Fesstool clamps

[frigator]

I see these great clamps being used in the videos. Would they work in my regular workbench with 3/4 in dog holes, table 2.25in thick?

 

[ear3]

If you're talking about the clamping elements, then no, as the posts are 20mm.

In-line clamp options for 3/4 are available from Armor (I didn't like these, but others have reviewed them favorably on the FOG):
http://armor-tool.com/

Veritas/Lee Valley also has several clamping options for in-line clamping.

I see these great clamps being used in the videos. Would they work in my regular workbench with 3/4 in dog holes, table 2.25in thick?

 

[RKA]

And if you're talking about the screw clamps or quick clamps, the L bracket will clear (fir through) a 19mm thick top (with those 3/4" dog holes), but not a 2.25" top. 

 

[Rustys]

I use the clamping elements....

It's a Rockler workbench and maybe irs not really 3/4" dog holes but it works. I was planning on buying an MFT3 but while waiting, tried it.

 

[ear3]

That's good to know -- 20mm is smaller than 3/4, so they obviously will go in [EDIT: oops] .  I guess the question is how secure they are, and whether it's suitable for all types of work.  Can you get at the underside of the bench?  You can pop the top off of the knobs and replace the screws with longer ones that would actually lock them down (maybe that's what you've donw already?).  Otherwise I would be worried about the workpiece lifting off the top of the bench when you apply clamping pressure.

I use the clamping elements....

It's a Rockler workbench and maybe irs not really 3/4" dog holes but it works. I was planning on buying an MFT3 but while waiting, tried it.

 

[Cheese]

I have a 1 1/2" thick maple top on my bench. I just separated the clamp into 2 pieces and use a toilet washer to retain the lower clamp leg. Works great.

 

[RKA]

Clever!

 

[rst]

I've done a similar thing so that I could use the long Festool screw clamp shaft for clamping deeper projects.  I use rubber o rings to keep the ratcheting portion from separating from the shaft.  Years ago I ground the retaining pin off a Bessey 12" throat clamp, cut a slot into the center of my sawhorses so that i could clamp jigs to the horse...thanks to MFTs and accessory tops mimicing them, I no longer use  that solution.

 

[frigator]

Great idea.....I didn't even realize you could separate the two pieces having never actually held one.

 

[Cheese]

Actually [member=61932]frigator[/member] the 2 pieces are staked so that they remain together. However just spend 5 minutes with a small file to remove the 2 staking bulges/bumps.  [smile]