Substitute for clamping elements

[MahalaHomecraft]

Anyone know of a good substitute for the festool clamping elements?  I'll probably buy them right before someone gives me a really good answer, but any input would be appreciated.  I've been experimenting with wooden wedges with rubber strips on them but have yet to come up with anything I'm happy with.

 

[leer]

I've been drooling over this set:

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=70681&cat=51

The clamps in the above set are surface clamps, rather than edge clamps, but Lee Valley has the "pups" below, although they are designed for 3/4" holes.  They might work OK in 20mm holes, or maybe just need a wrap of tape.  They have holes drilled in the head to attach your own faces.

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=62720&cat=1,41637,41645

 

[overanalyze]

I have been wanting something as an alternative option is well. I love the clamping elements but can't bring myself to order them...yet...

 

[jonny round boy]

The clamping elements are extremely useful, but it's one of those things that are really expensive, so you try to go on without them.

I didn't buy any for years, but then picked up quite a few sets on eBay when they were fairly cheap. At one stage I even found 2 sets hidden away that I'd forgotten that I'd bought! Ended up selling them on, as I had 4 pairs already. I've never found the 4 pairs to not be enough - I don't think I have enough holes in my bench to need any more than that!

Having said that though, they're great for work holding, and for holding stuff square during glue-ups, but I learned pretty quickly that they're not strong enough to use for clamping joints themselves.

Jonathan

 

[dltflt]

You could try these Lee Valley bench dog

 

[MahalaHomecraft]

I dunno, maybe I'm just being picky, but the lee valley ones appear to not be quick clamping... Like you have to tighten the screw all the way, and flat against the bench that's gotta be a pain.  Also you're only saving like $20 vs. festool.  It's just surprising to me that nobody else makes something that's exactly like the clamping elements with a different name on them.  I've also heard that the metal used in the bars of the clamping elements is pretty substandard, which with the $115 price tag is even more off-putting.  What I was mostly looking for was a homemade solution to the problem.

 

[stevep]

For a long time I have used a few home-made dogs (some brass, some HDPE, some aluminium) turned to 20 mm dia, and a selection of softwood wedges. I have now bought a clamp set, but have to say they aren't perfect - they tend to lift the work slightly as they are tightened, and the bar is made of something like cheese and after only a few uses is covered in burrs from the lock mechanism, which makes the clamping head stick instead of sliding smoothly into position. Not what I expected for £60.

 

[MahalaHomecraft]

This is the exact complaint I've been hearing.  For how much I would use these things, I wouldn't mind shelling out the cash but if like to at least know I'm getting a quality product.

 

[Rocky]

Try these: http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=67627&cat=1,43838,43845

 

[atlr]

I like this idea that was posted today.http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=29200.0

 

[JeromeM]

I've got both the clamping elements and the Veritas bench pups.

The clamping elements do their job, which is not to hold a joint for a glue up. I mostly use them to hold boards for sanding, cutting and when I use the domino.

The bench pups are a pain to use, shimming to 20mm isn't so easy and tightening them is slow.

 

[MahalaHomecraft]

Michael Garrett:  I saw those and they look nice, but with a plate on them so you can drop into a hole the center height is 1 1/4.  I was planning on using these mostly for 3/4" material

 

[Rocky]

I just tried mine mounted on the plate on some 3/4" stock and they work.  They do adjust for height.

 

[MahalaHomecraft]

Are you talking about the inline clamps?  Cause I'm looking specifically for something that clamps sideways.

 

[Rocky]

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

 

[MahalaHomecraft]

Thanks, don't know how I missed these.  1/4" isn't awhile lot I carry, but these will do the trick for a second set.  Think I'm still gonna hafta go with the clamping elements for the primary though

 

[amt]

I have been pondering the idea of modifying a one handed bar clamp for a while.  The clamp would be a "pusher" like the clamping elements, and it would need a 20mm dowel attached to one end or the other.  I just have not found a clamp that I think I can modify and work well.  Basically the only parts that would stay would be the pumping handle and the bar.  either the handle would need the dowel, or the other end.  And the remaining end would need a small pad, but not offset  rather inline with the bar) like most of the current one hand clamps have.

 

[amt]

My previous post idea was needlessly complicated.  Simply using a pair of one handed clamps in spread mode, laid flat on the mft top, secured with  with some veritas surface dogs should do the trick.

 

[leer]

I like this idea that was posted today.
http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=29200.0

That kidney-shaped clamping solution is great!  A simple solution for making an inexpensive edge clamp.  There are plenty of times when a surface mount clamp is just going to get in your way, particularly sanding small pieces.

 

[MahalaHomecraft]

Yeah I actually just saw that last night.  Ordering a set of qwas taper dogs and making one of my own.  This is exactly what I was looking for.