Standard Clamps or Quick Clamps for TS-55R Guide Rails?

Ed Bray

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Dec 29, 2014
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I am about to place an order for a TS-55REQ with 2x 1400 Rails, 1x 800 Rail, Rail Bag, 2x Joining Strips and some clamps.

I notice there are 4 types of Clamps sold by Festool for their guide rails, these are Festool 491594 Steel Lever clamp (£35 each), Festool 489571 Fastening screw clamp (£32 pair), Festool FSZ120 Fastening screw clamp (£25 pair) and Festool 489790 Quick-action clamp (£31 each).

What would users of this system recommend, and why? I would prefer to order all I might require at once to cut down on shipping costs.

Or, are there any other options that will suit (possibly less expensive or has better features)?

TIA, Eddie.
 
In addition to the four Festool clamps you mentioned, all of which I own and use, I highly recommend Festool clamping elements once you have a MFT/3 multi function table.

Screw Clamps 489571 are the long version for clamping very thick material. I find them handy, but generally they are not vital.
 
For clamping the rail down to boards/surfaces, I actually prefer the the Dewalt track saw clamps, which fit the Festool track just as well as the Dewalt track:

http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWS5026-TrackSaw-Track-Clamps/dp/B001J31PJM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422191799&sr=8-1&keywords=dewalt+track+saw+clamps

In addition to being cheaper, they have a trigger/squeeze action (like Irwin quick-grip clamps), which minimizes the chance of rail movement when you're trying to keep the rail aligned to a scribe line as you're clamping.

You also have the option of the FS Rapid clamps, when for whatever reason you don't have clamping access to the underside of the material being cut.  Since I have an MFT I don't use them that often, and they actually mostly come in handy when I'm doing guided routing, but on those occasions when they are needed, they are irreplaceable.  If you don't have an MFT or a homemade equivalent, however, you may actually find the Rapid clamps more useful:

https://www.festoolusa.com/power-tool-accessories/guide-rails/clamps/fs-rapid-clamp-and-fixed-jaws-489790

And if you are in the market for clamps to go with the MFT, keep in mind that there are some alternatives to the Festool clamping elements -- which are fantastic, but a bit pricey.  Lee Valley/Veritas makes what they call the Bench Blade.  I actually just got a pair last week, and so far I'm very happy with them, particularly because they have a lower profile than the clamping elements.  I haven't put them through all their paces yet, though, so I can't testify as to their full range of uses or long term endurance.  Not sure if you can get them across the pond, however:

http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.aspx?cat=1,41637&p=64685

 
Hi Ed

I have two types of Festool clamps that I could not work without.

The first is the Lever Clamp (491594) which is the one that I use with the guide rail and is in answer to your question. They are particularly good because....

  - Easy to operate one handed
  - perfect for an arthritic chap like me
  - ideal companion to the guide rail
  - ideal companion to the MFT3
  - really well made

The other clamp which I use all the time when working at the MFT3 or at one of my other benches is the Fixed Clamp (488030). They are not cheap but once you have used them you will forget the price. They are good because...

  - Easy to operate
  - ideal companion to the MFT3 or any bench with a 20 mm hole pattern
  - ideal for holding wood whilst sanding or routing
  - often useful with impromptu jigs
  - can be used in pairs to hold odd shaped items

I know the dealers hate this but if you are buying a reasonable amount of kit then try and either get a modest discount or a couple of accessories thrown in. That is how I got my second pair of the lever clamps.

I have been advised to get, and will sometime soon, the Quick Action Clamp (489790) which is, I am told, brilliant with the guide rail.

Peter
 
Ed Bray said:
I am about to place an order for a TS-55REQ with 2x 1400 Rails, 1x 800 Rail, Rail Bag, 2x Joining Strips and some clamps.

I'd suggest that you consider getting the "holy" rails (496939) rather than the standard 1400mm rails.  In NA, they're the same price as the standard rails, but give you the ability to use the LR 32 system. 

 
As above! I've got them all except the rapid clamps which I will purchase sooner or later.

Lest us not forget about proper dust collection too! How's about a Midi to keep your shop (and your lungs) healthy and clean?
 
I've got three sets of clamps. The DeWalt Track saw clamps, the Festool screw clamps, and the Festool Quick Clamps. A little back story - I bought the DeWalt clamps because they were inexpensive having just dropped serious money on a TS-55REQ, CT-Midi and a 75 and 42" rails. Should have negotiated as Mr. Parfitt mentioned (never even thought about it - silly me). Regardless, I found fault with the DeWalt clamps immediately and wished I never bought them. They are great for the rails but the shortcomings occur if you are using an MFT (Festool's or a homemade MFT as I have). They don't fit into the 20mm holes on the bench top (not without some modifications - that's another story). I then bought the Festool screw clamps and life was good....Until I bought a Festool quick clamp just yesterday.... Life is just WAY better now - I finally plunked down the money. The moral of this story is.... Get a pair of the Festool Quick clamps. Expensive up front but ($38USD each) but the real value will make itself known immediately when you buy or make your own MFT... And you will buy or make your own MFT sometime in the near future after using your TS-55 and not because you'll need it, but because you'll want more Festool stuff.
 
It depends . I would start off with the screw clamps then buy the rest as needed
 
ChrisK1970 said:
As above! I've got them all except the rapid clamps which I will purchase sooner or later.

Lest us not forget about proper dust collection too! How's about a Midi to keep your shop (and your lungs) healthy and clean?

+1 here, if you don't have a plan for dust collection right now then I would definitely invest in a CT right out of the gates. I cannot begin to describe the difference a dust collector makes, especially with the TS saws. You could always cut out one of the rails and a few of the clamps for the sake of price, and grab the TS/CT combo to save another 10%.

As far as clamps go, I love the Quick Clamps, I use them for nearly everything along with my Bessy screw clamps.
 
Thanks all for the prompt replies folks with your thoughts and recommendations.

Yes, we can get the Veritas blades here, similar price too allowing for exchange rates.

I am ordering a MTF cnc copy top 1200 x 600 which has had good reviews by those who have previously purchased one.

Sparktrician said:
I'd suggest that you consider getting the "holy" rails (496939) rather than the standard 1400mm rails.  In NA, they're the same price as the standard rails, but give you the ability to use the LR 32 system.

Not so here unfortunately, there is about £25 difference ($37) per rail and I'm doubtful that I will actually use the holes.

ChrisK1970 said:
As above! I've got them all except the rapid clamps which I will purchase sooner or later.

Lest us not forget about proper dust collection too! How's about a Midi to keep your shop (and your lungs) healthy and clean?

As well as my 2x 100mm Shop extractors I have a Karcher MV3P which I use for my portable tools, seems to work very well.

I think I am going to go with a pair of the Festool 491594 Steel Lever Clamps but they are not cheap here £35 ($52) each and a set of Festool 488030 Fixed clamps £63 ($95).
 
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