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Just a general usage question.. when using the Clamping Elements, how often do you lock them down from the underside of the MFT table?
Clamping Elements
- Thread starter Woodtech28
- Start date
Scott in Bend Oregon
Member
After years of use, I have yet to secure them with the knobs underneath.
Welcome to the FOG!
In general use I rarely use the knob under the table. If there is a critical holding situation or if by applying the clamps there is movement in the workpiece then I will use the knobs. Many, but not all here know that you can adjust the amount of tension on the clamps by adjusting the setscrew. Once I learned that trick then my knob usage dropped.
Just my personal usage and observations.
Peter
In general use I rarely use the knob under the table. If there is a critical holding situation or if by applying the clamps there is movement in the workpiece then I will use the knobs. Many, but not all here know that you can adjust the amount of tension on the clamps by adjusting the setscrew. Once I learned that trick then my knob usage dropped.
Just my personal usage and observations.
Peter
MrToolJunkie
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- Jul 6, 2009
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- 3,012
Very, very rarely to I use them. Now, sometimes on thin stock they can lift up the piece and I will use them then to keep everything flat to the table. That is an exception.
Bohdan
Member
I use them (rarely) when doing repetitive tasks, such as sanding a large number of identical pieces, because it stops the clamps moving and having to be realigned often.
LOLtjbnwi said:
I use the clamping elements and the knobs fairly often. I find the work will lift on smaller pieces, which is what I tend to use the clamping elements for. The knobs for me get used EVERYTIME I use my long Kreg Automaxx clamps as they apply too much torque to the work top and crack it out.
ear3
Member
I almost always use the knobs -- I don't like the workpiece being lifted off the table under any situation, which is what tends to happen if you don't lock them down. But as others have already mentioned, the knobs are not an absolute must in every application.
Only in the cases the workpiece would lift off in a problematic way. Which means for a certain piece it can be 'all the time' and for others 'never'. Also depends on what exactly they are used for.
It's a shame the insert of the SYS-MFT-FX (201311) leaves a lot of room unused. With some other sets, Festool includes space for stuff you can buy separately and add in the set. Like the exact space for a parallel guide, rail stop, rail clamps and saw blades in the TS 55 systainer insert. Of the FS accessories systainer; on top of it's normal contains, it contains the Toolie, two quick clamps, two 300mm clamps and the rail adapter for the PS(B) 300. [big grin]
It's a shame the insert of the SYS-MFT-FX (201311) leaves a lot of room unused. With some other sets, Festool includes space for stuff you can buy separately and add in the set. Like the exact space for a parallel guide, rail stop, rail clamps and saw blades in the TS 55 systainer insert. Of the FS accessories systainer; on top of it's normal contains, it contains the Toolie, two quick clamps, two 300mm clamps and the rail adapter for the PS(B) 300. [big grin]
Always use the knobs. Doesn't take long and I like that the elements can't move with them in place...and I've never felt the need to not use them. To be honest, I only use them when sanding. I have many other types of clamps designed specifically for other situations.
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nickao
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- Feb 24, 2008
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- 4,617
The clamping elements allow lift, PERIOD . If you haven't seen lift when using them you simply haven't used them in enough scenarios. It is one of their major drawbacks. It's a simple fact, using the bottom knobs helps, but there will be lift in some set ups, with some tools. The only way to get away from lift for certain thickness and set ups is use additional clamps with down pressure.
I basically use them as side stops and they work great for that. I own 30 units, but haven't used them as much as I have in the past partly becasue of the lifting . When I first bought them I thought WOW this is the answer to my problem, well not so much. They work okay, but the design could be better.
If they offered a version that had a small lip that covered the edge of the work piece they would pull down on the work. It wouldn't allow for flush work where that lip was, but I would rather have that and just rotate the work or clamp. Or make them double sided, one side with a lip and one side one without.
I basically use them as side stops and they work great for that. I own 30 units, but haven't used them as much as I have in the past partly becasue of the lifting . When I first bought them I thought WOW this is the answer to my problem, well not so much. They work okay, but the design could be better.
If they offered a version that had a small lip that covered the edge of the work piece they would pull down on the work. It wouldn't allow for flush work where that lip was, but I would rather have that and just rotate the work or clamp. Or make them double sided, one side with a lip and one side one without.
