Woodcraft (Bessey) Clamps-Waste of money
Hello All,
Not sure if anyone has had a chance to test drive the new bessey parallel clamps distributed by Woodcraft (green plastic heads). I did and am thoroughly disappointed.
While they appear to be identical at first, there are a few minor differences that make up a whole lot of difference. The machined grooves in the bar are not as precise, or deep as the regular bessey’s. And they are only grooved on the top and bottom of the bar, not on 6 sides like the regular bessey clamps. Which means that you have to hold the moveable clamp head (with the screw) tightly against your work while tightening the handle. With the regular besseys I have, all I need to do is slide the head to the workpiece and start tightening the handle, the head grabs onto the bar immediately.
The handle is smaller and plastic, but it does have nice grooves machined into them.
All in all, not worth the money I saved by getting the regular bessey clamps. 4 – 31″ woodcraft besseys, with free shipping and $15 off coupon = $100.16 – I will be returning them tomorrow.
Bought 4 regular besseys (same size) from amazon.com today – $111.76
Regular bessey parallel clamps are made in Germany – these are made in India!
I’m not trying to bash Woodcraft, but I hope somebody trying to save a few bucks (like I was) sees this and it helps them make a better decision.
Lee
Replies
Have you checked out the Jet parallel clamps? I like them a lot better than my Bessey K-bodies.
John L
Try a set of the Jet clamps, they are excellent.
Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans .
Jerry/John,
I have checked into the Jet clamps. They seem to get favorable reviews here at knots, but the amazon.com reviews rip them to shreds, and last I looked, most everyone there said how they liked the bessey clamps better. Anyhow, I would have given them a shot this time except the 31" clamps were $43 each as opposed to $27 for the besseys. I will definitely give them a chance when amazon or somebody else puts them in the $30-$35 price range.
Thanks,
Lee
Lee, keep your eyes open on the Jets.....the "cabinet set" (somethin' like that) is often sold for $99. It contains 2 24" clamps and two....hmmmmm.....can't remember, but much longer ones, plus the 4 grooved stands that hold the clamps off the table. Rockler had this package last summer, heard about another company now, but cn't remember (again).forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
I just bought the set from Rockler. I love it, but the cost was aroung $135, not $99. It's the only place I could find that carried it, however. The big box stores don't and I believe Amazon didn't have them yet.
FG,
Thanks for the tip. I will keep my eye out for them. I'm a bit ticked at Amazon, with their pricing going up and down constantly. I was ready to pull the trigger on the Bosch 4410L SCMS, they had it for $469 + $50 off, with shipping would have been $424 to my door. Waited a day too long, went back to order and now it's $529 with no $50 off. Jerks!
Lee
Thanks for the tip on the Woodcraft clamps. I was ready to bite the bullet and spend money on them. Now I want to go look at them and try them out at my local Woodcraft store.
With regards to the Amazon price changes: I found out a while ago that if you call their 1-800 number and talk to a live person, they can tell you when specials are ending, when some specials will begin, and one time one of the customer service reps gave me a discount code that was not available on the website. Saved me $20 - $30 I think.
Jay,
Thanks for the tip on amazon. I will definitely have to try talking to a live person next time.
Lee
Ah yes, the old short term memory issue.
Hmmm.....what was it that we were told is the cause of this?
Hal
http://www.rivercitywoodworks.com
I second the comments about the Jet 'cabinet set.' I was lucky enough to purchase mine just recently at the after-thanksgiving-sale at the $99 price. I love them. One particularly nice feature is the trigger mechanism. It guarantees the clamp won't slip out of adjustment or whatever preset you may have when moving the clamps. Once you are ready to do final positioning and tighten it up, the trigger is easiy to activate and frees up the head for movement. These things are stout and the size of the handles is great too.If you are lucky enough to live in the neighborhood of a Rockler retail store, stop in for an in-store special they have right now. 4 of the 31" clamps for $99. This is just the clamps and not the alignment blocks and bench dogs. It might apply to on-line too. I have not checked.-Jeff
St. Paul, MN
I got a set of 2 24 Jet clamps", 2 50", and the clamp stands (or whatever they are called!) for $109 at a woodworking show. I like them a lot better than the Besseys.
