Woodworking Parallel clamps, advice on brands.

[Strouty]

I am looking for decent parallel clamps, minimum size is 31”, what do you guys recommend? I see Bessey revo and they seem to be priced decent, is there a cheaper brand that is comparable? I am using these for repairs to butcher block tops. Also should I buy the biggest ones possible or stick to what I need for now, seems like the price difference is negligible.

The top I am working on right now is 8' long and has split into two pieces.

 

[JimNC]

I have some by Jet, they are at least as good as the Bessey ones I have. I would buy the length you need, having them significantly too long makes them clumsy to use.

 

[Strouty]

That was my thought process. I am gluing 30" countertops, so 31" is just big enough. I am figuring I need at least four over an 8' span, but does anyone know if there is a chart on how many to use? My wallet is going to start to hurt after 4, so that is probably the answer for now regardless, but I would still be curious.

 

[volunteers]

i have about 20 of them. either jet or bessey. i personly prefer jet. both are great though.

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[WWheeler]

I currently only have Besseys, old-style and new style K Body Revos, and I luv luv luv them, especially the newer ones that added a few small improvements that make them even easier to use. They are miles and miles and miles better than the old Jorgensen ones I used to have that I just hated.

 

[Strouty]

I am finding the 31" local at rockler for $46, there is an older style that I am seeing for $42 online, but then the shipping gets you. Amazon has crazy high prices, like $70 for them. The JET clamps seem to be more expensive as well? I have a lot of Bessey clamps, so I will probably go that route, plus I can pick them up tomorrow.

Why do you prefer the JET clamps?

 

[lilscorpion]

Wait until just before Christmas and Woodcraft has a sale 2 for 1 on all jet clamps. I had bought a few through out the year at full price when I really needed them and decided I’d be better off to just buy a bunch at half price then next time the same came around. Christmas if 2016 I stocked up and bought 12 pairs of a variety of sizes.

 

[Strouty]

I don't want to wait that long!

 

[lilscorpion]

I don't want to wait that long!

Wish you were closer, I’d let you borrow mine to get by. When I need them it’s great to be able to pull them off the wall. When I don’t need them (probably 98% of the time) they just collect dust.

What we need is to establish local co-ops.

 

[SRSemenza]

Get the size you need but a little bigger is not bad to use. You might want to consider the 40" over the 31" It shouldn't be too awkward and will give you a little more length if needed for something.

I like the Bessey. I have old and new but not the very new that were just released. I like them both. I tried the Jet once but didn't care for the slide trigger mechanism.It didn't work smoothly. Just personal preference I guess.

How many linear inches are you gluing? Four won't get you very far even with the clamps on edge. You could use cauls to extend the coverage.

Seth

 

[JimNC]

I would go a size up, 31” clamps for a 30” surface is going to be snug, and you can’t stretch them.

If it was me I’d go buy some cheap pipe clamps if this isn’t going to be a regular thing. Make wooden pads so you don’t damage the workpiece, and alternate sides, first clamp on top, second clamp on bottom. One clamp every foot. Put wax paper between the work piece and the pipes, the glue against the pipe will cause a stain on the wood that is difficult to remove if you don’t have a 30” wide planer.

 

[Strouty]

The entire length is 8' by 30", I am going to invest in some clamps regardless, but I was worried that someone would say I need one every 6" and it sounds like doing it "right" might be that bad. I won't be buying that many, but it could be that I use a combination of parallel and pipe clamps.

 

[Strouty]

Wish you were closer, I’d let you borrow mine to get by. When I need them it’s great to be able to pull them off the wall. When I don’t need them (probably 98% of the time) they just collect dust.

What we need is to establish local co-ops.

If I were closer I would be in your shop, helping you with the 80/20 bench right now.

 

[lilscorpion]

The entire length is 8' by 30", I am going to invest in some clamps regardless, but I was worried that someone would say I need one every 6" and it sounds like doing it "right" might be that bad. I won't be buying that many, but it could be that I use a combination of parallel and pipe clamps.

I’ve seen some videos on the internet where wedges were used when they (youtuber) didn’t have a Clamp long enough. Maybe you could set up a wedge system on the floor using immovable objects as anchors like your forklifts, the foundation, etc. Nothing says you need to use clamps to create clamping pressure. I’ll see if I can find an example..

 

[lilscorpion]

I’ve seen some videos on the internet where wedges were used...

Here you go -

 

[The Cobbler]

I would want to use 5 or 6 clamps along that length , but you can always try a dry fit & see what you think with using 4.
also I would flip the clamps top & bottom so you pull from both sides of the block . all the clamps on one side can pull a cup into it easier than if they are opposed top to bottom

 

[MarkG]

I could do that with my 'basic' pipe clamps easy. No need for expensive clamps if you use the pipe clamps right, although I have both.

By adjusting the side you are clamping from and the distance from the face you clamp, you can 'spring' the glue-up into being flat. A few whacks to the panel with a dead blow as needed as you are slowly tightening things up to get the edges lined up, and you're good. You can also alternate sides with the clamps too, as was already mentioned, to help even out the tendency for it to bow.

You don't need to over-tighten it like a ham-fisted ape either!! This seem pretty common with some new guys, but it's unnecessary and even detrimental. You don't want to squeeze all your glue out and end up with a 'starved' joint.


Been doing it that way for decades with no problem.

 

[volunteers]

does anyone here think 12 inch parallel clamp is any useful?

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[lilscorpion]

does anyone here think 12 inch parallel clamp is any useful?

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I have 12-inchers. Use them for drawer face glue ups, thin doors, and laminations.

