can bear the load together.
I hope the below drawing makes it a bit easier to understand what I mean.
Granted, unless you are the Hulk, it will probably never be an issue, but when making a clam to last years and years, you have to think in a Hulk way :p
Regarding the Fred Moreau clams, I do not really understand why people are attracted to them. The inside clearance is greatly reduced due to the tensioning thing, the round foot would drive me crazy...
Thanks for the replies, now I understand the tension part. The wedge is a good idea. I'm guessing since yours has the tension that you use it more upright, versus a french style that would need to lay at an angle (and thus be much longer to contact the floor)?
That Tool Maniac one looks very nice too, even has a neat little box :)
The one i use most is 27" tall ( I'm just under 6 feet tall.)and is just above my lap when I am sitting. Having it higher would need me to raise my arms and I think that would tire the more. I have also sent an image of my wedge arrangement to keep the clam closed when I take my foot off the lever.
I bought a stitching pony from Tool Maniac on Etsy. It is extremely well made, attaches to a desk, can be raised or lowered vertically and the arm can rotate 360 degrees as well as move towards or away from the desk.
I am very pleased with it especially as I couldn't find anything else with the same range of movement.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/TOOLMANIAC
I made a floor standing one based on a
Doldokki design (that they no longer make!?) with a press pedal. It is ideal for smaller items and I made it the right height for when I am sitting in a chair. No stooping. Make sure you don't have producing bolts on the sides as the thread WILL get caught.I made the slot shorter so I was able to lock it closed with a wedge.Good luck with your project.