I know Bessey Uniklamps (the gray ones) are advertised as light-duty
K-body clamps, so they wouldn't be quite as brawny as the real red
ones. However, Amazon's prices are pretty tempting ($75 for two of
each 6", 12", and 18"), and these size ranges are what I use most.
Reviews at Amazon are generally positive. Would these be a good
introduction to parallel-jaw clamping (I don't have any yet), or would
I be disappointed and just want to get some real K-bodys or Cabinet
Masters? I was thinking of eventually getting some of the 40" K-bodys
(also only $30 ea at Amazon) for larger or heavier-duty applications.
I'd appreciate comments from anyone who has used both Uniklamps and
"real" parallel-jaw clamps (K-body, Cabinet Master, Gross Stabil).
Thanks a lot,
Andy

Andy wrote:

I know Bessey Uniklamps (the gray ones) are advertised as light-duty
K-body clamps, so they wouldn't be quite as brawny as the real red
ones. However, Amazon's prices are pretty tempting ($75 for two of
each 6", 12", and 18"), and these size ranges are what I use most.
Reviews at Amazon are generally positive. Would these be a good
introduction to parallel-jaw clamping (I don't have any yet), or would
I be disappointed and just want to get some real K-bodys or Cabinet
Masters? I was thinking of eventually getting some of the 40" K-bodys
(also only $30 ea at Amazon) for larger or heavier-duty applications.
I'd appreciate comments from anyone who has used both Uniklamps and
"real" parallel-jaw clamps (K-body, Cabinet Master, Gross Stabil).
Thanks a lot,
Andy

I use the Uni's a ton. I have all 3 sizes and find them super for small
glue ups AND for holding fixtures (or is it jigs?). They have plenty of
holding power for small glue ups. My shortest K body is 31, so that's a
PITA for it's weight and length for small projects. Since the K bodies
work great for the larger stuff, I see no need to intermix other brands
of clamps in my shop.

Dave

No, you wouldn't regret it, in fact it is a very good deal!
http://tinyurl.com/8nmgw (Link to product in question)

I have several UniKlamps and many more K-Body's. The UniKlamps hold their
own for the less heavy clamping tasks, but you can still apply a fair bit of
pressure using the UniKlamps too. They are a great cost-effective clamping
solution for lots of woodworking tasks. Go for it!

Dean

Andy wrote:
Would these be a good
introduction to parallel-jaw clamping (I don't have any yet), or would
I be disappointed and just want to get some real K-bodys or Cabinet
Masters?

Andy,
It won't matter whether you buy the Uniklamps or not. Whether you buy
them or not, whether you're disappointed or not; either way, you'll
need more clamps someday. You can get the K-Bodies then. Most of us
who've been at this a while have a ton of clamps of all shapes and
sizes. You'll find plenty of uses for the Unis even after you get the
K-Bodies.

DonkeyHody
"Every man is my superior in that I can learn from him." - DonkeyHody

"Andy" writes:

I was thinking of eventually getting some of the 40" K-bodys
(also only $30 ea at Amazon) for larger or heavier-duty applications.
I'd appreciate comments from anyone who has used both Uniklamps and
"real" parallel-jaw clamps (K-body, Cabinet Master, Gross Stabil).

I got the $99 K-Body 4-pack from Amazon, and the 40-inchers are HEAVY.
You have to make sure the legs are supported at the far end so the
klamps don't tilt.

I can see having some lighter clamps for small projects.


--
Sending unsolicited commercial e-mail to this account incurs a fee of
$500 per message, and acknowledges the legality of this contract.

On 20 Nov 2005 20:28:52 -0800, "Andy" wrote:

I know Bessey Uniklamps (the gray ones) are advertised as light-duty
K-body clamps, so they wouldn't be quite as brawny as the real red
ones. However, Amazon's prices are pretty tempting ($75 for two of
each 6", 12", and 18"), and these size ranges are what I use most.
Reviews at Amazon are generally positive. Would these be a good
introduction to parallel-jaw clamping (I don't have any yet), or would
I be disappointed and just want to get some real K-bodys or Cabinet
Masters? I was thinking of eventually getting some of the 40" K-bodys
(also only $30 ea at Amazon) for larger or heavier-duty applications.
I'd appreciate comments from anyone who has used both Uniklamps and
"real" parallel-jaw clamps (K-body, Cabinet Master, Gross Stabil).
Thanks a lot,
Andy

I'm sure these would be useful and adequate for some assemblies. The
regular Bessey K-body clamps are worth every penny. (The only clamps
I really regret buying were those made in China.)

