Kreg Automaxx Clamps
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Peter James
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- Feb 27, 2012
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Looking forward to hearing some reviews......
The brown truck just dropped a box at my door -- good service Peter!
The new Kreg clamps will work nicely along with the Bessey clamps on our new "MFT Tangent Clamp Blocks". They are designed to be compatible with and compliment Qwas dogs on the MFT table.
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The new Kreg clamps will work nicely along with the Bessey clamps on our new "MFT Tangent Clamp Blocks". They are designed to be compatible with and compliment Qwas dogs on the MFT table.
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Brice Burrell
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RonWen said:
Ron, I don't want to hijack this thread, but I'm going to, when can we expect the new Tangent Clamp Blocks? I've got my Bessey's just waiting to be mounted to something to be used on the MFT.
Frank Pellow
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- Jan 16, 2007
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I already use my Kreg clamps a lot and, in many cases, have worked when other clamps would not. I really look forward to adding some automax clamps to my clamping repertoire.
Brice Burrell said:
Brice,
Availability will be probably in about 3-4 weeks. We had to make a minor change to the prototype shown in the photo and now we're ready for production. The final product will be anodized of course. We haven't set pricing yet... I'll know a more exact availability date and pricing before the end of the week. Once we have a delivery date and set prices, we'll probably start taking preorders, on senecawoodworking.com
promark747
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How does the Tangent Clamp block attach to the MFT? Veritas sells a Mounting Plate that is very similar, and it includes a 20mm threaded post that accepts an M8 knob (such as the one that comes with the Clamping Elements). These are $21.50. They don't work with the Kreg, though, just the Bessey. The Kreg design would seem to work better with a simple threaded dog without the plate...which is what I use with my older style (non-auto adjust) Kreg bench clamps. I'm just trying to figure out the advantage of the Tangent Clamp Block over these other options.
http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=70864&cat=51&ap=1
http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=70864&cat=51&ap=1
promark747
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Also, I wonder about the Kreg pricing on the Automaxx. They are excellent clamps, and I bought a couple when they first came out. But the Bessey auto-adjust are $19 and essentially the same (and a bit better in some ways, though I think the Kreg is a bit more versatile as far as mounting on the sides of the MFT and of course the Kreg plates, etc.). Woodcraft has the Besseys on sale right now for about $16-18 depending on model. So you could actually buy a Bessey and the Veritas mounting plate for the same cost as one Kreg Automaxx. (In fact, the Lee Valley link above shows they sell the two as a combo.)
The Kreg Automaxx prices are actually not out of line with their old style clamps. I guess I'm just surprised at how inexpensive the Besseys are.
The Kreg Automaxx prices are actually not out of line with their old style clamps. I guess I'm just surprised at how inexpensive the Besseys are.
promark747 said:
The Seneca Tangent Block attaches similar to the Veritas block -- a post fitted to the MFT size holes and an M8 screw & knob. Actually, to say it correctly the Veritas block attaches similar to the Seneca block -- if you search back 1-2 years you'll find pictures of our early prototype clamp block. [wink]
The significant difference is the "tangent" profile of the block -- the Seneca blocks can be mixed & matched with Steve's Qwas dogs for aligning work pieces on the MFT table.
Corwin
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promark747 said:
If the Kreg Automaxx clamps fit in the MFT side profiles like the older Kreg clamps do, you DO NOT want to use these in your MFT profiles -- using them this way WILL dent/dimple your side profiles, as the aluminum that the profiles are made of is too soft. So, I highly recommend that if you want to use these type clamps in your MFT's side profiles that you first mount the clamp to some type of base that will prevent damage to your MFT.
Re: Clamp Dog "Tangent" by Seneca Woodworking
Question:
Using Automaxx clamps and using the "tangent" clamp dogs, will there be any damage to the MFT table surface top or bottom? i.e. is it designed to prevent over compression in the MDF and prevent erosion of the dog holes sides or tops? Any users using the product your feedback is appreciated ---please also check the bottom as when it comes time to flip I want to make sure I don't have damaged holes or compression rings.
I tried a setup using the Automaxx clamps with MFT dogs with a center hole (that has a passthrough hole allowing the 5/16" threaded bar through) and a star knob but this will damage the MFT top & bottom with compression and erosion round the MFT holes---over time I expect this would be significant enough to ruin the top. Wanting to make sure these tangent clamp dogs won't do the same.
Comment:
Would be nice to see a product offered by Seneca that allows mounting the Automaxx clamps safely into the MFT side rails without damaging the rails as Corwin pointed out just using the screw will damage the rails.
Question:
Using Automaxx clamps and using the "tangent" clamp dogs, will there be any damage to the MFT table surface top or bottom? i.e. is it designed to prevent over compression in the MDF and prevent erosion of the dog holes sides or tops? Any users using the product your feedback is appreciated ---please also check the bottom as when it comes time to flip I want to make sure I don't have damaged holes or compression rings.
I tried a setup using the Automaxx clamps with MFT dogs with a center hole (that has a passthrough hole allowing the 5/16" threaded bar through) and a star knob but this will damage the MFT top & bottom with compression and erosion round the MFT holes---over time I expect this would be significant enough to ruin the top. Wanting to make sure these tangent clamp dogs won't do the same.
Comment:
Would be nice to see a product offered by Seneca that allows mounting the Automaxx clamps safely into the MFT side rails without damaging the rails as Corwin pointed out just using the screw will damage the rails.
Christopher Robinson said:
We use the same star knobs that Lee Valley ships with their clamp blocks. We aren't aware of any damage caused but for added security we now ship 5/16" I.D. X 1-1/2" O.D. fender washers in the kit to ensure no damage to the MFT tops (if you didn't receive one for each of your clamp blocks please contact Ryan & he will get them out to you). The washer along with the clamp block makes a nice metal "sandwich" top & bottom of the MFT hole.
When adjusting either the Kreg or Bessey clamps the same screw used for height adjustment also affects the clamping force applied. Since the MFT tops are a man-made compressed material our suggestion would be to only apply the force needed to secure the work piece. Again, using the 1-1/2" diameter washers will prevent any reasonable damage.
Yes, we are also developing a non-damaging mount for the the MFT side rails.
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