Good deal on clamp set from lee Valley

[mouppe]

I thought other people might want to know about a current promotional offer from Lee Valley. It's for a set of 2x24" parallel clamps and 2x40" parallel clamps for C$169. The equivalent Bessey Revo set would be around C$260. I think the quality is similar-  certainly they are better than the Jet set (which I have and loathe). Made in Taiwan by a well-regarded clamp manufacturer.

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?cat=1,43838,43844&p=72719

 

[mike_aa]

Wow, those look like a copy of the Bessey.  Have you seen them in person and tried them out?

You mentioned you loathe the Jet clamps.  What's so wrong with them?

Thanks, Mike A.

 

[mouppe]

I'm receiving them in a couple of days and will post a comment after I try them. The offer is good till March 23rd so no hurry.

As for the Jets, I would never buy them again. The clamp head on one no longer grips the steel bar, it just slips when I tighten it. A clamp that doesn't clamp. Pointless. On another, the clamp head is almost impossible to move. It's perfect if the piece I am clamping is between 29" and 31" long.  [big grin] The end of one handle won't stay in place. Not a big deal but another example of the build quality. I paid $190 for a set of 4 clamps. So it's almost $100 per properly working clamp after just a few years.

In fact I only use them when I have nothing else. My aluminium Dubuque clamps are excellent value and almost perfect for my needs.

 

[teocaf]

I got the same email about these Ehoma clamps and was intrigued--they look pretty nice in the short video from Lee Valley.  I have not experienced the same problems with the Jet ones I have but I got them on some super sale a while back and lately have been buying only Bessey.  So I'm looking forward to your first impressions review since I have not been able to find anything online that attests to how well regarded this brand is.

 

[mouppe]

Here's the promised quick video review on the clamps which arrived yesterday. At first glance they seem very good and excellent value. Packaging from Lee Valley was fine, each clamp came wrapped in its own plastic. I think you may be able to use the Bessey clamp extenders on these clamps as the holes for the supports seem similar. In fact, they look virtually identical to the Bessey Revos as far as I can tell.

Offer is valid till March 23rd, after which the US$145 (C$169) becomes $188 (C$218).

 

[SittingElf]

Thanks for posting this.  I just ordered a set!  Never enough clamps, and Besseys are just getting out of control on price! [smile]

Even at $11.95 (US) shipping, it's a great deal. [tongue]

Cheers,

Frank

 

[Theshipstore]

These appear to be good clamps, but FYI Rockler has Revo Clamps Set on Sale
http://www.rockler.com/frame-clamping-kit-with-bessey-k-body-revo-parallel-clamps
Not making less of these clamps just saying

 

[Clweed]

Just ordered a set $145 USD

These appear to be good clamps, but FYI Rockler has Revo Clamps Set on Sale
http://www.rockler.com/frame-clamping-kit-with-bessey-k-body-revo-parallel-clamps
Not making less of these clamps just saying

 

[SittingElf]

LOL!  Took advantage of Rockler's sale as well just now. OK... now 8 more total clamps on order. Never enough! [eek]

The 24's are perfect for my end-grain cutting board projects, as well as other "makes".

Frank

 

[mouppe]

Sal that's a great deal too! And clearly lots of people think so too as they're temporarily oversold!

 

[thedude306]

Thanks for the clamp review.  Very well done and informative.  These look like a winner.

 

[jacko9]

I bought the set and got them a few days ago but, haven't unpacked them yet.  For $145 US they are a great bargain and given Lee Valleys satisfaction money back why not but them.

Lee Valley has become my supplier of choice recently with great products and excellent customer service.

Jack

 

[jafenske]

What do you guys think... Are the Besseys worth the extra cash or go with the lee valleys. The lee valleys are getting cheaper by the day.

 

[jacko9]

I love my Bessey K-Bar Revo clamps but I figured that I could always use a few extra clamps so I decided to get the set on sale at Lee Valley.  This sale is only until March 23 or when they run out see the note posted on their web site;

"Until March 23, 2015, we are offering a set of four clamps, two with a 23-3/4" opening and two with an opening of 39-1/2" for only $145 – a savings of $43 compared to individual prices. After this date, the set will not be offered. Offer subject to stock availability."

Jack

 

[jacko9]

I just unpacked the Lee Valley clamp set and while they are pretty sturdy that are no Bessey clamps (quality wise).  I saw that Rockler sale on Bessey and for the price difference, I'd get the Bessey.  The Lee Valley clamp set is made in China (Taiwan).

The fit and finish on my Bessey Revo clamps is superior in my opinion and I'll have to wait until I finish my current project before I use the clamps again to do a side by side comparison.

Jack

 

[SittingElf]

Both my Lee Valley "Ehoma" clamps, and my Rockler Besseys were in my house upon my return to the USA yesterday.

Unpacking them, I found the Taiwan versions of the Revo's to be of very acceptable quality....and cheaper.

It should be noted that the Revo's are NOT produced in Germany. They are "assembled" in the USA from imported components.

This leads me to suspect that both the Bessey's and the Taiwanese lower cost versions may be made in the same factory. They are VERY similar.  I am pleased with my purchase of both sets, and I wouldn't hesitate to consider the cheaper versions in the future if they are on sale. The Ehoma's were even packaged better for shipping and encased in heavy plastic, unlike the Bessey's which were raw in the shipping box.

Cheers,
Frank

 

[Dan-]

That's odd. I ordered both as well and the Besseys came double-boxed whereas the Ehomas were boxed and bagged. The Besseys also came with a fifth box with attachments.