Replies

1. 
   darbywoods | Apr 11, 2004 03:11am | #1

   i this is like ask this old house what is it section, then i would say it is a comb for a big dog.  or could it be used to mark out dovetales

2. 
   RickL | Apr 11, 2004 03:15am | #2

   No 88 clapboard measuring tool!

   http://www.toolsrules.com/MISC-TOOLS.htm

1. 
   catch22glen | Apr 11, 2004 03:29am | #3

   I'm sorry but i have no idea what a clapbord is! Please elaborate. Thanks.

   Glen

1. 
   BG | Apr 11, 2004 04:03am | #4

   Glen,

   clapboard = Siding on a house....up here in New England clapboard is usually 4" exposed...knot free cedar...

1. 
   catch22glen | Apr 11, 2004 04:33am | #5

   I'm sorry to keep this dragging on, but how the heck do you use it?

   Glen

1. 
   BG | Apr 11, 2004 05:51am | #6

   Sorry Glen, I have no idea ..

2. 
   Mackwood | Apr 11, 2004 06:09am | #7

   Use of the #88 Clapboard Measuring Tool is officially declared a lost art!  LOL

   Mack"WISH IN ONE HAND, #### IN THE OTHER AND SEE WHICH FILLS UP FIRST"

3. 
   UncleDunc | Apr 11, 2004 06:24am | #8

   Here's a book that might tell you. About half way down the page is the line "HOW-TO GUIDE: Using a clapboard gauge." No pictures, so I can't tell if it's similar to the tool in this thread.

   http://www.booksmatter.com/b1580172164.htm

2. 
   RickL | Apr 11, 2004 01:50pm | #9

   http://www.holbrooklumber.com/clapboard.htm

   Clapboard siding for houses. The tool was to space the sideing equally. More of a tool used by Fine Home Building folks than the Knots crowd.

1. 
   BG | Apr 11, 2004 02:10pm | #10

   Rick3ddd,

   I did a bit of research on the tool and it said it is used to scribe the calpboard ends to the corner board.  That doesn't help a whole lot, still can't figure out if it's used to scribe the clapboard into the corner board or up to the corner board.....or how it would work either way.  My suspicion is its used to scribe the clap into the corner...I've seen antique clapboards joined horizontally with 12-14" tapers from both sides....so scribing to the corner would be no biggie....just a guess.  

1. 
   RickL | Apr 11, 2004 04:02pm | #11

   Go to the FHB site for more specific info on clapboard installing. I'm more into furniture but I recognized the tool you posted. Doesn't mean I know how to use it.

3. 
   JohnWW | Apr 11, 2004 07:01pm | #12

   Glen,

   It is a clapboard marking tool and it is used as follows:

   At the corners of a building, trim boards are run vertically for the ends of the clapboard to butt against, so each clapboard needs to be cut off accurately to fit against the trim cleanly. 

   To use the gauge, the rounded teeth are adjusted to project slightly below the larger frame.  The clapboard to be cut to length is laid against the side of the building with the end lying against and sticking out past the vertical corner trim.  Holding it vertically, the tool is placed so that it straddles the clapboard and the ears on either end are touching the edge of the trim board.  Moving the tool up and down, the rounded teeth will make a score line on the face of the clapboard, which is then taken down and sawn off along the scribed line.

   John W.  

4. 
   RMillard | Apr 12, 2004 04:35am | #13

   Here is photo taken from the 1923 edition of the Audels Carpenters and Builders Guide, showing how the tool was used.

   Rob Millard

   
5. 
   alanplanesaw | Apr 13, 2004 04:21am | #14

   Glen,

   I don't know where everyone gets this "clapboard" thing for an answer.  As anyone can see, it is an early dovetail jig.  Line your chisel up, swat it with your mallet and you come out with uniform dovetails.

   Also, I have about 100 acres of chestnut trees about 4 ft in diameter for sale.  let me know if you want any!!!!

   Alan - planesaw