Clamping down with the Eclipse range of quality consumables for professionals and DIY enthusiasts 17 May 2012 Quality in tools is very important to the engineering, woodworking and DIY industries. An investment in reliable and trustworthy brands pays dividends by increasing the longevity of the tool, increasing productivity and enhancing product quality. First Cut, a reputable and experienced distributor of international capital equipment and consumables, seeks solutions for its customers that are not only application-specific but that will stand the test of time. “Eclipse manufactures a wide range of high quality G-clamps, one-handed bar clamps, sash clamps and vices that are geared towards our discerning customer base,” says First Cut Sales Director, Gary Willis. With a national network of branches in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth First Cut is able to provide customers with expert advice, 24-hour delivery service, superior technical support and a product range that has been selected for a best-practice customer experience. “A differentiating factor with Eclipse tools is that even though they are of a high enough specification to be utilised in the demanding areas of both engineering and woodworking, where there is no room for error, they are still affordable enough for DIY enthusiasts,” says Willis. “This obviously has direct benefits for the DIY sector, since they are able to leverage the research and development that has gone into these precision tools, at a price that will not break the budget.” The Eclipse range of G-clamps comprises an unbreakable malleable cast iron frame that ensures any downtime, due to product failure, is eliminated. In addition the tommy bar, incorporated into the design, bends before the frame can become over-stressed. “These clamps are so reliable that there have been absolutely no product returns since their launch two years ago,” says Willis. The steel swivel shoe applies consistent clamping pressure, even on angled surfaces, and the fast two-start rolled acme thread ensures quick opening and closing of the clamp. The G-clamps are available in six sizes: 75, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 mm. “The one-handed bar clamps, with quick release trigger, enable the user to have one hand free to hold the workpiece. This is a great addition for DIY and woodworking enthusiasts who need to clamp or spread the workpiece,” says Willis. Available in five sizes from 150 up to 900 mm, the one-handed bar clamps have a slight toe-in at the top to improve clamping pressure and are capable of 150 kg clamping force. Durability is provided by the reinforced nylon body and carbon steel bar. Eclipse mechanic’s vices are precision-milled to ensure fast and smooth operation. The body and sliding jaw are manufactured from high-quality cast iron, which has excellent shock absorbing characteristics. The full range of five different sizes, from 75 to 200 mm, can be bench-mounted or mounted on optional swivel bases, dependent on the application. “These vices are really cost-effective, since the steel serrated jaws can be replaced when worn,” says Willis. Designed for the woodworking market, the quick release woodworker’s vices open and close without the use of the main screw. “These products, as well as a number of other new releases from Eclipse, offer our current and potential customers all the benefits of high-end tools, without the accompanying high price,” Willis concludes. |
