Bessey or Jet

[GreenGA]

I am in need of a few more clamps and Jet's current 50% off has piqued my interest. So, my question to the forum is how do Jet clamps compare to Bessey? And if the Bessey clamps are best, is the difference in quality worth the difference in price?

Thanks, and Happy Thanksgiving to all. I hope your family meal goes off without a hitch and all share I the joy.

 

[rnt80]

I have a couple of Bessey's and use them occasionally.  I have 20+ of the Jet clamps, have had them for years, and have not complaints whatsoever.

 

[Slappy]

( i have both) I find the Bessey REVO to be better to use as the handle that tighten are larger & softer so you can twist them tighter
AND  there are many  accessories that you add to the Bessey clamps , multiple heads , angle head adapter That is also for wide head use ,  The extensions , the added TK-6 table clamps . The Jets are Great clamps no faults that  I can find  , the Bessey is just better for the above reason
my Jets just get as much use just the Bessey's are more useful in different situations 

 

[leakyroof]

+1 on Slappy's reply regarding Bessey's. All those clever accessories can come in handy with their clamps.

 

[Stone Message]

The Bessey Revo accessories are excellent and give you a lot of extra capability. You can set up a Revo as a bench vice either by using the miniature clamps supplied by Bessey or a pair of the small bench dogs from Lee Valley that compliment the Veritas Parf Dogs.

Peter

 

[Slappy]

once a year for a few days Amazon puts Bessy's up @ a HUGE discount  this last fall for instance
http://festoolownersgroup.com/other-tools-accessories/smoking-hot-deal-on-bessey-24%27-and-40%27-revo-clamps-on-amazon/

I like this thread on how useful the Bessey REVO is (some of this you can do with the Jets )

http://festoolownersgroup.com/other-tools-accessories/bessey-k-body-%28t-%29systand-adjustable-support-third-hand/

 

[danrush]

I just picked up 60 Jorgensen cabinet master clamps ( 20 ea, 24", 36", 48") for $300.00 at an estate sale. Quite a find...

As a lifelong trim carpenter, I'm no stranger to "field" clamps ( c-clamps, Irwin quick clamps, etc).  But what is the upgrade to Jet or Bessey from the Jorgensen? 

I've not spent a lot of time in a shop, but hope to in time.  What should I look for in upper level clamps?

Thanks, Dan

 

[GreenGA]

Well, with all those pluses for the Bessey's, a few more months shouldn't hurt.

Thanks to all those that replied.

So, I guess that leaves a few extra bucks for something else. Perhaps their shop dust filter for $258.00.   [big grin]

 

[mikey2]

Where I worked just cleared out all the Jet clamps - bulletin said they were being discontinued, but I am unclear if it is by my store, or Jet is discontinuing them. They show at 50% off on the Jet website.

 

[Slappy]

you can't get parts for these Jets anyway when I bought 4 last year when WoodCraft  was closing them out one got busted by poor packing by WC
the handle was bust clean off the screw shaft & Tried everywhere yo get a replacement part but they just don't have parts for them , I placed a wood dowel on it with a set pin . not a good replacement but at least it works still , BTW I complained to WoodCraft & they sent a new one the next day & said to keep the busted one
Soo , WC did come thru  [big grin] & I've  been loyal to WC since .

 

[amt]

FWIW, when the Bessey clamps do go on sale, I think they are a bit cheaper than the Jet at 50% off.  I bought a pair of 24" for $42 and a pair of 40" for $50.

When I need a Bessey clamp and can't wait for a sale, I go to Lowes, where they are cheaper than any online retailer's every day prices.

 

[Slappy]

FWIW, when the Bessey clamps do go on sale, I think they are a bit cheaper than the Jet at 50% off.  I bought a pair of 24" for $42 and a pair of 40" for $50.

When I need a Bessey clamp and can't wait for a sale, I go to Lowes, where they are cheaper than any online retailer's every day prices.

ThanX
I'll check that out I need some of shorter Bessey Revo's

 

[GreenGA]

Thanks for the Lowes reference. Could come in handy. Next time I go by, I think I will stop in for a look-see.

