Thanks so much for your videos. They have been an invaluable resource for my woodworking ( from fusion 360 to bessey clamp review). I turn 69 next month. I just purchased 4 -780mm clamps and two variable sliding jaws thinking it would be more versatile but the blocks would be a better idea. Thanks again.
18:41 the boxes have a base that you can take out, that bottom part can be put on the clamp ends to prevent the tipping (they have a hole made for that).
Hi Andy, another great video. Quite a number of years ago I bought two of the predecessors to the versions available today. They are great clamps to be sure. What I did wrong was buy the largest size thinking they would work any size in between, which they do but are difficult to maneuver around smaller projects. As a result I’ve used them very little. When they are appropriate they excel. In a way I’m glad I’ve waited because the new ones are better and a little bit cheaper. Thanks again for a great review and project to do.
Hi Kyle, No problems, the sad thing is you need a range, I would love some of the 300 ones as well, but cost and storage become the blocker. I have also invested in the 400 and 600 quick clamps so they fill the gap for the smaller project nicely. I am waiting to buy some G clamps as well - will then look at those on a video as a viable solution for smaller projects. Cheers Andy
I started off with cheap sash clamps then bought the Bessey KR body clamps 2x KR30 4x KR60 4x KR 100 2x KR150. just bought some more of the new style KRE body clamps got them deliverd today from ffx i got 4x KRE 100 and 4x KRE 150 for £493 deliverd. Best clamps going in my opinion. need to make clamp rack now. how many clamps do you need. They say you can never have enough clamps
Superb review; extremely thorough, clamps may not be the most exciting products, but poor quality clamps make woodworking a complete nightmare. I have put Bessey clamps on my xmas list.
Great review wish I had watched before I bought two Axminster clamps. The Axminster clamps do still clamp extremely well but can be awkward to use as they pivot on the handle and are sold on this being a useful feature but in reality as it doesn’t lock firmly it is a pain in the backside. I have since bought four Bessey clamps and realised the pivot feature isn’t needed because bessey clamps have an Allen key slot in the bottom to allow the same extra torque if needed. Also now I have both makes the bessey as you demonstrated will not slide accidentally but the Axminster will actually slide all the way to the other end with very little movement. Whilst the Axminster clamps are still a very good clamp I would definitely pay the difference which isn’t that much in the scheme of things especially if you shop around and buy in fours. Buy right and buy once it definitely pays off in the log run. I also bought from Toolchimps and thoroughly recommend them, again I hadn’t heard of them either until I started searching for Bessey clamps.
Another very informative video. It seems that you anticipate the questions your viewers would ask and proactively answer them. I would just say that I think D&M are currently the best value seller.
When using the bar connector you have flexibility you didn’t mention; if you remove the tail block you left on behind the adjusting block you gain that extra distance; if you want shorter clamping you can move the other tail head towards the bar connector giving minimum clamping length the length of the connector.
Thank you Steven, I thought that was only on the vary version of the clamps. Pretty certain on the K clamps the tail is fixed. But I will check, as that would be awesome. Cheers Andy
I have 4 of the 1000 6 of the 600 8 of the 800 I also have a number of 400 & 600 quick clamps, saving up for some G clamps and I have my eye on the Bessey strap clamps. Cheers Andy
Hi Andy, I have been using Bessy KRE clamps for a while and agree that they are quite good and can exert some significant pressure if required. They do have a few drawbacks in my experience, being quite heavy (it adds up!) and sometimes pretty stiff to adjust (even after waxing them and trying to avoid putting glue on the 'ribbed' sections). I've also have had some issue with oxidization of the 'chromed' bars which turn dull and become rougher with time (I didn't experience this with Bessey's F clamps, by contrast). This being said, they have been a life saver on occasion (and the joining elements have come in handy at times).
