Bessey Clamps - I do get it...

[matt]

Having read numerous and lengthy threads about the value of Bessey clamps I've been debating whether to add to my very small collection of cheap Besseys...

Today I was using the existing ones to make some panelled doors. I have two UniKlamps which I used for the first door. For a start they're light so I could assemble the door on it's edge and then leave it there as I put the clamps on. When tightened the doors sat nice and flat against the bars. I then lifted the whole assembly out of the vice and stood it on the floor.

Having used up my ONLY two UniKlamps had to take a whole different approach to the next door. For a start I was using a couple of Record sash clamps. I had to set out two workmates and set the clamps up beforehand, making sure they were the right distance apart etc. Stood the door on its side on top of the clamps for assembly before twisting it through 90 degrees and dropping it between the jaws of the clamps. Tightened the clamps and then peered underneath to see how tight the fit was to the bars. Not very... Tried slackening the clamps and adjusting but it was not playing ball. Fished out two more clamps to hold the doors flat against the bars.

So... for doors and similar, and at <£12 each, I think the UniKlamps are very worthwhile. (Especially once you've worked out the knack for sliding the clamp head up and down the bar!)

I've yet to experience the K body clamps...

 

[xraymtb]

I was a bit sceptical until I tried K Body's. Now I just wish I had more...

 

[dunbarhamlin]

Concur. Have just got some from Matthew at WorkshopHeaven (not on the website yet, but just pester him.)
Seriously uncheap, but knock spots off of the Dakota look alikes.

 

[matt]

So... for doors and similar, and at <£12 each, I think the UniKlamps are very worthwhile. (Especially once you've worked out the knack for sliding the clamp head up and down the bar!)...

:shock: Axminster have just put the price up to £17 each, while they were out of stock and while I was waiting for them to come back in stock (at £12...) to order a couple more.

:evil:

 

[Imperial]

http://www.besseytools.co.uk/click-here ... lamps.html

Dont know what size you were after but some of these on at reasonable prices :roll:

 

[Boz62]

Can I gloat please? I'm a recent Uniklamp convert after buying two 600mm ones a couple of weeks ago. The movement knack works best on used clamps - brand new they stick, but they soon loosen off. I already have several Urko F clamps for heavy duty cramping but they are soooo heavy, and I like the Uniklamps for lighter general use. So last Friday I gave in and ordered another four from Axi "while they are still on offer". That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it. They arrived this morning. So I now feel smug at having got in before the price went up 8)
Boz

 

[matt]

Can I gloat please? I'm a recent Uniklamp convert after buying two 600mm ones a couple of weeks ago. The movement knack works best on used clamps - brand new they stick, but they soon loosen off. I already have several Urko F clamps for heavy duty cramping but they are soooo heavy, and I like the Uniklamps for lighter general use. So last Friday I gave in and ordered another four from Axi "while they are still on offer". That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it. They arrived this morning. So I now feel smug at having got in before the price went up 8)
Boz

Noted... :-#

 

[Mr Ed]

K Bodies are the best, no contest in my view.

I first bought some about 7 years ago after seeing Norm use them and it is immediately apparent that they are a cut above most other clamps. Over time I have added a few more, but the price is always a bit of a barrier.

I recently addded 4 K Body Revos to my collection. I was a bit annoyed at Bessey for changing what I thought was an excellent design into a product they could charge more for.....that was until I used them. I can report that the Revos are even better and feel more robust that K Bodies. They are more stable, the handles are more comfortable and they generate higher clamp forces. They are a good evolution of the product in my view.

I know people always gripe about the cost of Bessey clamps (me included), but as with nearly eveything you get what you pay for.

Cheers, Ed

 

[paulm]

Agreed Ed, they are expensive and you don't need to spend that much to clamp bits of wood together, but if you do a lot of that kind of work or just take satisfaction in using well designed and satisfying tools then you won't ever regret the investment.

Cheers, Paul

 

[promhandicam]

The uniklamps are perfectly adequate for smaller items like cupboard doors or drawers - assuming you have cut everything correctly. I find K body clamps are too heavy for clamping smaller items although admittedly my shortest ones are K125's. D+M still have Uniklamps on offer at £22.46 for 2 of the 60cm clamps. Link here.

Steve

 

[Mr Ed]

I got my K-Revos from D&M - they seemed to be the cheapest on all the Bessey clamps when I did my shopping around.

Cheers, Ed

 

[matt]

Thanks for the suggestions/links. Unfortunately D&M charge £8.95 P&P - the most expensive P&P I think I've come across.

That's one of the reasons I am so annoyed with Axminster. I was building an order to qualify for free delivery and the clamps were not in stock. Now everything bar one item in my basket has shot up in price.

I'm not happy... :evil:

 

[promhandicam]

Thanks for the suggestions/links. Unfortunately D&M charge £8.95 P&P - the most expensive P&P I think I've come across. . . .

Just spent more than £99 then p&p is free - simple really! :roll:

Steve :wink:

 

[Schummie]

Hello guys,

I'm new (about a 1/2 year) on your great forum and I have already learn a lot off you, thanks for that.
My name is Henrie alias Schummie i'm 46 years old and i'm living in the Netherlands.
If you want to know more off me you can look lumberjocks.com/jocks/Schummie
This shop sells also Bessey and so far I now are they the cheapest, but
I don't now what the shipping cost are for you in the UK.
This is the shop crebes-werkzeuge.de

Greetings Schummie.

 

[MikeH]

I have some K Bodies and some of the new Revos. Both are fantastic, far better than what I had before. Worth the extra money in my opinion.

One thing I can't understand though, why oh why don't they make them with both heads removable and sell different length bars on their own. You could then buy 'x' pairs of heads and sets of the bars in different lengths. Save loads of shop space and loads of dosh.

Apart from the obvious one that they want your cash, it seems like a no brainer idea to me.

 

[Mr Ed]

Apart from the obvious one that they want your cash, it seems like a no brainer idea to me.

Well I think you've answered your own question there, good idea though it may be.

Cheers, Ed