Festool 488030 Clamps - how much clamping force?

[Icestation2]

I need to machine 17mm thickness MDF on a small CNC engraver/router and require suitable clamps which can secure the sheets down but still allow me to machine all of the top surface. These Festool clamps seem ideal but how much clamping force do they provide?

Also, can anyone suggest a good alternative? I have considered Veritas Wonder Pups but the shank is slightly too long.

 

[rnt80]

I can't tell you any specifics but they apply plenty for the applications I've used them in.  I've used them to clamp things vertically and they don't budge, even when a lot of force is applied.

 

[Icestation2]

Can anyone also tell me what is the clamping height - the depth of the clamp face - on these Festool 488030 clamps?

 

[Jesse Cloud]

Agree with the above.  I have placed quite a bit a stress on them and they have never failed.  I use them a lot for routing inlays.
Does your cnc router have to clear the top of the clamp?  If so, it will be very close, the clamp sits about 17mm high.
Another approach would be to fix a jig to the mft thats a little larger than your workpiece and clamp with wedges.  Wouldn't cost much...

 

[Notorious T.O.D.]

You could also look at using a vacuum clamp to hold it from the bottom side.

Best,
Todd

 

[Icestation2]

Agree with the above.  I have placed quite a bit a stress on them and they have never failed.  I use them a lot for routing inlays.
Does your cnc router have to clear the top of the clamp?  If so, it will be very close, the clamp sits about 17mm high.
Another approach would be to fix a jig to the mft thats a little larger than your workpiece and clamp with wedges.  Wouldn't cost much...

l
Would you be able to tell me the length of the shaft on these clamps. Also, you mention that the clamps sits about 17mm high. Any chance of letting me know the exact dimension just in case it's a couple of mm's out.

Thanks

 

[Jesse Cloud]

My clamping elements, very slightly abraded, are 17.424 mm tall.  The shaft is 115mm long.

 

[Icestation2]

My clamping elements, very slightly abraded, are 17.424 mm tall.  The shaft is 115mm long.

Thanks for finding out the info. With regard to the shaft length I was actually after the dimension of the securing pins - so to speak - that fits into the worksurface. The circular protrusion on the underside of the clamp and the securing block.

Hopefully my description is better this time although I really can't think of the correct term. Also, are the securing pins similar in design to the ones made for the Black and Decker workmate?   

 

[JeromeM]

Thanks for finding out the info. With regard to the shaft length I was actually after the dimension of the securing pins - so to speak - that fits into the worksurface. The circular protrusion on the underside of the clamp and the securing block.

20mm

Hopefully my description is better this time although I really can't think of the correct term. Also, are the securing pins similar in design to the ones made for the Black and Decker workmate?   

In that they both fit into a 20mm hole, yes

Apart from that no they are very different. You realy need to pop into a dealer and have a look for yourself.