Popular Woodworking 2002-06 № 128, страница 52
ADJUSTABLE CLAMP'S CABINET MASTER CLAMP This is the newest entry into the parallel-jaw arena. Made in the United States by Adjustable Clamping Co. under the Jorgensen name, the bar appeared to be of softer steel than the other two clamps, formed into a figure-eight shaped cross-section. No teeth are cut into the bar. The heads are stamped steel pieces covered in plastic covers, which are peened in position on the underlying steel structure.The locking mechanism works similar to that found in the traditional Pony clamps from Adjustable, with four individual stamped steel plates angled against the bar and held in position by a piece of spring steel. When clamped tightly, the steel plates bite into the bar, making its own teeth.The handle on the Jorgensen Cabinet Master is maple, measures 13/s" x 4V4" and has a spindle length of 13/4". The clamp is available in six lengths from 12" to 48".The maximum clamping pressure reported by the company is 1,000 pounds.The jaw measures 11h" x 4", and a 48" clamp sells for about $41. There is a quick-release mechanism at the end of the bar to allow the sliding jaw to be turned around to use the clamp as a spreader. An additional (and planned) benefit of the quick-release mechanism allows it to be used as a "kick stand" at the end of the clamp.This keeps the clamp from tipping when using longer clamps for a shorter application, where the weight of the bars lifts one jaw off the table. As with the other clamps, the Cabinet Master handled the clamping tests well. The bar flexed more than its competitors in the end-of-jaw clamping procedure, but this still didn't gap the glue joint. The heads moved smoothly during clamping, but reinstalling the head after removal for spreader functions required careful alignment.The clamp performed well during the free-fall test, protecting your hand. The Cabinet Master didn't fare so well for durability. The plastic covers on the jaw mechanisms are brittle, and while they showed no damage during the drop test, both jaws shattered dramatically when struck once with a hammer, revealing the internal steel and making the clamp unusable. The Jorgensen's multi-plate clamping mechanism is similar to the traditional mechanism on a Pony clamp. Though it's hard to see, the plates are supported by a small V-shaped spring plate (above). Damage Here you can see the results of the hammer test (right).While the Bessey clamp has a similar covering shield , the material on the Bessey withstood more abuse. Conclusion During our real-world testing, all three of the clamps performed well for routine clamping procedures. The softer, non-toothed bar on the Jorgensen Cabinet Master holds well, despite material differences, but long-term testing will determine if this causes any problems. Though we had some minor concerns on the wear potential in the Gross Stabil's lower arm, this basic clamp design has been used by the company successfully for years. The Bessey's clamping mechanism is well-designed with good materials and has already stood the test of time in our shop. As for the durability factor, we were disappointed in the Jorgensen clamp. While the abuse applied during testing was a little unusual, it wasn't outside the realm of possibility in a workshop. The Bessey clamp's cracked plastic also was somewhat disappointing, but it didn't make the clamps unusable, and in fact we continue to use similarly damaged clamps in our shop years after the damage. The Gross Stabil performance was impressive. Not only did the replaceable pad hold up fairly well, but the nearly indestructible performance on the inner jaw was very comforting. The clamps all are priced very similarly (within $4 of one another), so price isn't a factor in announcing a winner. Because of durability factors, we're unable to give honors to Jorgensen. Between the Gross Stabil and Bessey, we consider the Gross Stabil to be a well-made clamp with more features than the Bessey. Both perform well, and if you can find one brand a few dollars cheaper than the other, buy the less expensive one. But in an even price match, the nod goes to the Gross Stabil for durability, versatility and features. PW 50 Popular Woodworking June 2002 CONTACT INFORMATION Bessey K-body Clamps 800-828-1004 or www.jamesmorton.com Gross Stabil PC2 Clamps 511-219-8040 or www.grossstabil.com Adjustable Clamp's Cabinet Master Clamps 312-666-0640 or www.adjustableclamp.com |