FWIW, when the Bessey clamps do go on sale, I think they are a bit cheaper than the Jet at 50% off.  I bought a pair of 24" for $42 and a pair of 40" for $50.

When I need a Bessey clamp and can't wait for a sale, I go to Lowes, where they are cheaper than any online retailer's every day prices.

 

[leakyroof]

FWIW, when the Bessey clamps do go on sale, I think they are a bit cheaper than the Jet at 50% off.  I bought a pair of 24" for $42 and a pair of 40" for $50.

When I need a Bessey clamp and can't wait for a sale, I go to Lowes, where they are cheaper than any online retailer's every day prices.

  Lowes stock Bessey???  [eek] [eek]  I had no idea they sold them... [embarassed]

 

[semenza]

FWIW, when the Bessey clamps do go on sale, I think they are a bit cheaper than the Jet at 50% off.  I bought a pair of 24" for $42 and a pair of 40" for $50.

When I need a Bessey clamp and can't wait for a sale, I go to Lowes, where they are cheaper than any online retailer's every day prices.

  Lowes stock Bessey???   [eek] [eek]  I had no idea they sold them... [embarassed]

Yes, but .... I've never seen them at Lowes for less than top dollar.

Seth

 

[semenza]

As for Jet or Bessey.  I have a whole bunch of K- Bodies and  the newer Revos. I have not ever had a chance to check out the Jet clamps. But I have wanted to get some more 12" and have been waiting a for a sale on the Jets. I just ordered four 12" at the Black Friday pricing. I am thinking that the locking head will be useful  for some of the clamping I do with 12" clamps.  Such as using one hand to clamp something down to a bench. Not having the head  free fall should be helpful.

Seth

 

[Slappy]

you can't go wrong with the Jets  [cool] , I have both due to I only by when they are both at a steep discount

 

[Slappy]

As for Jet or Bessey.  I have a whole bunch of K- Bodies and  the newer Revos. I have not ever had a chance to check out the Jet clamps. But I have wanted to get some more 12" and have been waiting a for a sale on the Jets. I just ordered four 12" at the Black Friday pricing. I am thinking that the locking head will be useful  for some of the clamping I do with 12" clamps.  Such as using one hand to clamp something down to a bench. Not having the head  free fall should be helpful.

Seth

Seth ,
you got me thinkin' again ,  [blink] [eek]
those 12"ers are SUCH  a killer deal so I Jumped on 6 of them & 4 of the 24"ers to get to the free delivery price
I've got the 30" Jets  so I'll now  have a broad selection of 12,24,30 ,  40's  the 40"ers are Bessey & I have the Bessey extensions so I'm covered on any thing that is really large

I'll have to look & see if that Bessey extension kit fits the Jets  it might !

 

[semenza]

As for Jet or Bessey.  I have a whole bunch of K- Bodies and  the newer Revos. I have not ever had a chance to check out the Jet clamps. But I have wanted to get some more 12" and have been waiting a for a sale on the Jets. I just ordered four 12" at the Black Friday pricing. I am thinking that the locking head will be useful  for some of the clamping I do with 12" clamps.  Such as using one hand to clamp something down to a bench. Not having the head  free fall should be helpful.

Seth

Seth ,
you got me thinkin' again ,  [blink] [eek]
those 12"ers are SUCH  a killer deal so I Jumped on 6 of them & 4 of the 24"ers to get to the free delivery price
I've got the 30" Jets  so I'll now  have a broad selection of 12,24,30 ,  40's  the 40"ers are Bessey & I have the Bessey extensions so I'm covered on any thing that is really large

I'll have to look & see if that Bessey extension kit fits the Jets  it might !

I have had eight 12" K-bodies for a long time. I end up using then way more than I ever thought I would. And every time I have to use 24" for  something less than 12" wide I wish I had more twelves. 

Seth

 

[Slappy]

clamps are addicting Big Time !  [scared]
Hi all , I am a problem clamper ,