Holding a wooden patchbox lid

[n stephenson]

Here is a set of jaws I made to hold a patchbox lid. I made them out of soft Maple. They have some taper to them , to line up with the vise jaws better. I just tighten them enough to hold, I don`t put the "Gorilla Monsoon" on them.    I have used them for years . I also use a board and a C clamp for some operations . These come in pretty handy. And are cheap enough! Nate

[Eric Kettenburg]

You would have to be using parallel tenons on the box lid for this to work, correct?  In other words, if you are cutting your tenons with a taper from back (buttplate) to front, i.e. matching the forward taper (side to side) of the lid, all of the clamp pressure would be at one end, wouldn't it?

Very interesting, I like the concept A LOT.  I cut tapered tenons, so I would have to wedge pieces of folded paper or thin shims in between the vise jaws and the forward portion of the clamps to get a consistent clamp pressure.

Usually I just try to do most of the shaping on the gun, and for finer work, just clamp a big square piece of wood in the vice and then use a big c-clamp to hold the box lid in place on top of it.  Of course, then you have to work around the c-clamp which is a pain in the ass.

[n stephenson]

Eric, There is more taper in them , than the pics show. As you stated , I too taper the sides of my tenons.   I sometimes slide the clamps forward , or back , to find the "sweet spot".   I "attempt" to keep things low tech. I was trying to hold one and having difficulties so, I just made this up . I have been using the same ones for at least 25 years. Naturally , they don`t get used all the time , but they are handy. Nate

[Ky-Flinter]

Great idea Nathan.  If the jaws were made a bit wider, the vise side of each jaw could be radiused, kinda like a long skinny D shape.  Then when the vise is tightened up, the rounded back allows the jaws to exert pressure evenly over the whole length of the jaw.

-Ron

[coopersdad]

I made some a while back essentially like Nate's, but taller so I have better access to the lid without hitting the vise with tools.  I got carried away and put some rails on the sides to keep it in place in the vice, as well as a spring inside that keeps it open and in place (took three hands to hold the jaws and put the lid in - one would end up on the floor).  The screws were to be a fulcrum to press the tops together, and maybe to add a bit of taper, not sure that was a success but doesn't seem to be a detriment.  It seems to hold them nicely.

[n stephenson]

I made some a while back essentially like Nate's, but taller so I have better access to the lid without hitting the vise with tools.  I got carried away and put some rails on the sides to keep it in place in the vice, as well as a spring inside that keeps it open and in place (took three hands to hold the jaws and put the lid in - one would end up on the floor).  The screws were to be a fulcrum to press the tops together, and maybe to add a bit of taper, not sure that was a success but doesn't seem to be a detriment.  It seems to hold them nicely.

Great ! now I`m suffering from patchbox lid holder envy!!   You did a nice job with that. You did address the shortcomings that mine have . I guess I have just never took the time to make some that nice , but I just might , now. Nate

[Greg Pennell]

I saw a very nice set on Cabin Creek’s instagram feed today...his design solves the “tapered lid in a parallel vise” problem nicely.  I think something similar is on my short list of tools to make.

Greg

[Frank]

A pattern makers vice can do it without the need of special jigs.  I have one and it is invaluable.

https://www.woodcraft.com/products/woodriver-patternmakers-or-gunstock-carving-vise?via=573621f669702d06760016d6%2C576455f669702d2f2f0013a4%2C5764580569702d2f2f001456

[tallbear]

Mine.....

[rich pierce]

You guys are amazing. Artisans in every way.

[n stephenson]

Mine.....

Mitch, I like the design of yours as well. I am going to make one. Thanks Nate

[coopersdad]

Mitch's is much simpler than mine and easily adjusts to the taper.  If I can over complicate and overbuild it I will!!

[Greg Pennell]

Yep, that’s the design. Started on one this morning. 

Greg

[t.caster]

Here is a SIMPLE one I roughed out on my band saw years ago. Not pretty & polished, but very functional.
The idea came from someone on this sight!