: I spend a lot of time on the road, so coming up with boatbuilding ideas is one way to pass the time. My mind was working on using these cargo straps as clamps, but I couldn't get past the crushing problem. Your's is a great solution!

It takes about 1 minute on the bandsaw to cut one of these things out of a scrap of 2x4, and glue on a chunk of scrap bead.

: These straps are available in a blister pack at my wholesale club for less
than two bucks a piece. Now, if you can come up with a storage idea to keep them untangled?!

These are probably the cam-type straps. I tried these first, with limited success. The ratchet straps give finer and more positive control; they are a little more money, but 4-packs go for $20 around here at Home Depot or Lowe's.

: Another question. Why the 3/8" strips?

Call me anal if you want, but the thin strips follow the sheer better and avoid "cheaters" or "gappers". BTW, there is no need to plane these guys to make them fit. Rip them with a 3 degree bevel, and they fit pretty well. There is a little step of course at the ends, but if you rip a little oversize there is enough meat left that insufficient thickness is not an issue.