Woodcraft Parallel Clamps 25 Percent Off

[-MIKE-]

"WoodRiver Parallel Clamps Save 25% Now Through October 31, 2009"

12"-22 bucks 50"-33 bucks.

Decent prices on decent clamps.

[upscale]

I'm wondering how the compare mechanically to the Besseys, Cabinetmasters etc? Visually they're comparable, but as to actual use?

[Larry Blanchard]

IIRC, they're either made by Bessey for Woodcraft or they're made under license from Bessey. I've got a few and like them, but I think the Besseys are a little smoother.

[-MIKE-]

I messed around with them when I was at the store and they seemed to work just as good as my new Jets. But I honestly don't have much of a track record using nice parallels, as these Jets are the first I've owned.

But, Woodcraft (stores) have a great return policy, so you could check 'em out.

[Kevin]

I have both original Bessey and the Woodriver (mine say Woodcraft on them as I got them before they came up with that separate name) and the only real difference is the handles are not quite as nice, but you can still get a good grip on them. The ones on the newer Besseys are better than either of them. For lighter duty short ones I recommend the uniklamps though, a little pricey for what they are but so much lighter. I reach for the uniklamps first unless I need something over

18" or I know I'm going to have to bear down hard.

-Kevin

[Leon]

I have The new Bessey Revo's Cabinet Masters, and the Jets.

I still don't like the foot at the end of the Bessey's, you still need a work surface as large as the clamp is long for the foot to be useful. The foot moves along the bar on the Jets and Cabinet Masters. The Bessey Revo's are as smooth as the Cabinet Masters so far, the Jets are crotchity to adjust and the screw adjustment just does not seem as refined, it is not as smooth to crank down on. The Jets are more like diamonds in the rough, they need to be polished a bit more.