"Phisherman" wrote in message
news
On 20 Nov 2005 20:28:52 -0800, "Andy" wrote:

I know Bessey Uniklamps (the gray ones) are advertised as light-duty
K-body clamps, so they wouldn't be quite as brawny as the real red
ones. However, Amazon's prices are pretty tempting ($75 for two of
each 6", 12", and 18"), and these size ranges are what I use most.
Reviews at Amazon are generally positive. Would these be a good
introduction to parallel-jaw clamping (I don't have any yet), or would
I be disappointed and just want to get some real K-bodys or Cabinet
Masters? I was thinking of eventually getting some of the 40" K-bodys
(also only $30 ea at Amazon) for larger or heavier-duty applications.
I'd appreciate comments from anyone who has used both Uniklamps and
"real" parallel-jaw clamps (K-body, Cabinet Master, Gross Stabil).
Thanks a lot,
Andy

I'm sure these would be useful and adequate for some assemblies. The
regular Bessey K-body clamps are worth every penny. (The only clamps
I really regret buying were those made in China.)

You should try the ones from Homier. I thought $3 was cheap, but worth a
try.
When you tighten the screw, the aluminum stops just rip out. Apparently it
they are easier to make if you use really soft aluminum.

On Mon, 21 Nov 2005 23:51:22 GMT, "Toller" wrote:


"Phisherman" wrote in message
news
On 20 Nov 2005 20:28:52 -0800, "Andy" wrote:

I know Bessey Uniklamps (the gray ones) are advertised as light-duty
K-body clamps, so they wouldn't be quite as brawny as the real red
ones. However, Amazon's prices are pretty tempting ($75 for two of
each 6", 12", and 18"), and these size ranges are what I use most.
Reviews at Amazon are generally positive. Would these be a good
introduction to parallel-jaw clamping (I don't have any yet), or would
I be disappointed and just want to get some real K-bodys or Cabinet
Masters? I was thinking of eventually getting some of the 40" K-bodys
(also only $30 ea at Amazon) for larger or heavier-duty applications.
I'd appreciate comments from anyone who has used both Uniklamps and
"real" parallel-jaw clamps (K-body, Cabinet Master, Gross Stabil).
Thanks a lot,
Andy

I'm sure these would be useful and adequate for some assemblies. The
regular Bessey K-body clamps are worth every penny. (The only clamps
I really regret buying were those made in China.)

You should try the ones from Homier. I thought $3 was cheap, but worth a
try.
When you tighten the screw, the aluminum stops just rip out. Apparently it
they are easier to make if you use really soft aluminum.


Well, you know machine tools are really expensive. If you can pick a
material that's softer than your tools they last a whole lot longer. :-)



+--------------------------------------------------------------------------------+

If you're gonna be dumb, you better be tough

+--------------------------------------------------------------------------------+

They are very good clamps. I use them to glue up raised panel doors.
I have about 12 of the 18", at times wish I had more.

ken


"Toller" wrote in message
...

"Phisherman" wrote in message
news
On 20 Nov 2005 20:28:52 -0800, "Andy" wrote:

I know Bessey Uniklamps (the gray ones) are advertised as light-duty
K-body clamps, so they wouldn't be quite as brawny as the real red
ones. However, Amazon's prices are pretty tempting ($75 for two of
each 6", 12", and 18"), and these size ranges are what I use most.
Reviews at Amazon are generally positive. Would these be a good
introduction to parallel-jaw clamping (I don't have any yet), or would
I be disappointed and just want to get some real K-bodys or Cabinet
Masters? I was thinking of eventually getting some of the 40" K-bodys
(also only $30 ea at Amazon) for larger or heavier-duty applications.
I'd appreciate comments from anyone who has used both Uniklamps and
"real" parallel-jaw clamps (K-body, Cabinet Master, Gross Stabil).
Thanks a lot,
Andy

I'm sure these would be useful and adequate for some assemblies. The
regular Bessey K-body clamps are worth every penny. (The only clamps
I really regret buying were those made in China.)

You should try the ones from Homier. I thought $3 was cheap, but worth a
try.
When you tighten the screw, the aluminum stops just rip out. Apparently
it they are easier to make if you use really soft aluminum.

Hi all,
Thanks very much for sharing your experiences and opinions - I ordered
the set from Amazon today...
Andy