Parallel clamps

[Cochese]

I think I may have asked about this before, but I bring it up again because of timing. Saturday starts a new sale at Rockler, and one of the items are the Irwin 24" parallels. I've read the reviews on Rockler about how they aren't quite up to the same specs as the Jets and the Besseys.

With the sale, they're about half price as normal. I skipped the K-Body closeout at Peachtree because I didn't want to make the drive. I'll be in the area of a Rockler tomorrow so it's very tempting.

Right now I don't have any pipe or parallel clamps. I have four aluminum bar clamps from HF that are just okay. Three of those are extendable and I suppose they get the job done. I have four F-clamps, a dozen small squeeze clamps and a couple of Irwin quick-release clamps. I know that when I start my (real) bench, I'll need something heavier duty.

I certainly don't want to break the bank, but I want something that I won't hesitate going to on a glue up. So I guess the question is pipe, parallel or a combination, and if parallel needs to be in my arsenal, which brand should I go with?

[pelligrini]

I've only used Bessy parallels. The classics, revos and the woodrivers (made by bessey). I wouldn't buy the Woodrivers again. I have a mess if Irwin quick grips, several pipe clamps, bar clamps (about a dozen $8 stanley 24") too.

You might try out a couple pair of the Irwins, and see how you like them. I really enjoy having my Bessys.

[LarryG]

Fine Woodworking appears to think the Irwins are okay, although they're not capable of matching the clamping pressure of the Besseys.

[Cochese]

Thanks for the link, just wish they went a little bit deeper in their review.

[Cubsfan]

What's the price that they'll be at?

[Cochese]

The 24" will be $19.99, limit 2.

[Cubsfan]

Huh. Even if they aren't quite as good as the others, being at half price would make me pick up a few

[LarryG]

I just remembered that I have the FWW every-issue archive CD installed on my work computer.

In the comparison test of six different parallel-jaw clamps from Issue 209, they rate the Jet and Jorgensen as Best Overall. In this test, they say the Irwin has the MOST clamping pressure, but it also has the most bar deflection -- nearly 1/8", which is a lot. However, the Irwins were 48" long, vs. 40" for the Jets and 36" for the Jorgensens.

The Irwins did suffer the least damage in the drop test (fall from a 36" high workbench onto a concrete floor), but they were also the hardest from which to scrape off excess glue.

Well, hmm. If it were my money, at full price I'd definitely pass; at half price, I might still pass. (But that's easy for me to say since I bought my fleet of Bessey K-Body clamps during their 20th [or was it 25th?] anniversary sale some years back, and IIRC I paid about 40% of MSRP each.)

[Cochese]

I just remembered that I have the FWW every-issue archive CD installed on my work computer.

In the comparison test of six different parallel-jaw clamps from Issue 209, they rate the Jet and Jorgensen as Best Overall. In this test, they say the Irwin has the MOST clamping pressure, but it also has the most bar deflection -- nearly 1/8", which is a lot. However, the Irwins were 48" long, vs. 40" for the Jets and 36" for the Jorgensens.

The Irwins did suffer the least damage in the drop test (fall from a 36" high workbench onto a concrete floor), but they were also the hardest from which to scrape off excess glue.

Well, hmm. If it were my money, at full price I'd definitely pass; at half price, I might still pass. (But that's easy for me to say since I bought my fleet of Bessey K-Body clamps during their 20th [or was it 25th?] anniversary sale some years back, and IIRC I paid about 40% of MSRP each.)

Thanks, that helps a lot. I've done a bit more research myself and found that at least on the forums the Besseys and the Jets are the most liked.

I will have to think on this. 2 for 1 is hard to beat, worst case I could return them.

[hophop]

Have anyone used the new Craftsman parallel clamps? I have yet to find any comparison with other brands yet. However they can be purchased in separate parts which reduces the cost somewhat. I placed an online order for 4 jaws with handles, 4 jaws without, a pair of bar extenders, and a bunch of bars (2 each of 24", 40", and 57" German-made bars)

They are on sale right now, not half but still substantial. My total including tax is about $135, for about effectively 2 pairs of clamps and some.

[Cochese]

You know, I've wondered the same thing every time I see them. And I can't believe I can't find a single review on them.

Perhaps Sears would like to send me some for evaluation purposes?

[Cochese]

I've used my new Irwins on a couple of projects so far and discovered the same complaints I've seen elsewhere - sometimes they won't give enough pressure. I don't know that it's bad enough to return them, but I'm going to keep my options open, and also look elsewhere for clamps.

In looking more closely at the Craftsman clamps, it's obvious that they are either clones or made by Bessey, in almost every detail. Without having either on me to test, you could probably interchange all the accessories, and buying a replacement part for your Bessey might be cheaper at Sears.

It's also interesting the pricing discrepancy on what appears to be identical products. A 40" Bessey REVO is either $50.99 or $58.49 at Peachtree or Rockler, but the corresponding Craftsman is normally $59.99, currently on sale for $53.99. A better deal at Sears (if on sale) if you didn't have Peachtree close unlike I do, but normal pricing is odd.

[natausch]

I like my Jogrensens because the wood handle and lock-down mechanism is easier to grip when applying "maximum pressure."

Also, the foot stand at the rear of the clamp (locked into the extender pin hole) makes it easier to adjust positioning.

That said, any of the parellel clamps out there will be a big improvement if all you've been using is F-Style.

[LCHIEN]

The 24" will be $19.99, limit 2.

at that price, pick up a couple. I doubt you'd find them cheaper any time soon.

[jackellis]

I'd also pick up a couple. Another option is to look for used clamps on CL or eBay, but I've been noticing the prices creeping up.

I bought most of my Jorgensen and Bessey parallels used for about half the retail price.

Here's a CL ad for parallel clamps. Seller is in Suwanee: http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/tls/2611998931.html