Shopsmith Forums

Probably like a of you I have used Bessey Clamps and been more than happy with them. I wanted to try the K-Body Revo clamps and picked up a couple of long ones of those and all though I found them a little more finicky that I would like I was very happy with them and clamping pressure was fantastic.
I wanted to get some smaller ones (can never have enough clamps) and the place I went to was all out of Revo proper but they had Revo Juniors, I decided to try them and picked up 4.
One of them broke on first tighten and I find the others really awkward to use, moving the sliding part of the clamp up and down the bar does not go very smoothly at all, just wondering if anyone else has experience with the Junior clamps?

I was looking at some in Lowes and noted that some are now made in China:mad:

Those Bessy clamps are a bit cantankerous when moving the adjustable head because of the serrations along the bar. If you pull the handle upward as you're moving the adjustable head it seems to allow it to move more freely. Watch out for getting glue down in those grooves as that can cause you problems as well.

oscarthefuzz wrote:Probably like a of you I have used Bessey Clamps and been more than happy with them. I wanted to try the K-Body Revo clamps and picked up a couple of long ones of those and all though I found them a little more finicky that I would like I was very happy with them and clamping pressure was fantastic.
I wanted to get some smaller ones (can never have enough clamps) and the place I went to was all out of Revo proper but they had Revo Juniors, I decided to try them and picked up 4.
One of them broke on first tighten and I find the others really awkward to use, moving the sliding part of the clamp up and down the bar does not go very smoothly at all, just wondering if anyone else has experience with the Junior clamps?

Sorry to hear about the issues with the Jr's, but glad you told about your problems with them. I was considering adding some of these to my clamp collection. I have several pairs of the original Bessey K-Body clamps, several of the Revo series, and several Jet brand. The Jets are my absolute favorites....I prefer the spring 'trigger' to move/set the adjustable head. Can never remember which way to move the handle to move/set the Besseys when I'm in the middle of a glue-up. But, the Jets are pricey. Think I'll save my pennies and watch for sales on the Jets.

bffulgham wrote:Sorry to hear about the issues with the Jr's, but glad you told about your problems with them. I was considering adding some of these to my clamp collection. I have several pairs of the original Bessey K-Body clamps, several of the Revo series, and several Jet brand. The Jets are my absolute favorites....I prefer the spring 'trigger' to move/set the adjustable head. Can never remember which way to move the handle to move/set the Besseys when I'm in the middle of a glue-up. But, the Jets are pricey. Think I'll save my pennies and watch for sales on the Jets.

Unless you get real lucky and find some sort of special - GOOD clamps are expensive. The marketeers have discovered that we can never have enough and they are doing what they do best.

I have some Besseys that I swear by and I have some that I swear at.

Not all Besseys are same quality.

I think the best Bessey I ever bought were the power grip one hand clamp .. great clamping pressure but still one handed when ya need it.
@bffulgam .. those Jat clamps look really nice .. I hadn't looked at their k-body style ones before but the look tasty and I too like the spring release on them ... will have to keep an eye out for them..

When first discovering how well I liked Jet clamps, I search all vendors online and discovered a great price. The funny part being I ordered and received twice as many as I thought I had ordered. When I contacted the vendor regarding their error they apologized for mis-printing the number of clamps per package. I tried to order again after discovering how truly fantastic the deal was and the quantity per carton had been halved. Oh well at least I made a great buy once. Yes they are heavy but I do believe they will outlast me. The same cannot be said of most other clamp brands I have purchased. Jim

I just hate it that the Bessey clamps are made in China now. I am in the market for some pipe clamps and I like the Bessey a little better than the American made Pony/Jorgenson because they have the legs that get them a little higher off the bench so you can turn the crank easier. I still want to go by Rockler and look at their store brand. They have the same legs. If they are made in China, I'll go with the Pony and just get some or make some of the slide on legs to get the added height. I know we can't often avoid China made and if you are not bothered by where something is made, Harbor Freight has a Bessey pipe clamp clone for 2/3 the price of a real Bessey.

Warren D. Stephens
Happy Shopsmith owner

I like most of my Bessy clamps but there are some that are lesser quality than others. I am learning that the hard way.

A while back I was given a rather large group of clamps almost all of which were Bessey. I now think I know at least one of the reasons I got them all for free.

They slip.

Have piles of clamps including some the prior model K type (orange color). I recall they were pricey at the time yet I gravitate to using them more than others. Very pleased.

Speaking of case clamps, I have some antiquers, cast iron, operate by slip and clamp type. They fit 2 x 2 x any length wood that you provide and notch. Simple and reliable. I'll find them random at antique stores, estate sales. They always seem to be like a forgotton tool, usually rusted and corroded. A little wire brush and paint, these great old clamps can be a bargain.