Finally!

Found a way to clamp a paddle blank for carving that both is cheap and works.

Used with a Black and Decker Workmate, most people have one, very handy device, except when you try to clamp a paddle blank in it you end up way off center and it wants to tip.

It's an 8' 2x4, glued and screwed to an 8' 2x2 to form a T section, then a bit over 3' from one end drill a 3/8" hole 1/2" from each edge of the 2x4. I used 3/8" x 4" carrige bolts covered with 3/8" ID air hose. The bolts, with the hose slipped over them thru the holes and bolted underneath. The bolts keep the paddle from sliding down the board while you're planning the surface. If you use one of the angles you've cut off to form the paddle blank, you can clamp the end you're not working on to the T section. This way you clamp the T section so you're planning over the Workmate so it doesn't want to tip over and the bolts and clamp keep the paddle blank secure to the T section.

Works great, costs maybe $5

I'm teaching a class on Greenland paddle carving and have been trying to find a cheap and easy way to hold the paddles while carving, only 5 in the class so my costs were under $25 for the clamps. Now just trying to borrow enough Workmates so each student has one.

Not hard to make a base so they can be used on a sawhorse too btw.

If I get a chance I'll get pictures, probably after the class in a couple weeks.

Bill H.