The Fact about Parallel Clamps and Why They’re Exhausting to Evaluate

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I just lately bought twelve* completely different manufacturers of parallel clamps in hopes of reviewing all of them. Foolish me! Whereas I did not provide you with a good and balanced set of parameters for testing, I did uncover some fascinating truths about parallel clamps that you simply may not concentrate on. For those who’re out there for parallel clamps, you have to be conscious of this stuff as a parallel clamp setup is a sizeable funding. So right here’s The Fact about Parallel Clamps and Why They’re Exhausting to Evaluate.

1. The heads on a parallel clamp shouldn’t essentially be sq.! This was an fascinating revelation as many clamp critiques will take a look at the squareness of the clamp head as a metric for total construct high quality, assuming an out-of-square head is a detrimental. And a few newer corporations that produce parallel clamps will present that their clamp heads are completely sq. as if it’s a fascinating function. However the actuality is that the parallel clamp was initially designed by Bessey in 1980 with the heads toed-in and so they’re nonetheless manufactured that method immediately. The toe-in helps the clamp obtain a parallel state underneath stress (extra on this within the video). Out of the twelve manufacturers we now have available, about half of them featured sq. heads. Ought to these clamps be averted? I suppose that’s between you and your clamps. You will have your causes for preferring your clamps sq. of their resting state. Personally, I want the toe-in. So whereas I’m not saying a sq. head is essentially a detrimental, I’m saying {that a} toed-in head is certainly NOT a flaw, however as a substitute a function.

2. All parallel clamp bars deflect underneath stress. Irrespective of which model you purchase, the bar on a parallel clamp will deflect underneath stress, elevating up on the middle and sloping down close to the clamp heads. This ties instantly into Fact #1. If the clamp heads are toed-in, the deflected bar will change the efficient angle of the clamp head in order that whereas underneath stress, the 2 clamp heads are parallel. If the heads will not be toed-in, they may begin parallel and find yourself out of parallel underneath stress ought to sufficient stress be utilized. I’ve seen quite a few critiques of parallel clamps that take a look at the quantity of deflection of the bar and until additionally they embody some solution to regulate the quantity of power being utilized on the clamp, the ensuing measurements might be pretty meaningless.

3. Possibly parallel clamps aren’t the most effective resolution for clamping panels? I say this final level with some apprehension as a result of I’ve been clamping panels with parallel clamps for ages. Primarily based on Truths #1 and #2, it’s clear that the very nature of parallel clamps is that they may trigger a panel to bow when underneath stress. However usually, this isn’t a significant issue since we don’t want to use full stress to shut the joints and wooden is usually extra resilient than we give it credit score for. But when absolute flatness is crucial on your work, you may think about a distinct fashion of clamp.

So hopefully this arms you with info that won’t solely show you how to when searching for parallel clamps, but in addition show you how to consider present critiques extra critically. I’m undecided I’ll ever be capable to pull off a full shootout fashion assessment of parallel clamps, however I may give you one piece of recommendation. Whatever the model, just about EVERY parallel clamp will get the job performed. Some could also be higher constructed with higher-quality supplies. Some might have toed-in heads and creature consolation options that make the clamp simpler or extra enjoyable to make use of. However in just about each case, the clamp will maintain your work collectively till the glue dries, and that’s actually the purpose, isn’t it? No less than for now, my shopping for recommendation is to get the clamp that you could get on sale after which cease studying and watching critiques.

*Straightforward hyperlinks to the 12 manufacturers you see within the video in no specific order::

Bessey – https://amzn.to/40V4nz7
Jorgensen – https://amzn.to/3U7zbuv
Bora – https://amzn.to/40DtIy2
JET – https://amzn.to/40U5oHO
Rockler Parallel Clamps
EHOMA – https://amzn.to/3K5brT6
Irwin – https://amzn.to/3m47wxW
Dewalt – https://amzn.to/40UH5JV
Harbor Freight (Bremen)
Peachtree – https://amzn.to/3MlhLIK
Woodpecker (Semble)
Yost – https://amzn.to/3mbrPJI
Bessey I-Beam Clamps – https://amzn.to/3nCi8o5
Rockler Mini Deluxe Panel Clamps

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