Thread: Parallel clamps

Another option is DIY. If you do a google search you will find loads of easy to follow DIY options.

I have a handful of Bessey clamps from the group buy several years ago and they are good. But I won't be buying any more. If I need more, I will make them.

I have the Torquata ones and I like them, they clamp parallel and the metal bar seems strong enough. I wait till they are on sale and then buy the 4 packs from Timbecon, they work out way cheaper than Bessey that way. Haven't tried Aldav's clamps, heard good things but the shipping over to Perth makes the Torquata a better option as I can pick up in person.

Need to buy some more soon for upcoming builds but waiting for some clamp brackets to arrive from Mcjing so I can make a clamp trolley.

I did just notice Timbecon have some heavy duty parallel clamps which I haven't tried yet, I have the cheaper ones with the black bar. I need longer clamps now so will probably try the HD ones out once they restock the 4 packs.

Aldav isn't getting new stock in as far as I know - pity because the clamps are very good. He may have some limited remaining stock.

Don't get the McJings - I got one to try after Aldav stopped supplying. They're big, clunky, and much poorer quality.

I have the Jet, a.k.a. Torquata. There are some that are green in color sold by Woodcraft that are identical except for the color.
In a warranty claim with Jet, they sent me 4 new ones. I recycled the old ones.
I am trying to be polite and not get banned.
They all tend to slip if they are tightened too much. The problem is that the gripping teeth are made from too soft of a steel. Once they slip because the edges of the teeth burr their gripping power is severely reduced. My advice here is to buy the Bessey clamps.
Here the Bessey will be in a 4 pack for maybe $20 more than the Jet, also on sale.

Thats pretty much a deal breaker for me in regards to Torquata.

If there is any interest in Bessey parallel jaw clamps I would be willing to organise

Was the last group buy through Bessey directly, the Australian imprter/distributor or a retailer?

I'd be interested in a group deal. I've been considering getting a set of 4 x 1000mm.

Regards,

Adam

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+1 for group buys

Right guys, which one of you is putting your hand up to do the legwork.

I got some clamps from aldav before he stopped selling.
they are very good and I prefer using them to the two Bessey I have of the same length.
I do wonder if they're available by other means in Australia?

I'd be in a group buy.

Peter

There might be a few available from the guys who stole 32 from me just before I ran out of stock. I've got no idea how to contact them though. I've never seen anybody else selling the Parallel Action Clamps in Australia. The only other seller I'm aware of is Peachtree Woodworking in the US. No reason you couldn't do a group buy on them, they'd be much cheaper than Besseys.

Originally Posted by mattocks

I got some clamps from aldav before he stopped selling.
they are very good and I prefer using them to the two Bessey I have of the same length.
I do wonder if they're available by other means in Australia?

Can you go into a bit more why you prefer them?

Also are you comparing to current generation Bessey or the older ones? I have the current ones now and they are fantastic. Easy to open and close and can be cranked down on pretty hard.

Old Bessey https://www.toolboxbuzz.com/wp-conte...8/05/aaaaa.jpg

new Bessey Bessey K-Body Revo Clamp

Originally Posted by aldav

There might be a few available from the guys who stole 32 from me just before I ran out of stock. I've got no idea how to contact them though. I've never seen anybody else selling the Parallel Action Clamps in Australia. The only other seller I'm aware of is Peachtree Woodworking in the US. No reason you couldn't do a group buy on them, they'd be much cheaper than Besseys.

Damn that sucks, dogs. Did you have any idea who took them? People who do stuff like that are scum.

The company in Taiwan who makes them actually emailed me about their parallel clamps March last year - she mentioned that they were going to make them again. If anyone is interested I can ask her. Its going to be Chinese new year soon not sure when they will go on their break.

_____________

My experience with parallel clamps, just to stay on topic with the OP, is that I have used McJing's and Bessey

The McJing ones are no good. They can break if you crank down too hard. I am weak too. They're also difficult to open/close, esp once you get a bit of glue on the bar.

I dont have anything bad to say about the Bessey's. You dont have to think about them - they just work.

Qwertyu, I do have the older ones going by your pics.
My preference is just in ease of handling.
I have found the ones from aldav just a bit smoother to use.
I think they may be a touch lighter than my Bessey ones.
The Bessey are still very good clamps
I may need to check out the newer ones.

Or take advantage of a group buy if that happens