I just visited the Rockler in Pleasent Hill CA- They had 20 sets of Jet clamps priced at $99 (the 4 piece set) - can't get em at that price from the online store anymore- Maybe give a call to the store near you- might get lucky.
I have 2 sets and have used them on my past two projects- Not a single thing to complain about. Happy Holidays
dave
You might want to check this site http://www.internationaltool.com/jetclamps.htm
Jack
Jack,
Thanks for that link. That's the price amazon had them for a while back when I was looking to buy them. I will definitely pick up a few from them.
Lee
I bought the Jet "Cabinet Clamp Set" which included 2-14" and 2-40", the four stands, the bench dogs (4). My total cost the Dallas/Ft. Worth Show, Rockler booth was $93.00. I don't own any other parallel clamps sets, so I can't compare with others. But, I am very satisfied with the Jet clamps. From what I have read, seen and heard, I believe they are great and a good buy. This is the set that comes packaged in one box. The weight is 42 lb. From what I can learn about others, the Jet clamps have several advantages over the others.
One thing I should mention--The bench dogs allows the user to set up a clamp station mounted on the wall. This saves space in the shop.
Billy B.
I just purchased four sets of the jet clamps (the set has 2 - 36 inch and 2 - 24 inch and framing blocks) for $89 each from Rockler
Where did you see them for $89? Rockler's site says $159.99.
The Rockler store in Atlanta had them on sell the day after Thanksgiving thru Christmas (or maybe utill they ran out of them) I was in the store today and did not see any of them.
Thank you.
Mapleman said that the amazon.com reviews rip the Jet clamps to shreds. I found only two reviews for the jet parallel clamps on Amazon just now, and they are favorable. I have Besseys and Jets. I like the Jets better because of the adjusting release lever and the thicker, easier-to-grip tightening handle. If I needed more clamps, I would get Jets, unless there was a really great price on the Besseys, because the Besseys work quite well also.
For anyone throwing away there Cabinet-masters or Bessey's, please e-mail me with your address. Please put them in a large garbage bag and mark them with an X with duct tape. Take them to the curb in front of your home next Tuesday and a white 06' Dodge Dakota will be by to pick them up for "charity".
Even though it appears the the new Jets are the current rage and may be impossible to live without.. I have a feeling that the "un-fortunate" will find a way to make those old un-desirable clamps work for them. I have 16 30" and up Cabinet-masters that have always managed to find a way when the going gets tough! ha.. ha...
Regards...
SARGE.. jt
Edited 12/22/2006 9:10 am ET by SARGEgrinder47
Joe,
"rip to shreds" might have been an exaggeration. However, each size of the jet clamps have different reviews on amazon. Look at the reviews on the 31" clamps, the first guy says "I'm going to stick with the besseys"
That's what stuck in my mind when I went looking for clamps. Plus the high price. But with the link Jack attached for international tool, the price is very comparable if not cheaper than the besseys. I am ordering 4 clamps from them next week, and I am anxious to try them out since everyone here gives them glowing reviews. I didn't wan't anyone to think I was bashing the Jets, since I haven't even put my hand on one yet.
Lee
Edited 12/23/2006 1:19 am by mapleman
I just checked them out on the Jet web site. They look quite nice. I expect to take the plunge at the next woodworking show here in January.
Is that the show in Columbus? I usually go to that show but it depends on the weather. Be aware that the clamp set in it's box is very heavy, I am too old to lug a Jet clamp set across the parking lot.
Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans .
I'm going to the one in Baltimore. It looks like they're in Columbus the following week. Historically this has been a show that's poorly attended by exhibitors, but I usually go anyway just to find deals on things like Jet clamps.
http://www.thewoodworkingshows.com/columbus
What's going on? I regularly attend the Dallas and KC shows. It is so crowded that you can't walk around without getting a sore throat from saying "'scuse me."
