Kerfing Clamps — Lutherie Encyclopedia

Kerfing ClampsType: toolSpecialized spring clamps designed to hold kerfed lining strips to the inside edges of guitar sides during gluing.## Description Kerfing clamps are small spring-loaded clamps with elongated jaws designed to reach inside a guitar body and press kerfed lining against the side-to-plate glue surface. They typically have a reach of 50mm to 75mm and light to moderate spring tension. The jaw tips are often padded with cork or silicone to avoid denting the thin guitar sides. A full set includes 30 to 60 individual clamps. ## Use in Lutherie Kerfed lining (or kerfing) is the notched wood strip glued along the inside edge of the guitar sides, creating a wider glue surface for attaching the top and back plates. Kerfing clamps hold these strips firmly in place while the glue dries. They are applied at each kerf notch or every 15mm to 20mm along the perimeter. Because the kerfing follows the curved outline of the guitar, specialized clamps with adequate reach are needed to apply pressure from outside the body to the lining inside. ## Selection Guide Stew-Mac and LMI sell dedicated kerfing clamps in sets. Some luthiers use modified clothespins or binder clips as budget alternatives, though purpose-built clamps provide more consistent pressure and better reach. The jaws should open wide enough to span the side thickness plus kerfing, and the spring tension should be firm without being so strong that it dents the sides. Budget 30 to 80 dollars for a set of 40 to 60 clamps. ## Tips - Apply clamps starting from the center of each bout and working outward toward the waist for even pressure distribution. -…