Clamps

[Spectric]

Well had a chance at Harrogate to look at the clamps and the Bessey ones are great, easy to use and clamp well. The microjig ones are ok and work well but the Bessey I think have the slight edge on feel. Both are much better than the Axminster ones though.

 

[Spectric]

Well also had a chance to look at the Lamello, now if a joint is pulled in tight then you would expect no movement but with the tenso you could move the joint, not a lot but noticable. Ok this joint is supposed to be glued but with dowels or dominos you would clamp to ensure adequate pressure, the tenso is supposed to apply this pressure whilst the glue dries but some doubts like @petermillard has already mentioned.

For anyone thinking that a Lamello Zeta and Tenso fittings are some kind of holy grail, prepare to be a little disappointed. In my experience the Tenso fittings really don’t apply enough clamping pressure (~7kg/fitting) for any carcass to be moved/handled before the glue is dry. The Clamex fittings are immensely strong, but of course, you get an access hole that needs to be covered. ‍♂

Now to be fair the tenso might be applying adequate pressure but the Tenso is plastic, the movement is not in the same plane and might be enough to make it look worse than it really is so with glue and let it all dry before moving the problem might not exist. The clamex applies plenty of pressure and if you can work round that hole then it solves all issues except it is a more expensive connector. So with such an expensive machine it does make you stop and think, maybe the correct solution is to design out the need and find alternative methods even if they are slower.

 

[petermillard]

Well also had a chance to look at the Lamello, now if a joint is pulled in tight then you would expect no movement but with the tenso you could move the joint, not a lot but noticable. Ok this joint is supposed to be glued but with dowels or dominos you would clamp to ensure adequate pressure, the tenso is supposed to apply this pressure whilst the glue dries but some doubts like @petermillard has already mentioned.

Now to be fair the tenso might be applying adequate pressure but the Tenso is plastic, the movement is not in the same plane and might be enough to make it look worse than it really is so with glue and let it all dry before moving the problem might not exist. The clamex applies plenty of pressure and if you can work round that hole then it solves all issues except it is a more expensive connector. So with such an expensive machine it does make you stop and think, maybe the correct solution is to design out the need and find alternative methods even if they are slower.

If you can live with a slower process then the Peanut 2 fitting may be worth a look Roy. Easy enough to make your own jig, and intelligent fixings can supply a bit and starter pack of fittings.