Simple alignment technique for the Domino - from End User Group Training

[RONWEN]

Hey Brice,
I have two (2) sets of the quick clamps & as you say they are my "go to" clamps -- I hardly ever use the screw clamps unless I just need more clamps.

I also have two of the sliding  clamps that appear similar to the Rapid clamps but no pistol grip to tighten the clamp.  I use those when sanding because they clamp on the periphery of the work piece similar to what the rapid clamps appear to do.  Perhaps my clamps are earlier versions of the current rapid clamps?

So, will the "Rapid" clamps (with pistol grips) work in the MFT top holes?

http://www.festoolusa.com/products/guide-rails/clamps/fsrapid-clamp-and-fixed-jaws-489790.html

They look handy for when I hold parts vertically on the front of the MFT while using the Domino.  I now use the other Festool clamps (not the screw clamps) but I have to slide them out of the way while changing pieces.
Do the rapid clamps have fair holding power?  Can they also be used in the MFT top holes?

I also have those other Festool clamps that have the slides & lever to tighten that I use while sanding.

The Rapid Clamps work in the same situations as the screw clamps. To clamp them, you just squeeze.

Tom

Ron, the rapid clamps (you'll often see them referred to as quick clamps here) are my go to clamps. They fit in the holes on the MFT and the clamping pressure is sufficient for almost any use. Well worth picking up a couple.     

 

[Brice Burrell]

Sorry Ron, I'm getting the products confused. The Rapid clamp doesn't fit in the MFT holes. The Rapid clamp is used on the guide rail when regular clamps can't get around the item being cut. I once used the Rapid clamp to cut the back off a cabinet. The cabinet was melamine and I was worried the rail would slip. There is no way to use regular clamps, the Rapid clamp did the trick.

The quick clamps are on the bottom left of the picture and the rapid clamp is on the far right.

 

[tbellemare]

'Sorry Ron, Brice...

I think I started the mix-up. I meant the Quick Clamps.

Tom

 

[RONWEN]

Yep, OK.  I have the quick clamps & as you say they are by far my most used (Festool) clamps.  In your picture at the upper left is the other clamps that I was talking about -- great for sanding.

And thanks, now I see the purpose of the Rapid clamps -- for securing the guide rail in place while cutting however I most often don't bother to clamp the rail at all, it stays put on it's own.  The problem that I see with the Rapid clamp is that whatever is being used to support the work piece would need to be narrower than the work piece so as not to interfere with the clamp -- is that correct?

http://www.mcfeelys.com/product/489790/FS-Rapid-Clamp

Sorry Ron, I'm getting the products confused. The Rapid clamp doesn't fit in the MFT holes. The Rapid clamp is used on the guide rail when regular clamps can't get around the item being cut. I once used the Rapid clamp to cut the back off a cabinet. The cabinet was melamine and I was worried the rail would slip. There is no way to use regular clamps, the Rapid clamp did the trick.

The quick clamps are on the bottom left of the picture and the rapid clamp is on the far right.

 

[tbellemare]

Ron, you're right, the Rapid Clamps are for use in t-track like, on the MFT profiles or the Guide Rails. They can be useful in other applications that use the same size t-track also.

There was a spanner that was sold that could make them like a bar clamp but it's no longer available. You could substitute a length of some extrusion with the right t-track in it to perform the same task.

Tom

 

[RONWEN]

Thanks Tom.  I see that you are a Festool dealer in Texas.  Are you required to collect state sales tax for Pennsylvania orders?

Ron, you're right, the Rapid Clamps are for use in t-track like, on the MFT profiles or the Guide Rails. They can be useful in other applications that use the same size t-track also.

There was a spanner that was sold that could make them like a bar clamp but it's no longer available. You could substitute a length of some extrusion with the right t-track in it to perform the same task.

Tom

 

[tbellemare]

No sales tax on Festool purchases except in Texas.

If orders are placed through the website for a few other states (FL, CA, MD), tax gets added because of some other products that are shipped from those states. I just eliminate those taxes for Festool orders before processing them. One of these days, I'll figure out how to do it automatically.

Tom

 

[HowardH]

Maybe they should take a look at how Leigh does their manuals.  None finer.  I would think Leigh and Festool are on par with each other as leaders in their respective fields.  Festool should take notice of that.  It really isn't right that I have to download Rick's manuals or Brice's reviews to really learn about how a particular tool works. 

 

[HowardH]

Eco,

I finally believe everything my German co-worker told me!  I have a German guy who works in my shop.  He is by far the most talented person we have.  Everyone in the shop looks up to him because of his knowledge and talent.  It might be hard to understand him but he sure knows his stuff.  I look up to him myself and try to suck as much information out of him as possible.  He truly is one of a kind.  Anyway, he told me just the same story you did Eco about the programs, schools, how long it takes and all that fun stuff.  I didn't believe him but I always thought to myself if he is serious then this is why he is so talented.  He told me that people who go to school for woodworking spend the first 3 years sharpening..  I believe him.  Does that sound right Eco?  It makes sense, it takes a while to master something.  There is probly different schools and such that do things differently.  

I like how they do this in Europe.

Sharpening is one of your duties. I actually learned how to sharpen bandsaw blades, hand saws and such...doesn't mean I was good at it  ;D  But you also get send out to get the airbubble fixed in the level : in other words they play a lot of practical jokes on you  ;D

My brother is not the most tool savvy guy in the world as he spent half a day in shop looking for a "left handed" monkey wrench someone told him to find until some old hand told him he had been on the receiving end of a joke... ;D

 

[iandoug]

Despite Festool Germany's indifference to manuals, I have to say that the quality of these forums reflects the quality of the Festool product.  I have learnt an immense amount on Festool equipment by subscribing to these forums and would like to thank all those forum members who contribute such useful information.

 

[peter halle]

Despite Festool Germany's indifference to manuals, I have to say that the quality of these forums reflects the quality of the Festool product.  I have learnt an immense amount on Festool equipment by subscribing to these forums and would like to thank all those forum members who contribute such useful information.

First,    [welcome]  to the FOG.  There is a lot of information here and elsewhere.  If we can possibly help with questions or possibly provide guidance, please ask.  If you can help others, please share.  There are lucky to have such a pool of willing contributors and visitors.

Peter