Replies

1. 
   forestgirl | Nov 23, 2004 01:36am | #1

   With most bar clamps, like the traditional orange ones, I'd be a bit nervous when clamping up panels, mainly because they're not likely to maintain a perfect 90*s when under pressure and the bar itself can flex.  However, given Bessey's reputation and track record, it's a good bet these are quality clamps.  Looks like Rockler offers a 90-day, no-questions-asked guarantee, so you could always try them out.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   MisterChips | Nov 23, 2004 06:34pm | #2

   Thanks for the speedy reply. So far you're the only one who has (replied).Which "traditional orange" bar clamps are you referring to? The Jorgensen steel I-beam type with the orange jaws? I never really liked them, because the steel bar often left stains on the work, but they were all we had at the school where I taught. It was also possible to apply way too much pressure on the glue-up with the crank-style handles.I thought the Bessey K Body types were supposed to help keep the panels flat because of the jaw design, that's why I'm looking at that type. FW tested bar clamps an issue or two ago and the K Bodys came out highly rated, if I remember correctly. They didn't say anything about the smaller UniKlamps though.Rick

1. 
   forestgirl | Nov 23, 2004 08:09pm | #3

   My "orange" reference was to the regular Jorgenson bar clamps, but not an I-beam configuration.  I was having a senior moment, couldn't remember the name. 

   I think you can get around the staining and the overly hard clamping (always have to be careful about that), but it's pretty hard to compensate for a jaw that doesn't stay at 90* when under pressure.

   I don't remember seeing any reviews including the UniKlamp either.  Is there a Rockler or Woodcraft near you?  If you could get your hands on one, you could clamp a block of wood in it and check to see how square it stays.

   Otherwise, why not go ahead an order 2 or 4 or whatever from Rockler?  Their guarantee makes it pretty risk-free.

   Take care, and good luck.  Let us know what you think if you get them.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

2. 
   Michmesquite | Nov 24, 2004 05:58am | #4

   I have about 16 of them and use them all of the time. They are truly mini-K clamps. The only complaint I have is the plastic they use for the clamp heads does not shed some glues (poly) as well as the K-clamps do.

   _________________________________

   Michael in San Jose

   "In all affairs it's a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted." Bertrand Russell 

1. 
   forestgirl | Nov 24, 2004 06:46am | #5

   Michael, they look like a good alternative to the 18" or 24" Jorgensen Cabinet Masters.  I got lucky during their half-price sale last year and got some big ones, but the small ones were gone by the time my order went through.  18" Cabinet Master is $34, 18" Uniklamp is $20.  I guess they may not develop the same amount of force, but with a small piece, that might not matter, right?forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   Michmesquite | Nov 24, 2004 08:16am | #6

   I used a combination of the K and Uni clamps when I laminated my workbench top. They have enough force to starve a joint (which you don't want to do!)If I have to do a lamination I have some monster 3900 Jorgy's that will really apply the pressure._________________________________

   Michael in San Jose

   "In all affairs it's a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted." Bertrand Russell