"homegrown" clamp...Good idea / Bad idea

Sounds like a solid idea, it may be a bit of a hassle getting them in place while the glue is wet. I've seen where people have used zip ties in the same manner. My first bass I built using clamps I made from 2x2 angle iron, they were crude but worked. I still have them but since buying good clamps I really don't use them.

 

Hose clamps don't lend themselves to self-re-bending around sharp corners too easily. That, combined with the stickyness of the vinyl, would make me afraid that as I tightened the clamp, it might pull the fretboard sideways, and otherwise apply uneven pressure.

 

I always liked the idea of using inner tubes to clamp a fretboard. Seems cheap/free and would put even pressure on every single square inch of the fretboard. You just use some registration pins to keep the FB and neck lined up without slipping, then wrap them around super tight.

 

This is a very odd idea, but I've used it.

My parents have one of those meat packaging vacuum things. I'm sure you can find cheaper ones that would work fine.

Anyways, it's just like a vacuum press. All that needs to be done is apply the glue, and put some tape/zipties around the neck and fretboard so the board won't slide. Then put it in the bag and seal it down. It applies great pressure and comes out great. I did it with a headstock veneer once.

I still get a look when I am vacuum sealing wood in the kitchen though...

 

Thick 9 oz. leather strips would do the trick rather nicely.
Solves all of my gouge problems easily.
Can be cut with a razor, bent, reshaped, nothin better than a bit a good ol cow bits.

 

Latex tubing might work. Depends how much pressure you need. Its pretty good for clamping odd shapes and won't damage wood. Just wrap it tight and tie it off.

Lowe's used to carry some pretty thick latex. I suspect Stewmac or LMI might have it too.