MFT clamping

[Wuffles]

The only time I reach for the screw clamps first is when I have something tall, or when I want to minimize the possibility of moving the workpiece when clamping -- the clamping action of the levers can sometimes shift the board ever so slightly.

Absolutely bang on.

 

[jmac80]

Thanks guys 
Ordered:
Clamping elements
4 festool quick clamps
A pair of each size of the festool screw clamps.
Will definately look into them kreg or bessey toggle clamps as well.

The above with 4 normal size dogs and 4 parf dogs should get me up and running

 

[itchy]

I too had difficulty with price of the clamping elements but they are very useful and speed up production.

 

[andy5405]

Really, why do you prefer the screw ones Andy?

I think the rapid clamps are too expensive for very little gain in performance. I also can get better clamping pressure with the screw ones. Others disagree and there is another thread here discussing the pros and cons:

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-reviews/festool-clamps/

 

[jamanjeval]

Another thumbs up for the rapid clamps and clamping elements. Together, you can clamp a lot with them. I agree that they are quite expensive for what they appear to be. But, they work well and add considerable value to the MFT. I'm happy with them.

Regarding the screw clamps vs the rapid clamps, the rapid clamps can hold quite firm. Plus, they seem to have a larger contact area with the workpiece to minimize possible damage.

Instead of the 3rd party plates for mounting toggle clamps on, I'd like to see festool make a rapid clamp with a similar plate that goes into the MFT with a knob on the underside so it stays vertical. This would give approximately the same convenience as toggle clamps but be able to clamp even taller workpieces.

 

[Francis_Beland]

I received 2 Veritas Surface Clamp for Christmas and I really like them.

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=70684&cat=1,43838,70865

I even use them as bench dogs while doing square cuts using MFT hole patern. Yes they're expensive but they are really good.

 

[Tinker]

I have several of each of the Festoy clamps.  There are times when the lever type work best, especially when unclamping and reclaiming over and over.  They do tend to move the wood sometimes, but work better than the screw type if you need to set the clamp with one hand.  Some situations, the lever gets in the way, or objects get in the way of the lever, which ver way you want to look at it.  I just get into all sorts of aggravation if trying to use the screw type by coming up thru the table from underneath.  The lever type works much better for me in that situation.  The clamping elements have their best use as well.  I would not be without any of the Festoy clamps and there are times when i use some of each one for some situations where multiple clamps are needed.  Also, there are times when some of each type are the only way i can adequately clamp.  I probably don't need all of the types available, but I would not discard any of them.
Tinker