Interesting new dogged clamp system from Armor Tools (3/4" AND 20mm)

[SittingElf]

Got a regular ad email from Infinity this morning, and they are carrying a new product from Armor Tools that looks interesting!

Not sure if these would be any better than Festool's, but nicely thought out design.



Looks like more and more manufacturers are insuring that their products will work with Euro systems and metrics.

Cheers,
Frank

 

[rmwarren]

I always worry about the clamps that self-secure (for lack of a clearer term) to the sides of the dog holes will distort MFT holes over time. Seem to me the clamping force applies pressure to the bottom of the hole near the clamp and the top of the hole away from the clamp. Wouldn't this tend to elongate the hole over time, and then precision dogs would not fit properly?

Or, am I just overthinking things again? [scratch chin] [doh]

RMW

 

[rljatl]

More info here:

Clamping Elements Alternative

 

[Claimdude]

Richard,

I had the opportunity to purchase some of these clamps a few weeks back directly from Armor. While the inline clamp probably works well in an MDF 20mm hole I share your concern regarding the hold down version that relies on wedging the post in the hole. There is no way you could use that very long without doing serious damage to the holes. I am anal retentive about a snug fit for my 20 mm dogs so without some way to properly secure the hold down clamp post I will not be ordering any. I do not think you are over thinking it.

Jack

I always worry about the clamps that self-secure (for lack of a clearer term) to the sides of the dog holes will distort MFT holes over time. Seem to me the clamping force applies pressure to the bottom of the hole near the clamp and the top of the hole away from the clamp. Wouldn't this tend to elongate the hole over time, and then precision dogs would not fit properly?

Or, am I just overthinking things again? [scratch chin] [doh]

RMW

 

[Bohdan]

There is no way you could use that very long without doing serious damage to the holes.

I agree and having a textured surface on the dog for grip will just cause the damage quicker.

If you only use the holes for clamping and not for alignment it wouldn't matter.

 

[JZ Bowmannz]

Just saw the clamps and dogs in Woodcraft store, and measured the 20mm dogs with calipers, they are all 19.6mm, and I dropped one into a displayed MFT/3, they have pretty good play in the holes. Looked like they would cut into the MFT dog holes pretty quickly, as they were having sharp edges all the way around.

The 3/4" dogs were not measured (not interested).

 

[ear3]

Bump.  And just wanted to ask whether those who have been using the in-line clamps that lock to fit a 20mm dog hole have experienced any degradation of the holes, particularly if your bench is MDF, as mine is.

 

[jtwood]

I got an email today from the closest Rockler store to me, located in Ontario, Cali.  They are having a demo of these clamps tomorrow (Saturday, 9/12/2015) in-store.  I don't know if all of the Rockler stores are doing it, but they apparently carry the product now.  If there is a store near you, it might be worthwhile to check out their demo, as they have the Armor clamps at 10% off.

I do not know if they carry both the 20mm and 3/4" versions, however.  The 3/4" would be really loose in an MFT.

Steve

 

[Steve-Rice]

I have the 3/4" versions which I use on my 8' maple work bench and my home made MFT cabinet saw extension table. They work exceptionally well. I highly recommend them. Definitely a quality product.

 

[Steve-Rice]

BTW, my home made MFT is made from 3/4" thick MDF and although I've used these clamps numerous times, there is no deformity in my hole diameter so far...

 

[ear3]

I checked, and for whatever reason, Rockler doesn't carry the 20mm dogs you swap in on the fences and hold down clamp -- so I ordered them from Woodcraft.