Replies

1. 
   gpwest | Nov 09, 2003 08:03am | #1

   David,

     You make a good point about the Besseys needing a narrower workbench surface.  But the Besseys (the long ones, anyway), when clamping narrow and light to medium weight work, want to tilt so they're resting on the sliding clamp base and the bar end. Awkward to use for light stuff unless you put a spacer block beneath the bar to prevent tilting.    GP  

2. 
   Ole | Nov 09, 2003 02:24pm | #2

   You might consider Gross Stabil - PC2, another German made quality clamp available in the US.

   http://www.grossstabil.com/wood_clamps.htm

   Conserning Bessey K-body clamps. They should be avialable with a support at the end of the bar - as on the picture - to keep it steady even when clamping short items. In Europe K-body's are black - allways red on pictures from the USA.

   View Image

   Ole

   .... I Love the smell of sawdust in the morning....

3. 
   watkinsjd | Nov 09, 2003 06:38pm | #3

   David

   I have both Bessey and Jorgensen.  On the Besseys I have the movable jaw cannot be removed. And there is no leveling supporter on the end. I would expect the new models with the leveling end to also enable removing the jaw.

   The Cabinet Masters have both features so you get better support with the clamps facing up and you can reverse the jaws to use as expanable clamps.  The also seem to slide a little easier, Otherwise, I find no significant functional difference.

   I broke one of my Cabinet Masters as a result of a stupid ham handed move.  I emailed The Adjustable Clamp Co and asked how to get a replacement.  Within 2 hours I had a response that they were sending me a new one.  It arrived promptly. I was very impressed with their service.

   JW

4. 
   RANGERP75R | Nov 09, 2003 06:42pm | #4

   David

      You need to look at the Jorgy more carefully. The Jorgy's end tab it rest on slides to anywhere on the bar. The Jorgy's rear jaw will slide back and forth without having to lift the clamp. The rear jaw is not a table support force as on the Bessey. I can put a Jorgy on a 6" wide surface with the end tab slid all the way towards the front jaw and it stands alone without having to hold it to get the rear jaw in position to clamp. Requires one hand, not two. You can't do that with Bessey. The remainder of the bar just over-hangs the bench or work surface. So both do not require a wide surface.

      Put them side to side and compare the size of the bars and handles. Actually clamp something and see which one will exert the most force. Once you find the convenience of that rear jaw sliding forward without having to lift, see if you still think the Bessey is the best choice. After all, it's you money and you should spend it wisely. BTW, the Jorgy is about $5 ot $6 cheaper for the git-go.

      The above reasons is why I have all Jorgy Cabinet-Masters. Both are good clamps. IMO, the Jorgy is a great clamp.

   Regards...

   sarge..jt

5. 
   user-5880422 | Nov 10, 2003 08:39am | #5

   have both and am preferring the Cabinetmasters. The Jorgy has more features, as has been noted in previous posts, but the killer for me is that the cabinetmaster can be used one-handed much easier than the Bessey.

   Both clamps, as well as the Gross-Stabil's, are excellent and always get the job done, however it's time for Bessey to put some R&D $$ to work and come up with some new features, especially when you consider that the Cabinetmaster is cheaper.

1. 
   DavidCockey | Nov 15, 2003 12:17am | #6

   Thanks for the comments. We wound up getting the Jorgenson clamps. Thanks again.