Starter clamps?

[LarryG]

Got an email about Peachtree not carrying the original K-Body anymore, for what reason I don't know.

The original K-Body clamp with the plain orange jaws were discontinued, replaced by the redesigned orange-and-black REVO model. These add some features that are apparently a reaction to those found on the JET parallel clamps.

Parallel-jaw clamps are nice but, as you know, they're very expensive. If you don't have an immediate need, I suggest you wait and try to catch either the REVO or one of the similar models on sale. (Although it's a long shot, try Big Lots. A few years ago I bought some 60" Stanley parallels there for a paltry $15 each!)

[woodturner]

The original K-Body clamp with the plain orange jaws were discontinued, replaced by the redesigned orange-and-black REVO model.

I assume you mean red jaws?

From the website, it appears that the Vario clamps are the updated version of the K-body bar clamps.
K-body clamps

If you can get your local woodworkers club to do a group buy, substantial discounts are available. That's how I got my collection of K-bodies.

[LarryG]

I assume you mean red jaws?

Well, it's an orangey-red. They're certainly more red than my Jorgensens, but they're not the deep, rich shade of red that I think of when someone says RED.

The REVO is the new-and-improved replacement for the original K-Body, with one fixed jaw and one moving jaw (i.e., standard clamp design). The Vario is a variant of the REVO on which BOTH jaws can move.

[cabinetman]

For those that use pipe clamps and complain that they bend, a better fitting joint should be in order. Bending a pipe clamp to make a joint fit can stress the joint. Good fitting joints shouldn't need that much pressure.

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[pelligrini]

I don't have any Varios, but I do have a couple pair of Revos. My other bessy K-bodies have the Revo handle. The K-bodies I got from the peachtree sale have the classic all wood handle.

I like their newer design, but I hardly ever see a good sale on them, especially the Varios. A couple things that aren't that great are the pad covers that slide off way too easily. A little piece of double sided tape will help. The thing I wasn't really counting on was the bigger size, they didn't fit in my compact clamp rack. I designed it for K-Bodies, the Revos are a little wider and taller.

[woodturner]

Well, it's an orangey-red. They're certainly more red than my Jorgensens, but they're not the deep, rich shade of red that I think of when someone says RED.
..
The Vario is a variant of the REVO on which BOTH jaws can move.

I'm wondering if there was an iteration or two in there that I missed.

My K-bodies were purchased around 1995 and definitely have red jaws - no orange. They appear to be this style:

older k-body clamps

[Pappy]

Wonder if the box stores are going to close them out?

[Carpenter96]

Clamps

Hi Rob Yes canadian Tir e, also Busy Bee and Lee Valley sometimes have deals On the aluminum bar clamps. the type of clamps really depends on the type of work you will be doing. Check out Mathias Wandels site for home made clamps, www.woodgears.ca but if you are buying then go for the best clamps you can afford and they will last a lifetime and you won't curse at them ethier. Regards Bob McDermid a Fellow Canadian and forum newbee

[pelligrini]

Wonder if the box stores are going to close them out?

I haven't seen the classic K-Bodies in any retail store in quite a while. Looks like Peachtree got a hold of a bunch of NOS clamps.