When they had a show in Little Rock several years ago (2002 or so?), it was very poorly attended with very few exhibitors. It was cancelled thereafter. Is this what is happening in your area?
The only problem I have now with the shows are that they charge for three days no matter how many you want to attend! I usually can spend all my savings and then some in several hours! <ROFLOL>
BTW, you can get a discount coupon to download on internet.
A bad day woodworking is better than a good day working -- yes, I'm retired!
I doubt that Rockler will be at the Columbus Woodworking show WoodWerks now has Rocler and the put on an Expo the same weekend as the woodworing Show.
WoodWerks is in Columbus, here's the directions
From I-270 on the East side of Columbus, exit East on Broad Street, turn left on Taylor Station Road. We’re 1 mile ahead on the left.
http://woodwerks.com/
Jack
Thanks for the info as I was on your web site and did not see the Jet clamps. I stopped by WoodWerks last year after the Woodworking show and really enjoyed seeing so many quality tools and accessories. You store is better than anything we have in Cleveland.
Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans .
Jerry,
It's not my store or my web site. I'm just a hobbiest woodworker down here in Fayette County. I just try to go to the Woodworking show and Woodwerks Expo every year.
Jack
Thank you for your review of the Woodcraft clamps. I had seen them and thought that they were just like the Besseys.
I echo the comment about price changes at Amazon, but when they have a great deal you just have to jump on it when you see it and hope that the price doesn't go any lower. Actually I don't find that much different than most other places with the exception that Amazon doesn't always say when the low price will end.
I recently bought some Makita tools at coastaltool.com. Their prices smoked everybody and their service was great.
Mapleman,
I just bought the Jet Parallel clamps at Rockler. The 4 piece door making set was $99.00 the day after thanksgiving . It includes two 42" and two 31" clamps and the four stands. I have used them already and like them as well as my Bessey's, if not better. I liked them well enough to go back and buy their set of four 31" parallel clamps that Rockler had on sale this last weekend for $99.00. $25.00 was a lot easier to swallow than their listed retail price around 50. Keep looking they may go on sale again before the end of the year.
Wow! I'm surprised Bessey would allow their name to be put on an inferior product like that!!
Curious as to what the FWW folks think of them. John W??
TF
They are Bessey style clamps not made by Bessey. The original poster said they were made in India. I would blame Woodcraft for selling such an inferior clamp.
This post is not correct please ignore.
Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans .
Edited 12/21/2006 10:38 am ET by JerryPacMan
Jerry,
They are Bessey style clamps not made by Bessey
The clamps are in fact made by bessey, and are advertised as "Made by Bessey exclusively for Woodcraft"
Lee
Speaking of these types of clamps, how do all of you store them? I am looking for ideas on this.
Doug Meyer
To store my Bessy clamps, I nailed some 2 X 4's horizontally across some empty stud bays; up high - so I could store the long clamps. I hold the clamp by the bar and raise the clamp to hook the handle over the 2 X 4. The head slides down and hits my hand, pinching that fleshy part between my thumb and forefinger, after which I drop the clamp to the floor and dance around in circles with my wounded hand in my mouth. In other words, I store the clamps on the floor!
Funny I store my clamps on the floor too but i dont go to all the trouble that you do to get them on the floor i Just dump them thier and let them land on my foot instead.
Doug Meyer
I only went through that much trouble once or twice !! :)
I am sorry mapleman, your are correct as they are made by Bessey. I guess I am shocked as to why Bessey would make an inferior product. Bessey needs to come out with a clamp to compete with the new Jet clamps. I love the new Jet clamps and I will be buying more.
Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans .
When you see the ad on the Woodcraft website -- there is a big, fat Bessey logo. Therefore, my sense is people are buying them because they think they're made by Bessey.TFToolfanatic (a.k.a. The man formerly known as "Toolfreak")
Lee,
The posts that are singing the praises for the Jet clamps are right on the money. We had this discussion last week. The guy who posted International Tool as a good source is also correct. I just got a 4 pack of 31" Jets at Rockler for $89 ( instore sale) . I just finished gluing up 5 maple drawers and I think my k-body clamps are going to dust collectors. The jaws of the Jets are about an inch taller than the K-body and they have this little slider on the bar that keeps them upright. Great handles with great gripping power for old hands.
