Replies

1. 
   Tony Z | Mar 20, 2007 10:22pm | #1

   The clamps, if I remember correctly, are made in India or China.  Now since the original thread, I examined some of the Besseys at Lowes.  These are now assembled in the US with components of various countries of origin.  I beleive the original Besseys were made in Germany.

2. 
   forestgirl | Mar 20, 2007 10:31pm | #2

   No, they are not the real deal.  Superficially, they look like Bessey's, but the quality of the manufacturing, and some details of design, are different.  For instance, the grooving of the bars is (reportedly) such that you almost need a third arm to get them to grip and clamp.

   Good clamps are worth what you pay for them, and you'll lose money in the long run if you try and go cheap.  Look for sales on BesseyK's, Jorgensen Cabinetmasters and the new Jet clamps.  The Jets are heavier, but they have some improvements over the standard design.  You can get a cabinet set (2 30-some-odd-inch, and 2 24" plus the 90° stand, for $99.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   

1. 
   loucarabasi | Mar 21, 2007 12:44pm | #7

   FG, Where did you get the cabinet clamp deal for $99.

   Thank you, Lou

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 22, 2007 08:43am | #8

   It was at Rockler, late summer.  Seems like other folks have gotten the same deal since then, though.  It's a "boxed set" -- heavy box, too!!  LOL.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

2. 
   terrylee86 | Mar 23, 2007 02:12am | #9

   Lou,

   Rockler hasn't run that promotion for a while, but you can get them for about the same price from International Tool.  Best price on Jets I have seen.  Feel sorry for the guy who bought the K-body clamps.  The Jets are so much better.

   Terry

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 23, 2007 03:53am | #10

   "Feel sorry for the guy who bought the K-body clamps.  The Jets are so much better."  I like the Jets, too, but it's all a matter of preference.  They are much heavier than the BesseyK's.  There are folks who have tried 'em both and like the BesseyK's, so probably no need to feel sorry, LOL.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

1. 
   terrylee86 | Mar 23, 2007 04:05am | #11

   I have about 20 of each and I never use the K-body clamps anymore.  I am going to take them to my shop in my cottage on Lake Charlevoix and just put up with them when I am putzing this next summer when the walleye and salmon aren't biting.  I just built a walnut mission dresser and I used the Jets for every phase of construction.  I didn't even get out my I-bars to do the glueup on the 5/4 top.  I have had k-body clamps for 20 years and I still don't like them.

   Terry 

2. 
   forestgirl | Mar 23, 2007 06:48am | #12

   Not arguing, just seems everyone has their preference.  I love the Jets, and want more, more, more!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

3. 
   jeff100 | Mar 23, 2007 09:18am | #13

   I'll add my vote for the Jet clamps too. I bought a set before Christmas for EIGHTY NINE dollars at Rockler. I should have bought 10 sets at that price. Few weeks ago I picked up another set (4) for $99.00 at Rockler again. I love these clamps, they're the best I've ever used. WHEN...I find them on sale at Rockler again, I'll be buying a few more sets....Jeff

4. 
   JerryPacMan | Mar 23, 2007 03:20pm | #14

   I love the new Jet clamps as they are beautiful and work better than my old Bessey's.  Rockler has the 50" clamps on sale now, two for $50 as advertised in the latest flyer.   

   Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans .

5. 
   forestgirl | Mar 23, 2007 07:24pm | #15

   "Rockler has the 50" clamps on sale now, two for $50 as advertised in the latest flyer."  What?!??  Gotta check that out for sure!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

6. 
   terrylee86 | Mar 23, 2007 09:53pm | #16

   That sale is only in certain regions of the country.  The Rockler guy in Detroit said he thinks that sale is next month for our area.  Give them a call, but it is not online.

   Terry

7. 
   JerryPacMan | Mar 23, 2007 11:15pm | #17

   I am in NE Ohio and it looks like the sale follows the setting sun.  I would predict the sale on the 50" Jet clamps to be in NW Washington about July or August. 

   Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans .

8. 
   jeff100 | Mar 24, 2007 08:52pm | #20

   The Sale started yesterday (3-23-07) in the Seattle area. I bought four of the 50" clamps at the sale price (2 for $49.99). What a deal...Jeff

   Edited 3/24/2007 1:53 pm by jeff100

9. 
   forestgirl | Mar 25, 2007 05:42am | #22

   Thanks, Jeff.  We'll see if they're in the budget.  Have 4 Cabinetmasters in the 50" size, so may have to put the Jets off 'til another time.  Darn!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

10. 
    forestgirl | Mar 24, 2007 04:51am | #18

    I was thinking it must be local.  If it hasn't already happened here in WA, that's good, gives me a little time to tuck away that dough.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

3. 
   mvflaim | Mar 20, 2007 10:55pm | #3

   I own both Bessey and Woodcraft brand. While the quality of the India made Woodcraft isn't as good as the Germany made ones, I haven't had any real issues with them. They seem to hold fine for now but how long they'll last I don't know. The grooves on the bar are not as deep and are only cut on the back of the bar while the grooves on the Bessey are cut on the sides and back making them hold better. The handles are plastic on the Woodcraft ones instead of wood. My opinion is buy the Woodcraft ones when they go on sale but the Bessey are definitely better.

   Mike

    

4. 
   parrothead | Mar 21, 2007 12:16am | #4

   I have not looked close at the Woodcraft clamps. I have some of the Bessey's and some of the new Jet clamps. After using the Jet clamps I would buy more of them and not the Bessey. The Jet clamps are much better fit and finnish and they are much easier to operate.

    

   Mike

   We are the people our parents warned us about. J. Buffett
5. 
   PADDYDAHAT | Mar 21, 2007 04:41am | #5

   Basicaly JUNK, that will never be mistaken for k's. I bought two on sale,with a cupon or other deal, used them twice -created several new explitives that you can't use in church- and cranked them onto an over head joist in the corner of the shop. Paddy

1. 
   dcevan | Mar 24, 2007 06:35pm | #19

   If you were that unhappy with them, why did you not return and replace them with the Bessey? Are you not aware Woodcraft will return or exchange, no questions asked, but you should pass your feedback to them for their own information. We do care at Woodcraft.

1. 
   PADDYDAHAT | Mar 24, 2007 09:47pm | #21

   dcevan, I will keep them for many reasons.

   1-they DO work but are a PITA .

   2-I got them cheap and its 47 miles back to the store one way.

   3-I have a gaggle of clamps and will just have to make do with my Jorgies and the new Jets I am buying. Bessey is no longer in contention .

   4- I know two stores and their owners very well and it's not their fault . They stand on their head to help me, they don't deserve the grief of a nickle dime return.

   5-I get the pleasure of keeping my ww friends from making the same mistake when they ask why two green clamps are up on the joist next to the 4 garret wade imported bar clamps that have rotating handles(ya turns the handle but not the screw-I will re pin them some day). I paid for that pleasure.

   As far as the folks at Woodcraft and if they care, I know that they care or I wouldn't have dropped a couple of grand there last year. This isn't their fault . I think ya have to look in corporate. It never ceases to amaze me how some sharp shooter finds a way to prostitute two good names, produce a product that fails to perform with the quality assumed  to be associated with those names so their promise of increased margin -thus revenue- may be realized.

   The feedback will show up without my help. Just think, the more of these clamps you sell the more negative advertising ya get for free.

   Sorry for the rant but you asked, Pat

6. 
   sewerman | Mar 21, 2007 07:52am | #6

   Thanks everyone for your opinions in such a timely manner.  I had to pick up six 24-inchers tonight for a rush project, and based upon your input I opted for the "real" Bessys rather than the imitations.