Bessey EKT-55 or KFT-4 CLAMP

[jack duren]

I'm familiar with the Bessey KFT-4 clamp but not the EKT-55.

So the question is has anybody used both and have a preference? Or a +or- on each compared..

[jack duren]

I take I'm the only one using these?

[glenn bradley]

Can't help with the clamp question but, may be able to help with the lack of response. I am on the forum daily and this is the first time this thread has come up when I click "New Posts". Maybe it was lost in 'computer neverland' and will now get some responses(?).

[Kevin Jenness]

I have used the second style for 20+ years successfully. I have 6 of the small and 4 of the large ones, and if I were buying more I would get the large ones only. They will open up to 3" thick and you can get a substantial caul between the work and the screw pad so you can use fewer of them on a straight edge. The one drawback is that you have to take care not to get glue on the spring-loaded rubber cam pads. It is possible to get replacement cams/pads ($$). The best pricing I have seen is here http://www.selectmachineryinc.com/product.aspx?product=15.

The EKT-55 would appear to be a true "one hand" clamp as the gripper pads are held free of the glueline until tightened. With a 2 1/8" thickness capacity they would be more comparable to the small Kantenfix clamp and about the same price. I guess I would buy one and see how it compares. A guy I used to work with said he preferred the KFT cam style, but I can't say exactly why.

[Jim Becker]

Jack, I'm not familiar with that particular type of clamp and suspect many non-production woodworkers are in the same situation. It does appear to be something that can "do the intended job" and Bessey tends to do what they do well.

[Ben Abate]

I don't know anything about the clamp in question but I will say I love your organization of the your clamps. I've never given it a thought to have my smaller clamps in a cabinet. I have to quit reading this forum so much.
I take I'm the only one using these?

[jack duren]

Jack, I'm not familiar with that particular type of clamp and suspect many non-production woodworkers are in the same situation. It does appear to be something that can "do the intended job" and Bessey tends to do what they do well.

Mine are not Bessey brand but work well. At this time I find only Bessey offering these at this time in red or yellow.

[Al Launier]

Holy Moly what a great organizer you are. I'd love to do the same, but I simply do not have the room unless I can figure a way to hang them from an 8' ceiling & still make them "easily" reachable. Nice collection of clamps

[jack duren]

I have used the second style for 20+ years successfully. I have 6 of the small and 4 of the large ones, and if I were buying more I would get the large ones only. They will open up to 3" thick and you can get a substantial caul between the work and the screw pad so you can use fewer of them on a straight edge. The one drawback is that you have to take care not to get glue on the spring-loaded rubber cam pads. It is possible to get replacement cams/pads ($$). The best pricing I have seen is here http://www.selectmachineryinc.com/product.aspx?product=15.

The EKT-55 would appear to be a true "one hand" clamp as the gripper pads are held free of the glueline until tightened. With a 2 1/8" thickness capacity they would be more comparable to the small Kantenfix clamp and about the same price. I guess I would buy one and see how it compares. A guy I used to work with said he preferred the KFT cam style, but I can't say exactly why.

Thks for the info. I have Zebra wood wrapped with maple at the beginning this week. Won't get any deals on time and none local to check out. I will keep a close eye on Amazon deals over the next week and if that fails I guess I'll be at the mercy of the internet. Thks for the hit on the website...

[jack duren]

I don't know anything about the clamp in question but I will say I love your organization of the your clamps. I've never given it a thought to have my smaller clamps in a cabinet. I have to quit reading this forum so much.

I supply separate tools at work from the tools I use in my personal shop. My hand tools are behind doors with cam locks when not in use. My tools are 100% guaranteed with company. I'm in the process of creating an allowance either every 3rd or 4th for around $300 each time till they buy me out. Replacing mine with new to take home...

[Jim Becker]

Mine are not Bessey brand but work well. At this time I find only Bessey offering these at this time in red or yellow.
I can see how this type of clamp can be invaluable to anyone who works with thicker edge banding for sure....clever action to them.

[Kevin Jenness]

One other point to consider is that the EKT clamp pressure is always centered in the frame, whereas the cams on the KFT's can be offset, which is occasionally useful.

I use these most on banding ends of long pieces and curves, but there are oddball situations where nothing else will do as well.