I don't have access to a Rockler store here in Hawaii, and would be happy to send a MO payment to anyone that has access to the $89 in store sale. I would like 4 sets (4 X $89) & will re-imburse the shipping costs too. Thanks.
I just used the UPS shipping calculator and the charge would be $359.16 for 4 80# boxes to Hilo, Hawaii. I am in NE Ohio and if you want them double boxed I will do it for $400.
Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans .
Do you mean that the shipping is $359? Holy batcave batman. What is the USPS Priority charge? That's always the best rate/time of delivery to the islands. I didn't realize that 4 clamps weighed 80 #. What are they made of, gold - lol. Thanks.
Yes that was the UPS charge for 4 80# packages for standard delivery. The catalog said that the net weight for the set was 80#. Remember that this is for 4 clamps and accessories in a heavy box. The Jet clamps are heavy although I think the package weighed less than 80#. USPS has a 70# weight limit.
Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans .
Thanks. I guess that I will have to keep looking then. Hopefully Rockler will have an internet sale.
It was posted that the clamp set weighs 42# and that is probably more accurate than the 80# as listed in the catalog. I did a USPS rate calculation and the shipping would $42 per clamp set. Still a lot of money for shipping, I quess that's the price you pay for living in paradise.
Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans .
I got my Jet clamps when they were on sale at a Rockler store. The discount was 25%, which made them affordable. As for Amazon reviews, they are like any other opinions. People differ over things. Sometimes I'll read a review of something I have and like, and the review will be terrible. Sometimes I figure the reviewer may have gotten a lemon, but most of the time it is obvious that the person doesn't know how to use the thing or had unreasonable expectations.
I bought 4 of the 31" Woodcraft/Besseys and I don't seem to have a problem. I just tried clamping 2 pieces of 4/4 pine with 2 clamps by moving the movable head to postion and turned the handles. 2-3 twists of the handle and the head grabbed just fine. I have no experience with the Besseys, but I always did admire them. Perhaps I should have tried a comparison in the store since they were hanging side by side. I know that if I'm lifting up on the handles, the head won't grab. I think the lifting of the handles enables easy movement of the movable head.
Anything else I'm missing here?
Thanks!
Roy,
With the clamps I got, you could close the two heads on a workpiece, and when you tighten the handle, the moveable head "walks back" and doesn't grab the bar. Unless you hold it in place, which kind of defeats the purpose. Maybe I got some defective clamps, but if so they were all exactly the same. I am glad to see you find them to be working for your needs.
Lee
Thanks, Lee. No, they didn't "walk back" on me, but if I'm lifting up on the handle as I tighten, they don't grab. If there's something else I'm missing, I'd appreciate knowing about it.
Thanks again.
Perhaps you and others are unware that there is a slight learning curve to using Bessy K-body clamps. Basically, the handle is pulled away from the bar to move the adjustable jaw and pressed against the bar for tightening. (Sorry if this seems too obvious.)
Thanks Jimma. I've never used a real Bessey, so I reckon next time I'm at WC, I'll check 'em out side by side, like I shoulda done to begin with I suppose. In the end, maybe I can upgrade!?
Thanks for your input.
I took a long look at the Green Besseys at hte local Woodcraft, and decided to pass for just the reasons stated by the OP. I, too, am shocked that Bessey would allow their name to be put on such an inferior product, especially given the quality competition from Jet, Jorgenson, etc.
Lee, sorry I didn't notice myself as I just picked up 4- 14" at WC from their local flyer. It was my first time in that store near my new house. They were cheap in their local flyer (bait to buy the longer ones) and I will keep them . I only used them once to clamp a board over the TS to slot a zero clearance insert for a thin rip blade and I did have to fuss with them to pull up but never realized why. -had several hundred things going on to try to get the 2 1/4 cherry faces ripped for the twin screw vice- I think I like my Jorgs better and will look at the new Jets.
Thanks for the heads up. Pat
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