Dakota v Bessey

[katellwood]

How do the Dakota parallel clamps from Rutland's compare with Bessey

Any thoughts would be appreciated

Chris

 

[Oryxdesign]

No comparison Chris, come round if you want to do a side by side test and you'll see for yourself.

Si

 

[katellwood]

Thanks si

will hopefully be down your neck of the woods soon as apparently Wealden are now just around the corner

 

[Oryxdesign]

Yeah they are, very convenient

 

[carlb40]

I only have the bessey uniclamps at the mo
http://www.axminster.co.uk/bessey-besse ... prod29772/

After looking the pics of the dakota parallel clamps. The Bessey's i have seem better made/finished. I know i shouldn't compare the uniclamp to the dakota. But i think clamps really are one area not to buy cheap.

 

[mailee]

Yes the Bessey's are a far higher quality. I have four of the Dakota clamps and they need adjusting periodically as they tend to slip after a while. Problem seems to be the knurling on the shafts is too soft and wears down. They state a lifetime guarantee but it means sending them back and they weigh a lot, that has put me off. Will buy Besseys next time.

 

[katellwood]

Thanks Guys, Besseys it is then will take Simon up on his offer to test but my minds now made up

Chris

 

[carlb40]

Axi have some of the Bessey's in a sale at the mo. Also there is a seller i have used on ebay in the past and think they are cheaper through them. MTS i think they are called, i will have a look tomorrow for you

 

[Oryxdesign]

Thanks Guys, Besseys it is then will take Simon up on his offer to test but my minds now made up

Chris

I'm in and out at the mo. Chris so give me a ring before hand, be nice to see you Chris.

 

[Ollie78]

The only Dakota stuff I have is a set of aluminium sash clamps from Rutlands. If the quality if these is anything to go by I would stay clear of dakota clamps.
The ones I have bend like bananas at the slightest pressure pulling the work out of line, the plastic jaw projectors fell off immediately and they are just generally nasty. I prefer my ancient Irwin quick clamps to these.
I can`t afford Bessey`s but I have tried them and they are obviously very well engineered.

Ollie

 

[101wheeler]

I have both Dakota (Bessey copy) and original Bessey K body (also Revo) clamps and have to say that whilst the Dakota are definitely not finished as well as the Bessey, for the price I think they are pretty good value. I am only a hobbyist but have used the Dakota many times without issue. I tend to buy clamps in pairs so the price difference quickly adds up! I bought the Dakota clamps in sets of 4 and they were certainly good value.

As an aside I have a couple of Bessey Kliklamps that are slipping on the serated rail after about 3 years of use - and that shouldn't happen! They will be going back...

The Bessey K body Revo are definitely a step up from the previous K body. They are v. substantial (and heavy!) but as I say - nothing wrong with the Dakota...

Hope that helps,

Regards,

Paul