New Hobby - Clamp options

[sofa_king_rad]

I'm getting an MFT3 - I was going to get 2 Festool Quick Clamps and 2 Festool Clamping Elements along with a set of Parf dogs.

But then I saw this Veritas set and am curious if anyone feels that it's better than the others....included Systainer is just a perk
http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=70681&cat=1,43838,43845

I also needs suggestions for the any other "getting started" clamps I should have, i know I'll need a couple bar type clamps, so help there would be great too

 

[bertv]

That Veritas Set is a nice addition to the FS-stuff you mention, emphasis on 'addition'. Because it won’t let you do some basic stuff, like clamping boards and boxes to the rails of the MFT, or clamping irregularly shaped pieces to the worktop. That can be done with the Quick Clamps and the Clamping Elements.

Dogs, any kind of, are a must have accessory. A lot has been posted here about their usage and usefulness.

 

[mazmes]

Just my opinion but you can do much better in regards to dogs with any of the other options like parf, quas or precision. Ordered Veritas dogs and returned twice, just not a good fit. I do own many other Veritas branded items and am very happy with them.

 

[sofa_king_rad]

So I was looking at those two Festool clamps and a set of festool perf dogs OR the Veritas set.

 

[ear3]

If you're going to be doing domino work or a lot of repeat/batching work, you could consider one or two bessey toggle or kreg automaxx clamps:
http://www.amazon.com/Bessey-STC-HH...ie=UTF8&qid=1459397085&sr=8-1&keywords=bessey+auto-adjust+toggle+clamp
http://www.amazon.com/Kreg-KKS1120-...3?ie=UTF8&qid=1459396995&sr=8-3&keywords=kreg+automaxx
http://www.amazon.com/Kreg-KKS1140-...4?ie=UTF8&qid=1459396995&sr=8-4&keywords=kreg+automaxx

You can mount them with the Seneca plates:
http://www.senecawoodworking.com/products/clamp-dog

or rig your own mounting mechanism using bolts and ply, as illustrated on the forum by [member=8352]erock[/member]
http://festoolownersgroup.com/other...eo-of-the-kreg-automaxx-with-the-festool-mft/
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/bessey-auto-adj-toggle-for-mft/

 

[ear3]

Apologies -- just remembered the veritas set includes the bessey clamps and mounting plates.  Keep in mind that you can buy those mounting plates separately from lee valley, and don't necessarily have to get the whole set.

The Festool clamping elements are the most versatile MFT clamps out there, so I would definitely get those first, as they allow you to do things the veritas kit won't.

The systainer is nice, but depending on your setup, it may be redundant.  Most of my bench clamps and dogs stay right on my workbench off to the side.  It would be a pain for me if I had to unpack everything from a case every time I had to use them.

 

[Kev]

Quick clamps and dogs are the things I tend to use. The Veritas set looks cool but personally I wouldn't buy it. To be fair though, if you see a good use for all of it's content .. why wouldn't you get it?

 

[sofa_king_rad]

This is a new hobby for me, I've worked with tools and done very rough stuff throughout my life, but recently getting into building stuff worth having and keeping in the house. That said, I'm really unsure of what I need or don't need. So, i ask what you all with more experience find yourself using the most.

I will be getting an MFT3 as my work bench as I will not have space that can always be setup for wood work. I'll have space to store everything and space to set it up to do work when needed.

 

[Frank-Jan]

In Europe festool recently introduced a  mft clamp set in a systainer, they call it the sys-mft fixing set, it has the clamping elements, 2 quick clamps, a couple rebranded low profile bars and bench dogs.

 

[MattrYYC]

That new European set sounds great. I personally did 2 quick clamps, a pair of clamping elements, a pair of QWAS dogs and a pair of Rail Dogs and I've wanted for nothing else.

 

[sofa_king_rad]

Yes I wan this SYS-MFT-FX-set - sounds great...how do i get it here?

 

[copcarcollector]

Yes I wan this SYS-MFT-FX-set - sounds great...how do i get it here?

At this point, NAINA (Not Available In North America, a saying you will find a lot on the FOG!). You may be able to find a store or person overseas to send it to you. Personally I like the Veritas set better, but you would still need the festool quick clamps and clamping elements as add ons if you choose-  I suggest that you track the Festools on ebay for a while, I have found some from time to time at a fair price for used ones.

 

[waho6o9]

I find the Rapid clamp very useful:
View attachment 1

 

[sofa_king_rad]

[member=7659]waho6o9[/member] What do you use it for most?

 

[Grakat]

Hi there,

I also read that you asked about options for bar clamps. You'll find that Bessey clamps are quite popular, particularly the Revo bodied clamps. I would recommend getting some of them as well.

 

[waho6o9]

[member=7659]waho6o9[/member] What do you use it for most?

I use it most for cross cutting partitions and doors as it works well for those applications.

 

[erock]

I know you're asking about MFT/3 clamping options.

But how about some clamping squares to help with assembly?  Something like the Woodpecker Squares.

View attachment 3

Rockler has a similar clamping square, they are made of plastic.

And you'll want some quick clamps.  Something like.....

View attachment 2

Just more confusion for ya.      [tongue]

Eric

Edit.....I don't know what's up with attaching pictures lately.    Both pics should have been inline.  Not downloadable.  OH WELL !

 

[tjbnwi]

I use the FS Rapid and Gecko clamps the most in the field for finished sheet goods and mounting the rails in odd positions.

When using the MFT I use the Elements, Quick clamps and screw clamps.

Tom

 

[sofa_king_rad]

Instead of some big bar blamps, are Pipe Clamps worth using or just get some bar clamps. For now I just new a few (4?) 36" clamps, but trying to think big picture.