Clamping elements are tall!

[JamesB]

I now have two MFT tables and am working on book case sections  using 3/4" maple veneered plywood. I am clamping the ply to the MFT tables with the clamping elements, however, the clamps are about the same height as the ply, so now I have sanded off the "Festo".  I often plane hardwoods to 11/16 before sanding so this is going to be an ongoing problem. Does anyone make a lower profile hold down?  I have the Qwas dogs (std and low profile) but no comparable height clamps.  Will appreciate any help and advice.  Jim B

 

[Bob Marino]

 
  James,

You are correct. The clamping elements are close enough to the height of the plywood that you will end up sanding the elememts along with the ply. Simple remedy is to shim the ply - slightly. I use 1/8" masonite or similar to elevate the stock above the elements. Not elegant; but works.

  Bob

 

[JeromeM]

The http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=31129&cat=1,41637,41645,31129
Wonder pups work for me with tape to make it up to 20mm

 

[fshanno]

It's a problem.  I sand on the Qwas dog side then turn the workpiece.  Or shim.  A vacuum clamp is the answer.  I'm going to do that one of these days.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

Shimming works great -- I usually just put a piece of scrap under the material and it works well.  I like Bob's masonite idea.

Scot

 

[Dane]

I always just use a piece of scrap 1/2" in between the element and whatever I'm sanding.