Bessey tools has improved its K Body parallel clamp. The K Body Revo has some advantages over the original. For starters, each jaw has the same great parallel action, but 30% more surface area. A larger, softgrip handle adds comfort and makes it easier to add extra clamping force. Bessey claims the K Body Revo gets you 1,500 lb. of clamping pressure, 30% more than its old model. When we measured the Revo clamp force using three woodworkers as testers, we got a maximum force of 1,000 lb., with 800 lb. as an average-still a lot more than the 600 lb. we got from the original.

The K Body Revo includes a plastic end piece that keeps the bar from tipping when the jaws are working close together.

The piece is removable, allowing the jaw to be removed and reversed, turning the clamp into a spreader. In use, the sliding jaw moved smoothly along the bar in both directions.
The jaw gripped the workpiece as soon as I began turning the handle-no fiddling to get it to “bite” into the bar.

The Revo is sold in eight lengths, from 12 in. to 98 in. ranging from $36 to $72 in price. Look for more information at www.besseytools.com.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Marking knife: Hock Double-Bevel Violin Knife, 3/4 in.

This heavy, double-beveled knife stays on track in all directions, and works just fine without adding a handle.

Buy at Lee Valley

Veritas Precision Square

This precision square is incredibly versatile, from checking squareness to dialing in machine setups.

Buy at Lee Valley

Starrett 12-in. combination square

This accurate, robust, well-machined, easy-to-read combo square is as great as ever.

Buy at Amazon