Anyone modify/separate their clamps?

[promark747]

In another thread I was contemplating making bigger holes or even slots in my thicker custom MFT top so the clamps could fit, and then it dawned on me that I could use my existing Festool clamps if I separated the two pieces.  I could then just stick the long piece through the hole, and reattach on the other side of the top.  It might take an extra second or two, but then again, sometimes I spend an extra few seconds to carefully get the clamps in my old MFT to prevent marring the holes. 

Just wondering if anyone has ground down the end of the clamps so the two pieces can slide apart to be used in the manner above.

 

[Peter_C]

There are other brands of clamps (IE: Irwin Quick Clamps) that are made to come apart and would not require any modification. Harbor Freight clamps are meant to be modified, by grinding, cutting, and welding on them as they are cheap! Although feel free to grind your Festool clamps More info in this thread.
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festo...-saw-clamp-with-the-mft3/msg443297/#msg443297

 

[Svar]

There are other brands of clamps (IE: Irwin Quick Clamps) that are made to come apart and would not require any modification.

The only problem is you have to fasten parts back together under the table, which requires two hands and is inconvenient.

 

[RKA]

Sure, just get an O ring to slip over the end of the clamp once you have it in the table so it doesn't fall through every time you release the clamp.  That should hold it. 

 

[Peter_C]

There are other brands of clamps (IE: Irwin Quick Clamps) that are made to come apart and would not require any modification.

The only problem is you have to fasten parts back together under the table, which requires two hands and is inconvenient.

What is your recommendation? My top is 3/4", so I have lots of options, he doesn't.

 

[HarveyWildes]

Yep - to work in my traditional style workbench, which has a 1 3/4" top.  I just had to grind the little nubs off.  Works great.

 

[Cheese]

Same here for my 1 3/4" maple top.  I just used a toilet washer and it settles right into the 20mm bore.

 

[ear3]

Ditto.

Yep - to work in my traditional style workbench, which has a 1 3/4" top.  I just had to grind the little nubs off.  Works great.