Improve the clamping elements!

[Stan Tillinghast]

Thanks to FOG and its search engine I found the cause and the treatment (NOT cure) for clamping elements that don't move.
But really, this is a poor design, with soft steel that gets nicked every time you clamp it down.
Harder steel would solve the problem.
Festool, we've identified the problem, and a potential solution.
Please show your gratitude by sending us the new improved clamping elements to replace the old, defective ones.
(BTW mine still say Festo so it's clearly not a newer design).

 

[Kev]

Stan

I think I could be interested in what you're talking about - but I need a little more info. Which "clamping elements" are you talking about?

Kev.

 

[peter halle]

Kev,

These are the clamping elements: 

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Peter

 

[Kev]

Kev,

These are the clamping elements: 

Peter

Ah those things - thanks.

I"ve been babbling on another thread about the MFTs and clamps ... I'm impressed with the "system-ness" ( sorry ) of the Festool bench, clamps, etc - but it seems a bit locked in and "average" in quality compare to the rest of the Festool kit.

It's pretty obvious that some of the clamps are made by Bessey - but I don't really know who's behind the clamping elements.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I have had a conversation with someone at Festool about this before.

Yes it will leave a mark, yes it hangs up sometimes.  If the steel was any different, the clamps would not hold.

Take a file and rub the nub if it gets in the way. 

After a year or two worth of use, you will not notice it anymore.