I recently tested Bora’s new parallel-jaw clamps, and they proved to be a nice addition to the shop. They have a sturdy, easy-to grip handle, which allowed me to apply good pressure (they’re rated for 1,100 lb.). Their 3 1⁄2-in. padded jaws prevent the workpiece from getting marred. Plus, the pads are removable, which is great for cleaning off glue, but they stay in place when in use.

The bottom jaw moves smoothly by lifting the handle and sliding it along the beam. There’s a passive lock that holds it in place, meaning it doesn’t drop by itself when the clamp is picked up. This was great when I needed to clamp a board to the side of my bench. The clamps also have a movable stop collar beneath the bottom jaw, a great feature. It allowed me to stop the bottom jaw slightly beyond the workpieces during glue-ups, making it easy to go back to the same setting when clamping a series of parts the same size. The collar also helped keep the clamps from tipping during panel glue-ups. The clamps come in several lengths between 12 in. and 50 in.

—Ellen Kaspern teaches at North Bennet Street School in Boston.

From Fine Woodworking #279

	Essential Clamp Kit What clamps to have and why you should have them
	When Clamps Fall Short Standard clamps are blunt instruments. For precise glue-ups, they need help.
	Strategies for Clamping Work on a flat surface, and test-fit everything first

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Bessey K-Body Parallel-Jaw Clamp

The 3 3/4" deep parallel jaws allow for all types of clamping, from thin panels to joinery.

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Bessey Band Clamp

A long, strap-style clamp is hard to beat for assembling strong mitered frames, and this one has a number of user-friendly features.

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