What are some good clamps for odd shaped models?

Callandor · Post by **Callandor** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 9:44 am

I am looking to pick up some clamps (currently I only have clothes pins and some cheap dollar store clamps), however I need some clamps that will work well for odd shaped models. A problem I have had in the past is trying to glue rounded pieces together. There is often not enough flat surface area for clothes pins or cheap clamps to grip on to.

seam-filler · Post by **seam-filler** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 9:59 am

Wouldn't scotch tape or rubber bands do? No, seriously!

Stu Pidasso · Post by **Stu Pidasso** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 10:01 am

I use rubber bands for round shapes. For really small round pieces (like 1:72 missiles) I use the tiny rubber bands they use for braces for teeth.

Also, I just bought some long tweezers, heated them up with a lighter, and bent them into the shape I need for small clamps like the missiles stated above.

Callandor · Post by **Callandor** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 12:47 pm

Rubber bands are bad for me. I only have one hand so it is difficult for me to stretch them out to get it around the piece I am gluing. I have used scotch tape, but if you are not careful, it can take off the paint/finish.

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 12:50 pm

Spring clamps, bar clamps

Interociter · Post by **Interociter** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 4:57 pm

Look through here clamp-o-rama. I have the restorers clamps and find they work on a lot of shapes, but don't have a huge amount of clamping force.

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 5:06 pm

Uberclamps.

TREKKRIFFIC · Post by **TREKKRIFFIC** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 6:58 pm

For round objects you could use a hose clamp.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3164/289 ... f6d3_o.jpg
Tighten it down with a screwdriver. You could stick tape to the inner surface to minimize abrasions and provide more traction; not to big an issue if the parts are unpainted.

davidlgreen · Post by **davidlgreen** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 1:09 pm

hows 'bout some them velcro straps?

Wug · Post by **Wug** » Sat Jan 31, 2009 8:29 am

Hi Callandor,

It depends on what you're clamping.

Over a decade ago, I bought some Berna clamps when they were on sale.

http://www.modelwarships.com/reviews/mi ... berna.html

Their unique design lets you precisely control the clamping force. They're perfect for some applications and completely wrong for others. On some shapes the jaws rotate relative to each other and they fall off.

You can make your own clamps. Rubber bands are the simplest but you'll probably want to keep the rubber band off the glue seam.

You can clamp parts between bamboo skewers tensioned with rubber bands.

You can make a clamp from PVC pipe. Cut a segment from thin-walled PVC pipe. Cut a slit in the segment. If you need less clamping force make the slit bigger. If you're worried about scratching the part, hot-glue rubber to the to the faces.

If you use a faster glue, Tenax or CA, you might not need to clamp.

Mike

marcus0311 · Post by **marcus0311** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 10:28 pm

yeah man, tweezers, and those clamps that look like scissors......I've got a stash of them in my modeling tools box. I got them all for free from the doctors after they stich me up when I cut my self( I'm a machinist/mold maker and scars cover my hands like a fine silk cloth...hehe). I like doctors waiting rooms........I tend to find all kinds of usuful modeling tools.

Rogviler · Post by **Rogviler** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 11:48 pm

marcus0311 wrote:those clamps that look like scissors.

I believe those are called hemostats, which can usually be gotten through medical supply stores and websites. You know, if you don't want to cut yourself to get them for free.

-Rog

Andrew Gorman · Post by **Andrew Gorman** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 12:09 am

Sandbags have worked for me for some parts. Just fill a ziploc with sand and drop it on top. Layer the parts between two sandbags for more even clamping. The drawback is it's hard to see if (or when) the parts slip out of alignment.

marcus0311 · Post by **marcus0311** » Fri Feb 27, 2009 2:19 pm

Hehehe. If I didn't cut myself I wouldn't get to play with all the cool stuff in the exam rooms.........

Pat Amaral · Post by **Pat Amaral** » Fri Feb 27, 2009 4:14 pm

These things may not be as delicate as they should be but they are simple to use single-handedly.