Best way to clamp a completed body?

[Herman]

For routing the dovetail slot into the body, I made myself the stewmac jig like this:



When routing the neck, clamping is no issue.
But clamping a completed body with a slightly curved surface is a bit tricky.
The router bit wants to push the body away, so some clamping pressure is needed.
I already attacked the issue with some sandpaper glued to the jig and that helps quite a bit to avoid sliding.
Still the body wants to move a hair, but clamping full force seems tricky.

Does someone has an impecable method for this clamping?
Thanks, Herman

[ken cierp]

I have a similar fixture mounted under the CNC bed. Sorry for the poor quality pixs but you can get the idea. First the neck is keyed using the truss rod slot, there is a "contour fitting -- (Bondo)" hinged clamping caul covered with cork, once the hinged caul is closed its secured with two small "F" bar clamps -- the neck is going no where. Note also that the neck is tilted so that the set angle is being machined on the heel cheeks as well.

As for the body mortise a vacuum clamp is what is really needed. I do have fixture that uses bungy cords and "F" clamps for the tail wedge but would be hesitant using it for the agressive cuts needed for the mortise.

[David S]

wonder if a setup like this could be what you need. it seems like you would only want clamping pressure on the edges.


http://bobsarchtop.blogspot.com/2012/04 ... l-out.html