Automaxx - LV clamp plate and posts vs precision dogs clamping plate

[Bugsysiegals]

I have 2 Festool quick clamps for the MFT table, considered purchasing 2 more, but instead bought 4 Kreg Automaxx clamps since they seem to be able to drop in and be used single handed and more easily.  Perhaps I’ll buy 2 more quick clamps at some point but for now my question is mounting the Automaxx clamps. I don’t want to screw star knobs on the bottom of dogs and want a way to just drop them in and use them.  It seems the best options are the items below. Can anybody comment on the products below?  The LV are much cheaper and I don’t mind saving money so I’m hoping to understand if the Precision product is worth the extra money...

LV - Clamping Plate and Posts

Precision Clamp Mount

 

[Kab]

I recently purchased the precision dog clamping plate and love using it. On light clamping duty I didn't need to use the underside bolt and on heavier clamping duty I always use the underside bolt. Fast and easy to use and I don't worry about damaging the 20mm holes.

 

[Bugsysiegals]

Do you think the plate is helpful in not destroying the holes?  I don’t have qwas, parf, or parallel dogs yet and it would be great to buy something which can be used for multiple purposes.

 

[promark747]

From a thread I saw here a while back, I bought a couple of specialty screws (linked below) that attach directly to the Automaxx clamp and allow you to quickly insert the whole affair into the MFT holes without needing a mounting base.  If you're careful in positioning them, there is no damage to the holes.

McMaster Carr Knurled Head Screw (5/16-18 thread, 1.75 in. length)https://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/124/3158/=1cbxkqm

 

[Peter_C]

I have a couple of the long Automaxx clamps and without something screwed up from below they will tear the holes up. They are mounted to the Precision plates. Zero complaints from the plates. One of the features I like is they use a Dog as the mount, which is removable. So if needed I have two extra dogs.

 

[simonh]

I don't have the clamping plate but Jerry at Precision Dogs is a pleasure to deal with. Very helpful if you have any queries.

 

[Bugsysiegals]

The precision dogs plate would be at least $75 more for 4 of them versus the Lee Valley ... if anybody has used the LV’s I’d certainly like to hear if they do prevent damage to the hole so I can save the $75 for another Festool tool.

 

[Peter_C]

The precision dogs plate would be at least $75 more for 4 of them versus the Lee Valley ... if anybody has used the LV’s I’d certainly like to hear if they do prevent damage to the hole so I can save the $75 for another Festool tool.

My experience with the holes being ripped up is with the loooooong Automax clamps (There is a shorter version available). They produce a lot of leverage, and I keep them fairly tight, which puts a lot of sideways torque on the hole. Putting a screw in from below takes a few seconds, but solves the issue 100%. I will not use the Automaxx clamps with the bottom screw. I might feel differently if I had the shorter version.

The Precision plates comes with a threaded short dog, which are worth $25 for 2. Is there a value in that to you?? Only you can say. So far having 4 other dogs, I have never removed them from the clamp plates to use for another purpose.

 

[Bugsysiegals]

Thanks for all the info, I bought the 3” Automaxx. I have the Festool clamp set which comes with 4 small dogs and I plan to buy some others to use on a Dave Stanton bench in the future but those need to be taller to fit the clips which hold the rail so I’m not sure I really need more short dogs.

I was thinking of getting the clamping plates for convenience factor of not having to put a star knob on the bottom and just dropping them in but if you recommend the star knob to avoid damage, why buy the plates?  I found another thread where somebody bought 3/4” nylon spacers with 5/16” hole which were very cheap in comparison. Perhaps those with star knobs are all that’s needed if one is going to always use the star knob?

 

[Bugsysiegals]

$8.81 for 25 - Nylon Spacer

 

[Bugsysiegals]

So, anybody think the nylon spacers with star knobs would be sufficient?

 

[sancho57]

I use one of these plates. Made a template routed a recess into a small piece of 3/4 scrap ply. when I need it Ill clamp it to my MFT using the festool clamps. My next move is to make a a module for the CMS VL that attaches to my MFT, and route the plate into the module.. Then I can use for clamping f/f etc and when I need it to use it as a hold down clamp when make shelf hole with my LR 32 I can do that the 2. I may get another one so Ill have 2 to mount in the module and use for the LR 32https://www.woodcraft.com/products/kreg-automaxx-3-bench-clamp-system-kreg-kbc3-sys