DIY Bridge Vacuum Clamp

[ken cierp]

This does the same thing as the $104 store bought unit ---- Here's what you'll need:

Clamp main frame ------ 30" of 3/4" x 1/2" wood pine, spruce etc.
Bezel diaphragm retainer -------- 4" x 10" 3/16" Masonite
Diaphragm ---- 4"x 10" Neoprene 1/32"
Vacuum nipple --- I used a 1/8" nylon male fitting
Clamping screws bezel, diaphragm to main frame --- #8 1/2" sheet metal work fine
Gasket seal ---- 1/8" x 3/8" x about two feet or so -- Joe Woodworker has it

So you make a small mitered frame 3.25" x 8.25" on the inside. Epoxy the joints. Drill a hole in one short end to match the fitting you use, epoxy the fitting in the hole.

Make the bezel out of the Masonite -- just cut out the center part to match the main frame, making an entry cut does not matter.

Drill holes in the Bezel every 10mm or so, the screws should not bind the holes that may cause the bezel to lift off the diaphragm instead of squeezing it to the main frame.

Make a sandwich of the mainframe, neoprene and bezel --clamp them tight and drill pilot holes for all the screws. Secure the bezel with the screws.

Apply the gasket tape to the down-side of the main frame use two rows butting the ends perpendicular to the last piece applied --- done!

[Dave Bagwill]

Out-damn-standing!! Thanks Ken. Total cost seems to be a bit less than certain luthier supply houses $103.00 :-)

[Dave Bagwill]

Nice, Tim!

[Tim Benware]

Thanks Dave. I've been wanting to make one of the bridge clamps for awhile, glad Ken posted it. As an aside, I got my Mega-mold assembled today. WooWho.

[Dave Bagwill]

The MM is the bomb. It is the money. The bee's knees. Etc.

[ken cierp]

And then "Junior" came along -- actually this makes clamping a ukulele bridge much, much easier -- had to have it!

[Dave Bagwill]

I like it.
Would vinyl or poly work just as well as the neoprene?