Quick clamps marring wood

[mprzybylski]

Hello everyone,
Last week I was using the quick clamps on my MFT to hold down some poplar while cutting domino slots. The part of the quick clamp that is green and has the small cutout in it was leaving marks on my poplar and I was under the impression this shouldn't happen. I realize poplar is pretty soft but have others run into this is well? How did you remedy it if you have?

I switched to the screw clamps (obviously slower) and they worked fine but I'd like to use my quick clamps for this project and beyond...

 

[Sparktrician]

Make a shim of 1/4" plywood (or any other scrap) to place under the green pads to spread the pressure of the clamp. 

[smile]

 

[mprzybylski]

That was going to be my eventual solution but I was hoping someone would say something like "you're clamping too hard" or "this is common with poplar or pine only" etc

Also I read alot of people saying that these don't mar the wood so I was double checking to see if I'm possibly doing something wrong with how I'm clamping them (though I can't imagine any other way to clamp with them...)

 

[Stone Message]

I use these clamps all of the time and you soon get used to getting them set right. You can feel the degree of pressure as you tighten the clamp and just need to learn when to stop or when to use a protector (as described above).

Peter

 

[mprzybylski]

Thanks guys, I guess I'll just use the protector method described.

side note: Peter, i really enjoy your videos on YouTube.  Keep them coming, great work.

 

[Stone Message]

Thanks guys, I guess I'll just use the protector method described.

side note: Peter, i really enjoy your videos on YouTube.  Keep them coming, great work.

You are so kind - I really do appreciate remarks like this, it makes it all so brilliant - thanks.

Peter