It took 15 clamps total and I could have used 4 more if I had them. I started out with the two pieces side by side on the sawhorses joint edge up so I could spread the glue on. Once the glue was applied I turned each piece on it's side, with the glue edge facing the center for clamping. First I clamped the two ends flush with each other, then I placed a long pipe clamp in the center. If you assume the Oak has 10% moisture it weighs about 325 lbs so I use that center pipe clamp as a lever to rotate the whole piece up on edge.
If you have been reading this blog, you know that I had an issue with the center of the top not being flush when I ends are clamped flush. To correct that, I loosened the center clamp then using a 1/4" hole I had pre drilled in the bottom of the bench top I attached a steel bar and a piece of Maple with a 3/8" lag bolt. When I tightened the lag bolt it pulled the bow out of the bottom piece. Then I was able to put all the clamps on tight as possible. The top is still slightly out of line but only by about 1/32". I'm quite happy with that.
In addition to finishing the glue up I just received my latest purchase from ebay a couple of days ago. It is of course going to be the lead screw for the leg vise that is a major feature on a Roubo style workbench. This screw however was never used as a vice before, and will need to be modified a little. It is lacking a groove just above the threads where the garter attaches the screw to the chop. If I get lucky, I'll find someone with a wood lath who can cut the groove for me, otherwise, I'll be cutting it myself with some carving tools and a fine tooth saw.... yuck!
The person I purchased this wood screw from has a great ebay store full of unusual and vintage items many of which could be used on items we all love to make out of wood. Here is a link to her store:
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