Just a comment here. I just bought the clearance K-Body clamps from Woodcraft. A couple of things that I noticed and thought I’d pass along.
1) The clamps come with the newer plastic/rubber handle and not the wood handles. I was really bummed about this because I can get a much better grip with the wood handles.
2) The label on the clamps say Assembled in USA. All of my older Bessey K-Body clamps have “Germany” stamped on them. I assume that the parts are sourced in Asia and assembled in the U.S. – Is this how they kept the price down during the high flying € days?
Replies
Jointerman,
I noticed the same difference on these bar clamps. I was told they are the lower end of Bessey's clamps since they use cheaper materials, but made the same way.
Find my way how to get a more comfortable grip on all handles on my website.
Best,
Serge
- Learn from yesterday, work today, and enjoy success tomorrow -
http://www.atelierdubricoleur.spaces.live.com
My first Bessey's came from Woodcraft and have the rubber handles, but then I got a deal on the last of the wooden handled Bessey's at a bigbox store. To me, I get a better grip with the rubber handles, and those clamps seem to operate just a little smoother.
Heartwould,I'd arrange to meet up with you and trade clamps, but the weather is even colder where you are than where I am! :-).The only way I can really get a good grip on the plastic/rubber handles are with my rubberized gloves. I wear the gloves almost all the time except when I'm doing a glue up and clamping!
The last time I was in California was 1964, but it might be nice to visit again if it meant escaping the ice and sleet that we have going on at the moment . . .
Whoa 1964! That was quite a while ago, a year before I was born.
Well, I don't have any direct recollections of the dinosaurs, but it appears that I have become one.
"Whoa 1964! That was quite a while ago, a year before I was born." Cuts to the bone, doesn't it, Heart?! Ouch!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
I feel a nap coming on . . .
Sorry Heartwould... I meant to only say that you are due for another trip out to California.
No offense taken. I guess I should make a trip out West every 45 years or so . . .
I had the same experience. I found the ones with the wooden handles were not as easy on the hands as the newer ones.
Jim
Just ordered 8 of them 15 minutes ago. My christmas present to myself. Almost bought a chuck for my lathe but figured I need a motor first.
I'm more happy about finding the "Encylopedia of Wood" for 5 bucks at the Half Price book store.
Jim
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