Official Luthiers Forum!

I got the new vacuum clamp rig made avaiable by Bob Garrish. This is way better than I imagined when ordered it. It is extremely well made and sturdy. I don't see how would ever have to replace it. It is so much lighter than I expected and will be very easy to put out of the way.
I bought one from someone else a few months ago (wood) and have had or used others at other shop worked at. The wood unit is so much heavier and well cost more. This is so much better as it will eliminate the warping and weight of that type of construction IMHO anyway. You can attach a bottom frame for it or just lay the gluing form or dish to a table. The 3 holes for eliminating air inside when pump is on really helps. You can't go wrong with this rig.

My only issue and for those with the LMI pump, is the the fittings for that are 1/4. The fitting that comes with this unit doesn' work with work that unit. It is no big problem, just need to go to hardware store, Lowes or HD and get proper size. I think it is 3/8", but may want to use calipher and check that out. could you make one sure, but for the price and time and effort, this is really a value at the highest, and you probably would not save much with how this is made.

If you are planning on going with vacuum (I think it is easier, faster and better)than using go bars, but each to his/her own, you can't go wrong with this rig. If got the bridge clamp he made and seen how much it clamps for that process, this works for the bracing process as well. I plan on getting more, so can do more building or repair in batches.

I can be a real tight wad and sit on the wallet, so when it comes to tools and rigs needed for this work I want the best (hate spending a dollar to save a dime at times) and this fits the term best you can get and value. I hope to talk him into other things like the gluing forms Mark Kett use to make and other things. I have some jigs and fixtures Mark use to (don't know if still does as I can't find him on web like use to) and they are fantastic. Bob's items are in that same great catagory of tools and service.

Might want to check with Bob if have the LMI or other 1/4" nipples and hose. Still seems like a 1/2 to reducer down to 3/8 or 7/16 nipple at pump.
Great job Bob!!!!


Stan Thomison
Thomison Custom Guitars
Branson, MO 65616

Would you be able to post a picture of it and let us know how much it cost? I couldn't see any specifics on Bob's website. I've been thinking of making my own but I'd just as soon not if I found one in my budget.

Thanks.
Clint

_________________
-Clint Beacock

I think all of the information and pricing he had at the time is in the archives maybe last month. I don't know how to post photo's but he did post them. It was I think 250 + shipping. I don't know if that is the inductory thing or how much they will be. It is well worth it. You can make a wood one cheaper, but time, leak problems, troubleshooting, other things make this well worth the cost.

for some reason that did me as guest

Here's a link to the original topic -

viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=16246

GregH
Fot Wuth

_________________
GregH
Fot Wuth

Thanks, guys.

_________________
-Clint Beacock

The fitting that came with them is the one I use in my shop standard on everything, but I can get 'em smaller if you need them. The hole is tapped for 1/8" NPT so you can get just about any sort of barb or QC fitting for them. If anyone who picked up one of the dishes needs a different fitting, just e-mail me the ID of the hose you're using and I'll send you one.

I have (IIRC) either two or three left from that batch, plus the prototype (which is identical to the others in function and form but has more holes drilled than screws as we discovered that we didn't need eighty screws to get a good seal ). Same price ($250 +30 ground or 40 air shipping) for anyone who wants them. If you specify the type of fitting you'd like in the order, I can put any standard pneumatic fitting you want on it. More can be made, of course, if I run out.

_________________
Bob Garrish
Former Canonized Purveyor of Fine CNC Luthier Services