 

[walrus]

Pipe clamps, cheap and easy to get. It's a work bench in your shop correct ?

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[gungatim]

I have a number of different styles, even HF had a set at one time with aluminum handles that were pretty robust but they didn't carry them long. first pic on the right are the HF, middle are Jet, left are Bessey's. Out of them all, I prefer the Jet, but they all do a great job.

you can't have too many clamps, LOL...

 

[Strouty]

This is just a workbench, but I eventually would like to make some of my own out of individual pieces. I agree that the pipe clamps would most likely be fine for this application, but I think having a couple of the parallel clamps on hand would be smart anyways. Thanks for all the info and that wedge system was a cool idea for sure.

 

[bob15]

I have several "Universal Aluminum Bar Clamps" made by the Dubuque Clamp Company in Iowa. I really like the aluminum when they are 48" and longer. They are light, but strong.

HJE sell. them along with out local Woodcraft store.

 

[Cooter Brown]

I could do that with my 'basic' pipe clamps easy. No need for expensive clamps if you use the pipe clamps right, although I have both.

By adjusting the side you are clamping from and the distance from the face you clamp, you can 'spring' the glue-up into being flat. A few whacks to the panel with a dead blow as needed as you are slowly tightening things up to get the edges lined up, and you're good. You can also alternate sides with the clamps too, as was already mentioned, to help even out the tendency for it to bow.

You don't need to over-tighten it like a ham-fisted ape either!! This seem pretty common with some new guys, but it's unnecessary and even detrimental. You don't want to squeeze all your glue out and end up with a 'starved' joint.


Been doing it that way for decades with no problem.

I agree with this. Definitely alternate the clamps top and bottom. Pipe clamps are fine, bar clamps are great but more expensive. "Parallel" clamps like the K bodies etc. don't work any better and you still need to alternate top and bottom.

Good joinery, proper gluing and correct clamp usage are what make panels flat.

I've got a few of the Bessey K bodies--all they get used for is clamping pre-finished face frames to cabinet boxes so they can be screwed on from the back.

 

[MoonRise]

8' long workpiece would usually 'need' at least 6 clamps IMHO. Maybe 8.

4 would usually be not quite enough to get even clamping pressure along that length.

Note that I said even pressure along the length, not gorilla force in a few spots!

Oh, and you can never have too many clamps.

Storing them all is another story though!

 

[lilscorpion]

If I were closer I would be in your shop, helping you with the 80/20 bench right now.

Would probably end up a Swiss army table if you did. Would be fun.

 

[tarbellb]

Pretty sure the patent on parallel clamps has expired, thats why you see so many companies making them now. I would buy which ever you find cheapest Dewalt, Jet, Bessey, etc...

 

[cherrybomb]

I have an old solid core door that I use for glue ups.I have a system sold thru Lee Valley-Veritas Catalog.It has a brass plug that goes thru a hole you drill thru.The opposite side is threaded and also goes thru a hole,it gives you almost unlimited ways or shapes to glue up.You could use 2×4's on a grid with these.The wedge system would also keep the investment more manageable. I have used both together,and cauls to keep things in alignment.But I'm going to purchase a couple of Bessey clamps,about 40 inches,then I feel covered.

 

[Git]

does anyone here think 12 inch parallel clamp is any useful?

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Extremely - I have (6) Bessey Revo's in 12" and they are my most used clamps

 

[Git]

I never had good luck with 'pipe clamps' over longer lengths. As you tighten them down, they tend to flex a little bit

One nice thing about Bessey is their Clamp Extender. You can connect two smaller clamps to make one larger clamp. Really comes in handy at times, but it does require a bolt hole in the end of the clamp

 

[ez-duzit]

My favorite clamps are the Jorgenson Pony clamps; much more versatile than parallel clamps.

 

[Jon_E]

I have a dozen or so Bessey K-body clamps (old style) but I need a few more for some larger glue-ups since not every one is long enough. I have a mix from 24" to 60". I am looking pretty seriously at the Yost parallel jaw clamps. Lots of good reviews, prices not too bad, and I like the blue color

 

[LeeG]

does anyone here think 12 inch parallel clamp is any useful?

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I probably use my 12" Jet parallels more often than the rest of them combined.

 

[cooljoe57]

Check your home depot, i just picked up some bessey clamps for $35 bucks for 24" and $40 for 50". These are the nicer Revo ones.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/BESSEY-...e-and-3-3-4-in-Throat-Depth-KRE3550/303953020

 

[SRSemenza]

does anyone here think 12 inch parallel clamp is any useful?

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I use 12" a lot. Used to have 8 and finally got eight more because I frequently ended up having to use 24" on things that were less than 12 wide. Just gets to be a nuisance. Plus I always needed more quantity anyway. After getting more 12" I also spotted a sale on 18" and got those too.

Seth

 

[ez-duzit]

57--thanks for the heads-up.

 

[Socket Pounder]

I have Jet and Yost parallel clamps, they are different but the same. I have no preference. Buy a good brand when you find them on sale, which happens once or twice a year.

 

[cheechi]

All my parallels are Besseys. I like em.

 

[Strouty]

Rockler also has them at a reasonable price, I have a 15% off coupon and I am going to see if it will work on them.

 

[Strouty]

I bit the bullet and bought some from Rockler, they ended up being just under $40 each for the 40" and 31" clamps, they were $1 difference between the two. I bought 6 total, 3 of each size, these are built like tanks and I can see using them for metal fab as well as many other things. They were probably 2.5 times more expensive, but they have a special use and I think they will be great to have in the future.