How much clamping pressure can clamping elements generate?

[ear3]

I'm wondering if you have specs on the exact amount of clamping force that the clamping elements can generate?

 

[sae]

The value isn't fixed, it depends how strong your hands are.

Why not measure it? You can use a scale, or you can derive it by measuring the distance traveled by the pull of the lever, versus how much force you put on the lever.

 

[tbellemare]

Are you trying to hold a work piece for milling/sanding/polishing or are you trying to determine if the pressure at a given point is enough for a proper glue-up?

Tom

 

[ear3]

I understand, but on similar clamps, they usually list the range in the specs, like on these Armor clamps for example:

http://www.rockler.com/armor-p7-il-auto-adjust-in-line-dog-clamp

I assume Festool has this stuff on file somewhere.

The value isn't fixed, it depends how strong your hands are.

Why not measure it? You can use a scale, or you can derive it by measuring the distance traveled by the pull of the lever, versus how much force you put on the lever.

 

[ear3]

I already have a pair, but I'm actually in the market for some additional ones, and wanted to see how the specs of the Festool ones stack up against others before I decide whether to go with more Festool or experiment with another brand.  So I want to know what the maximum clamping pressure is on the elements.  Obviously there are many factors that go into making a decent in-line clamp, but I just wanted to be able to do a complete side by side comparison.

Are you trying to hold a work piece for milling/sanding/polishing or are you trying to determine if the pressure at a given point is enough for a proper glue-up?

Tom

 

[Brent Shively]

I'm wondering if you have specs on the exact amount of clamping force that the clamping elements can generate?

Edward,
We do  not have the specs on the clamping force of the clamping elements.

Brent

 

[ear3]

Got it.  Thanks.  Will go with [member=38144]sae[/member] method then.

I'm wondering if you have specs on the exact amount of clamping force that the clamping elements can generate?

Edward,
We do  not have the specs on the clamping force of the clamping elements.

Brent

 

[Holmz]

The black ones for circles or odd shapes for the MFT that have the lever seem marginal and there is no "relative to hand strength".they provide a horizontal force.

The grey-n-green ones that clamp to the table vertically do better.

Either could be measured for force.
The plastic ones seem a bit "toy like", and like to rock on the MFT.

I got some besseys for real clamping, and they seem like proper clamps.

 

[jonny round boy]

The clamping elements aren't very strong - I've tried using them for gluing up in the past, and they just don't exert enough force for that. I see them (and can only assume they are designed) more for work holding, i.e. holding pieces whilst sanding or machining them, for which they are great.

Having said that, I do still occasionally use them for glue-ups, but I'm aware of their limitations & only use them on light stuff.

 

[Holmz]

Their rocking up, combined with their low force gives them a toy feel. They worked so bad on the first day, I immediately ordered some Besseys.
You have to use the metal ones to hold down the wood, and keep the black one from rocking up.
So I only use them when the part is odd.
The the metal one are better, but only clamp down.

If the part is square I grab the Besseys and often use the MFT as the flat base...

I often use them to hold stuff for sanding or for jig saws, and often the parts still dance.

 

[Bohdan]

Their rocking up, combined with their low force gives them a toy feel. They worked so bad on the first day, I immediately ordered some Besseys.
You have to use the metal ones to hold down the wood, and keep the black one from rocking up.

If you screw them down with the supplied knobs they work really well and don't lift but its a PITA as it really slows you down. I only screw them down if the lifting is a problem or I am doing lots of repetitive clampings on the same setting.

 

[peter halle]

If you are using them with or without the knob and want to adjust the pressure - within limitations of course - there is an allen head (hex) screw that offers some adjustment just in case you didn't know.

Peter

 

[Holmz]

If you are using them with or without the knob and want to adjust the pressure - within limitations of course - there is an allen head (hex) screw that offers some adjustment just in case you didn't know.

Peter

Thanks [member=36526]Bohdan[/member] I'll dig for he knobs... & [member=41421]Peter[/member] I will look at them again then.

 

[ear3]

BTW, I decided to go with the Armor in-line clamps and dog fence to supplement my current set of Festool clamping elements:

http://armor-tool.com/product/self-adjusting-line-dog-clamp/

http://armor-tool.com/product-category/auto-pro-dog-fences/