Kreg Automaxx Clamp with MFT3

[DJ98cobra]

I was reading a few threads on the Automaxx and wanted to share my mod to use with the MFT3 table. I bought a couple of the Festool clamp kit knobs off of ebay pretty cheap and changed out the bolt for a 5/16-18 x 1-1/2. You can get a bag of four at lowes for around $1.25. So what I do is insert the bolt through a bench dog and tighten it from the bottom of the table. It makes it easy to remove and adjust (swivel) and you can leave it about a 1/4 loose and it still clamps tight. Below are a couple of pictures.

The knob on the right is the original size bolt

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[rljatl]

Great idea, but i can't find those knobs.  Link please?

 

[supimeister]

I like this idea but I’d be a little concerned about damage to mft/3 over the long haul - be it the hole enlarging or to the surface of the bench around the hole...? Or I am just being overly worrisome?

 

[DJ98cobra]

Any kit that has a locking knob will work. The back of the knob will pop off with a small flat head screwdriver.

Festool 490560 Locking Knob is about $16 and is for the VS 600 system. It has a nut in the knob but you can take it out and replace it with the 5/16-18 x 1-1/2 bolt. I found a used festool clamping elements kit on ebay for about $55 and it came with four knobs inside. Festool 49463 is for the Kapex and has a nut in it also but replaceable.

 

[rljatl]

Will this work?

Clamping Kit Item #494693

 

[DJ98cobra]

I mainly use it for clamping frames for pocket hole screw and have not seen an issue. I think the bench dog does a good job keeping with pressure balanced but if you were worried you could just cut a small metal square, drill a hole in the center and put it between the clamp and the table.

 

[Dave Rudy]

"Will this work?

Clamping Kit Item #494693"

If the knob disassembles and you can turn the bolt the other way around it should (if the right length of course).  The end that goes into the Automaxx has to be a threaded stud.

This (sorry haven't figured out how to create a link yet) http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2001072/8998/Knob-Four-Arm-with-516-18-x-1-12-Stud.aspx

would probably be better.  Alternative (which I bought) is a piece of 5/16 all thread and a threaded knob for the bottom of the table.

As far as concern for the MFT, should not adversely affect the hole at all.  If you use a large flat washer between the MFT bottom and the knob, it will spread the force so as not to compromise the bottom of the table.

 

[DJ98cobra]

Yes. in the picture on the left is what you would get with the nut inside. If you look at the side of any of your festools that have locking knobs, there will be a small opening. A flat headed screwdriver will pop it open. Just replace the nut with the bolt from the above posts and you will be good to go.

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[Scott in San Diego]

$3 Solution... 5/16" thumbscrews from McMaster-Carr.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#90200a586/=qi7o7n

I cut them down to about 1 3/8" long and they require a dab of thread-lock to stay put.  The head diameter is ~3/4" (19mm) and a perfect easy slip fit into the 20mm holes.

I proposed this on another thread about six weeks ago and have been successfully using it ever since.  One handed, two-second clamp time.  No knobs to fiddle with, just drop it in the hole, push the thumbscrew shank against any side of the hole and squeeze the clamp handle.  I have not seen any damage to the table top or bottom.

 

[Dave Rudy]

Scott,

Think I'm missing it.  If the knob goes inside of the MFT dog hole, what stops the clamp from lifting off the table when pressure is applied?

 

[Scott in San Diego]

Scott,

Think I'm missing it.  If the knob goes inside of the MFT dog hole, what stops the clamp from lifting off the table when pressure is applied?

The thumbscrew knob goes completely through the table.  A portion of the thumbscrew knob hooks on the bottom side of the table when the screw is pushed towards the edge of the hole.  When the clamp is squeezed, the table sandwiched by the clamp base on the topside and the thumbscrew on the underside.

 

[Dave Rudy]

Thanks.  Brilliant solution.

 

[promark747]

You can buy the individual clamping element knobs as spare parts for about $4 each.  The part number is 487554.

 

[Carl Prentiss]

Which bench dog has the hole through it? BTW I've been using the Woodpeckers Multi Knob for this. It works well.
Multiknob
Edit: I'd like to use a bench dog as I suspect I wouldn't have to tighten it down as much.

 

[DJ98cobra]

I use a low profile one. I will try to get a photo uploaded tonight once I get home.

 

[Carl Prentiss]

Thanks DJ, who makes it, sells it?

 

[Carl Prentiss]

Scott in San Diego, That does look quick and easy. I think I may try that too.

 

[DJ98cobra]

I cannot remember. I bought mine off of EBAY. He had a low profile and a standard set and were anodized black. They were a good deal and fit perfect.

 

[rst]

Precision Dogs sells dogs with a hole which has a hole that tightly fits a 5/16"- 18 or 8mm screw.  I use their dogs a clamping knob with a 1 1/2" screw length and use an acrylic washer on top to spread the torsion load.  He also sells on E Bay.

 

[Carl Prentiss]

Thanks, Looked on Ebay, found some and ordered a pair.