8020 Series 15 or Series 40. Does it matter?

[kpeluso]

Been reading a lot of threads here regarding some incredible 8020 cart/MFT builds. Some use series 15, others series 40. I know that 40 is slightly bigger, but outside of that is there a reason to use one vs the other in regards to existing clamps/jigs/etc that are commercially available from TSO, festool etc?

Thanks in advance

 

[Cheese]

Been reading a lot of threads here regarding some incredible 8020 cart/MFT builds. Some use series 15, others series 40. I know that 40 is slightly bigger, but outside of that is there a reason to use one vs the other in regards to existing clamps/jigs/etc that are commercially available from TSO, festool etc?

Not really, I use and build with both series.

 

[kpeluso]

Thanks!

 

[Mario Turcot]

I believe series 15 refer to fraction like 1.5" and series 40 to metric 40mm which is pretty close to 1.5"

P.S. catching up on threads  [wink]

 

[Sean KS]

One reason 15 series might be preferable is that there are far more compatible parts in the 80/20 catalog for 15 series. If you’re not doing much besides building a table frame that probably won’t matter. But if you’re looking to do anything funky, then 15 might be a better bet.

 

[Reds-Garage]

Most people have touched on this already, but there is more components and accessories compatible with 15 Series (1.5") than 40mm.  Although I talked to a company called AluFab, similar to 8020, and they said even if you had 15 Series stuff you can incorporate it into 40 Series with the right hardware.  They are a great resource (AluFab), they have even helped me incorporate some McMaster Carr materials into their extrusion.

 

[chiudesign]

Sorry if this is a repeat question, but do the Festool clamps work with the 15 series?

 

[rst]

The 15 series works perfectly with Festool's clamps.  I use that series for all kinds of setups...my router table, miter saw station, drill press, cutting table

 

[rmwarren]

FWIW I'd recommend the 1515 ULS series (ultralight smooth) as (1) it's been sufficient for all my uses (2) it's the least costly and (3) the slotted end hole taps easily.

There are 3 flavors of the 15 series, "standard", lite and ULS. I'm not an enguneer but if your use requires supporting heavy loads there's a deflection calculation available in 80/20's How-To booklet.

RMW

 

[Cheese]

Sorry if this is a repeat question, but do the Festool clamps work with the 15 series?

Here are 3 pages of clamp recommendations.
https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/clamp-t-track/