Mikkel Pagh
The author developed his simple cam clamp for holding lapstrake planks firmly together for fastening.
Toolmaking is a key part of boatbuilding. Many of the specialized devices we need can’t be bought off the shelf; they must be made by the builder. Lapstrake planking provides an excellent example: the builder must temporarily hold overlapping planks in place so they can be riveted, clench-nailed, or glued together. Temporary screws, wooden braces, or specialized clamps can work for this, but nothing suits the task as well as a shop-made cam clamp.