The majority of saw clamps on the market are either secured to the workbench by means of a thumbscrew clamp or other adjustment, or they are held in the vise - an arrangement having several bad features, which are overcome by the clamp here described. With this clamp it is unnecessary to take out the saw, or unscrew the vise, when changing off to file the other edge of the teeth. Instead, the clamp and framework is turned around bodily. It can be moved from place to place, to a good light, or wherever most convenient, since it is not dependent upon a vise or bench for its support. The clam]) being longer than the width of the vise, takes a better grip upon the saw; and the simplicity of clamping it (without the usual adjustment by means of a screw or pin) recommends it.

Fig. 59 - A quick clamp.

The framework may be made of light wood; the 4 by 3/4-inch pieces being let in flush with the face of the 1 3/4 by 3 1/2-inch side bars, to stiffen it. To prevent the 4-inch slot for the saw splitting down when the clamps are driven in, a bolt is put through 6 1/2 inches from the top, as indicated in Fig. 60.

Fig. 60 - Convenient clamp for saws.

The clamps should be hard wood, 30 inches long, shaped out as detailed. The 4 1/2-inch recess, to allow for the saw handle, should be cut when the two clamps are together, since this makes them right and left handed. When making the two clamps, the taper should he obtained before the edges are rounded off, as shown in broken lines.

The lower right-hand corner sketch shows the clamp in the framework without the saw. When necessary to set a saw, it is dropped in the 4-inch deep slot, teeth up, the two clamps wedged into place on each side of it being driven home with a mallei or hammer.

An Improved Saw Clamp

The saw clamp described above is of service in the workshop, but the following is a modification used by carpenters and others when the facilities at hand are limited.

Oftentimes when one wishes to file a saw while away from the shop and has no filing clamp at hand, he is at a loss to know how to hold the tool during the operation. A handy expedient is to take a board or joist and turning it on edge, end on, make a cut with the saw to almost its depth. Then place the saw-in the cut, teeth uppermost, and drive in several small wedges along one side. This always holds the saw nicely, and the whole may be nailed to a step, sill, or part of the framing, or may be placed in a carpenter's vise. To loosen the saw, strike the top of its handle with the hand.

Fig. 61 - Handy saw filing clamp.