This is more a small detail in an obvious technique than an actual technique. I found out (doh!) that the hot-melt glue sticks less to the end wood than to the side. I glued two pieces of wood to the ends of my work piece, and fastened those to the table with screws. The glue comes off the end wood just like that - when I break down the clamp - yet stays firm enough to carve.
This is my first actual

in weeks so I had to share it.
Henri