Needed some new sys ports - Zeta edition

[DynaGlide]

The original sys ports I made 3 years ago have served me well: https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/member-projects/sysport-build/

But I needed smaller ones to replace them that could roll around underneath my benches. I can't think of a better excuse to familiarize myself with the Zeta P2. It's extremely fast and easy to use since the P System fasteners have some lateral play. I find it to be much more forgiving than the Domino so far in setup and operation. Probably because it's geared solely toward cabinetry and sheet goods.

I've made two of these so far, one with the Clamex connectors and another with the Tenso fittings. Both went together without a hitch. The best part of this system is you don't have to decide which fittings you're going to use for a joint like these. You cut the same slots and when it comes to  assemble you can use the self clamping (Tenso), the knock down (Clamex), or both if you wanted. Here are some shots of the Tenso going together:

It will be interesting to see if I reach for this tool more than the Domino. I'll likely end up using both mixed together.

Matt

 

[squall_line]

The best part of this system is you don't have to decide which fittings you're going to use for a joint like these. You cut the same slots and when it comes to  assemble you can use the self clamping (Tenso), the knock down (Clamex), or both if you wanted.

This is one of the things that draws me (drew me?) to the Zeta P2.  The other is that the fittings are reversible, so if you had needed to flat-pack that carcass or pack it out to deliver it to site, you could put the "finger" sides of the Tenso into the ends of the uprights and the "receiver" on the top and bottom panels and not worry about things getting clipped off (assuming you protected the ends of the boards).

With the Clamex, there's not much exposed on either half of the fitting, so the shipping concerns are even lower yet.

These are things I've learned from some of the Youtube videos as well as things I've seen posted by [member=58857]Crazyraceguy[/member] when he's talked about sending his pieces out for installation.

Did you glue the Clamex unit, or just rely on the connector?  (I'm assuming the Tenso unit was glued)

 

[DynaGlide]

The best part of this system is you don't have to decide which fittings you're going to use for a joint like these. You cut the same slots and when it comes to  assemble you can use the self clamping (Tenso), the knock down (Clamex), or both if you wanted.

This is one of the things that draws me (drew me?) to the Zeta P2.  The other is that the fittings are reversible, so if you had needed to flat-pack that carcass or pack it out to deliver it to site, you could put the "finger" sides of the Tenso into the ends of the uprights and the "receiver" on the top and bottom panels and not worry about things getting clipped off (assuming you protected the ends of the boards).

With the Clamex, there's not much exposed on either half of the fitting, so the shipping concerns are even lower yet.

These are things I've learned from some of the Youtube videos as well as things I've seen posted by [member=58857]Crazyraceguy[/member] when he's talked about sending his pieces out for installation.

Did you glue the Clamex unit, or just rely on the connector?  (I'm assuming the Tenso unit was glued)

I didn't glue either. The picture doesn't show the finished sys port but they receive two stretchers via pocket screws to square it up and add strength.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

DynaGlide, I notice in your pictures that you haven't inserted any of the pre-tensioner clips. They make assembly of your parts much easier, by allowing a bit more open space in the clips. Getting more tan two aligned without snagging/snapping the grippers can be a challenge.
I did break a few back when I first got mine, part of the learning curve, which you mentioned, is not as steep as a Domino. There are fewer adjustments to be concerned with and unless you get too close to the surface of a miter, you are never going to cut through 3/4" material with the Zeta. You can work it very much like a traditional biscuit joiner, because it essentially is one.

I very much see the Zeta and Domino as complimentary, not competition. I have adapted to using fewer of the Zeta fittings along with 6mm Dominos, playing on both strengths.

In case you haven't experienced it yet, I can also give you a heads-up about disassembly. If possible, use Clamex connectors on anything that you know that you are going to disassemble, especially is a flat butt-joint (not a perpendicular part). Tenso connectors can be especially difficult to get back apart without damaging the edges. Plastic laminate panels and Melamine panels are easy to chip on the ends. Knocking right angled parts apart is easier, but the more connectors you have per joint matters.
This is the point of mixing Dominos and Zeta.
For example, If you attach a couple of 4' x 4' panels along the edges with say 4 or 5 Tenso clips and want it back apart without damage.....good luck, you're gonna need it. The same with 3 Dominos and 2 Tensos (alternating), is much more likely to come back apart. It still won't be easy. Clamex makes this an easy job.
If you are going to make permanent connections, none of that matters, other than the pre-tensioners to make the initial assembly easier.

Thanks to squall_line for the mention on this subject.

 

[DynaGlide]

DynaGlide, I notice in your pictures that you haven't inserted any of the pre-tensioner clips. They make assembly of your parts much easier, by allowing a bit more open space in the clips. Getting more tan two aligned without snagging/snapping the grippers can be a challenge.
I did break a few back when I first got mine, part of the learning curve, which you mentioned, is not as steep as a Domino. There are fewer adjustments to be concerned with and unless you get too close to the surface of a miter, you are never going to cut through 3/4" material with the Zeta. You can work it very much like a traditional biscuit joiner, because it essentially is one.

I very much see the Zeta and Domino as complimentary, not competition. I have adapted to using fewer of the Zeta fittings along with 6mm Dominos, playing on both strengths.

In case you haven't experienced it yet, I can also give you a heads-up about disassembly. If possible, use Clamex connectors on anything that you know that you are going to disassemble, especially is a flat butt-joint (not a perpendicular part). Tenso connectors can be especially difficult to get back apart without damaging the edges. Plastic laminate panels and Melamine panels are easy to chip on the ends. Knocking right angled parts apart is easier, but the more connectors you have per joint matters.
This is the point of mixing Dominos and Zeta.
For example, If you attach a couple of 4' x 4' panels along the edges with say 4 or 5 Tenso clips and want it back apart without damage.....good luck, you're gonna need it. The same with 3 Dominos and 2 Tensos (alternating), is much more likely to come back apart. It still won't be easy. Clamex makes this an easy job.
If you are going to make permanent connections, none of that matters, other than the pre-tensioners to make the initial assembly easier.

Thanks to squall_line for the mention on this subject.

Thank you for the insights. I imagine once I use this on a real project I'll be mixing Dominos and Clamex/Tenso so as to save on cost of fasteners but maintain strength. It's first real job is to attach painted face frames to installed cabinetry. I'll probably go for the Tenso on that since I don't want to see the holes for the Clamex. Since it's ornamental I don't think I'll be using glue.

It really is a well designed machine.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Yes, that's a perfect application for Tenso. As long as there aren't doors hanging off of it, unglued is fine.

 

[simonh]

Welcome to the Zeta club

 

[Getmaverick]

This is why I chose the Zeta over the DF500. It is the perfect companion to my Domino XL.