Replies

1. 
   TaunTonMacoute | Nov 01, 2005 10:50pm | #1

   Three and four footers.

    

2. 
   Samson | Nov 01, 2005 10:57pm | #2

   They shine in gluing up panels from narrower boards and in gluing up drawers and carcasses.  All these uses tend to call for the longer bars - especially int he context of the bookcases and dressers etc. you mention.  2, 3, and 4 footers are the ones I reach for most.

3. 
   nikkiwood | Nov 02, 2005 03:06am | #3

   The best size depends on what you are building.

   I started out with 24 and 31 inch clamps -- then I bought some 40's and 50's. Sorry but I don't know the metric equivalents.

   Almost on a whim, I bought a couple of 12 " , and I found them so handy, I keep adding to the collection.

   In direct answer to your question, the ones I use the most are the 12's and 24's, with the 31's in third place.

   I kept all my old pipe clamps, and for really long stuff, I just add sections together (with threaded couplings) to get to the size I need.

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

4. 
   alanplanesaw | Nov 02, 2005 05:22am | #4

   Your question is similar to asking what sort of music should I buy.  Well, it all depends on what you like to listen to.

   There is no right answer for clamps.  It all depends on what you are building.  If you always build the same the thing, you will always need the same size.  If what you build varies, then so much your clamps.

   I started with 3 ft and 4 ft.  I now have a number from 1 ft to over 4 ft.  I don't build too many of the same thing so I try to have a few of varying sizes.

   Good luck,

   Planesaw - Alan

5. 
   wcf | Nov 02, 2005 05:50am | #5

   Bigger is generally better when you're making bookcases.  Amazon was (is still?) selling Bessey cabinet sets for $99; four clamps and door racks - a smoking deal.

   I'd go for 4 each of their 3 longest clamps.  12 in all, complimented with an array of smaller ones - like 20".

   That'll get you bookin'

6. 
   gossamershavings | Nov 02, 2005 10:46am | #6

   i just got four new ones yesterday. I originally bought 2 -41" and 2- 24" and they are very handy. i plan on getting a couple(hundred,  ha ha ) more but i do have some long bar clamps for really long stuff. my new ones are 2 more 24" and 2- 12". I love the 12" clamps for every day tasks. i plan on getting more.AS to your question, i would buy 2 to 4 footers first as they can clamp long or short, but i recommend getting some 12" for jig clamping as the longer clamps , while they will work for most tasks , they are a bit awkward if they are say, clamping 2 three inch thick pieces together( especially horizontally) and you have 30 or 40 " s of bar sticking out. good luck. hope i could help. 

1. 
   Ricks503 | Nov 02, 2005 01:05pm | #7

   I mostly do case work and find that the 24" and 31" are the ones I use most and I have 4 of each. I also have 3 12" ones that get used next most and for longer/wider I use pipe clamps. In general, larger is better in that with K body type clamps, you can move the head up for shorter work but you cannot make them longer like pipe clamps.

   If your work is 80% 24" and under go with the 24" ones and eventually add some 31" ones for wider cabinets. By the way, I bought and really like their 90* clamps - makes squaring up the cases a lot easier - I started with 1 and now have 6.1 - measure the board twice, 2 - cut it once, 3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go        4 - get a new board and go back to step 1

7. 
   mudman | Nov 02, 2005 06:17pm | #8

   Well, lets see..... I'd say 12", 30", 40", 60". Heh heh. Seriously though, I mostly have 36" clamps with a few 24" clamps. I build cabinets and any thing smaller is not usefull. K bodies are expensive and I think it is a waste to buy them in sizes under 24", unless your funds are unlimited. jobs that small are usually easy to keep square without parallel jaw clamps. The only parallel jaw clamps I have are 36" or more. If you are only building small boxes then maybe it is worth it for you to buy small K-bodies. But if you are making cabinets then you can buy 2 1/2 good screw clamps for every one Bessey K.

   Mike

1. 
   charnwood | Nov 04, 2005 12:15am | #10

   Thank you to everyone  for your replies

   I live in the United Kingdom and the current offers on Bessey k body clamps are not available in the UK.

   Below are the prices I expect to pay at a woodwork show in the UK. next week

   12inch...$46         24inch...$49  31inch ...$53  40inch ... $59

    

   I have inquired about shipping from the USA. and the Woodworkers supply appear to offer the best deal on shipping  $45.95 and  3 to 5  working days shipping or $35.95 parcel post 3 to 5 weeks (cost of postage two 12inch and two 24 in k body clamps )

   In conclusion I will  buy 24 and 40 inch clamps , then add other sizes  at a later date

   Many thanks to everone who has replied

   regards Charnwood

    

    

8. 
   mvac | Nov 03, 2005 02:14am | #9

   I just bought two 24's and two 40's during Woodcraft's sale. Very handy. I have a couple of 60's, but for most of my casework I use bar clamps.

   Mitch

   "I'm always humbled by how much I DON'T know..."

9. 
   oak | Nov 04, 2005 07:43am | #11

   screw the clamps..

   how bout boxing up some 52e's and sending them across the pond

   :)