: 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.

Follow-up on the paddle strongback (thanks to whomever came up with this name), it was a hit in the paddle carving class today, worked flawlessly. Best 5 bucks I've spent in a long time

Bill H.