Thread: Old vise or clamp help please!

I believe they are similar, in concept, to pipe clamps but use a rectangular length of wood, located in the hoops, between each clamp end.

The threaded gizmo is new to me, but they look a lot like shoring clamps, used in pairs to connect two overlapping timbers to prop construction work. Google [shoring clamps].

Cheers,
Joe

Here’s a photo of a similar setup

172830CE-92F5-407C-923D-E0B5F29B3F6F.jpeg

Thank you to the Woodworkforums.com Brains Trust!
Yes, shoring clamps (or at least pipe clamps using a shoring clamp functionality)!

The examples all seem to have a fixed angle on the anchor points whereas mine are hinged but I see that the notches in the beam would lock them down in theory.

I'll give them a go one day when I get a chance.

Google "antique wooden bar clamps" and you will find many examples and variants of them.

Thanks I have to put these use now. Very cool.

Mcjings have similar clamp heads that fit on a plank. Very handy if you need extra long clamps. I got 2 sets a few years back to clamp up a queen size bed. That pair of clamps are a tad over 2m. Pipe clamps would be too bendy at that length.
Regards
John

I just accidentally found these cabinet makers clamps in the 1879 Stanley Rule & Level catalogue:

IMG_20180604_193017.jpg

Very similar design

I have had a set of these for years... I would think the ones I have may be Blacksmith made. I wish I had a pair of them as it would be a good set.

It is a type of sash clamp that is fitted to a timber beam . The timber beam needs to be a size that fills the width but allows the sides of the loops to sit at around 45 degrees away from the centre . The timber beam is notched at intervals of less than the length of the thread on the head of the clamp. The loops are adjusted to their desired position and when tension is applied the loops will lock firmly in their notches (if they are deep enough and slightly angled). The beauty of these clamps is that even though they act in compression, the sides of the loop do not need to be overly heavy as their load is in tension. It's a nice find,
All the best.

Thanks for the very detailed reply labrat - much appreciated

V