The Return of 80/20

[cdwaund]

So ... after diligently searching the FOG and finding posts back to 2008 on using 80/20 (or similar) aluminum profiles for benches/mods/jigs/tables, here's where I am:

I'm 80% certain that the 20 series (20 mm profiles) T slots are not compatible with the Festool clamps.  ;D

Seems the consensus is the 15 and 40 series' (larger profiles = larger slots?) are the only ones which fit -- with some reports of the 15 series being sloppy ...

Could someone please confirm?  I was hoping to use something less beefy, and wanted two clamping faces at 90% to each other.  I may need go with two lengths of T-Track dadoed that way.

Thx to all - it's great to have the "tribal knowledge" coming from this board.

 

[Jwade19990]

I can confirm that the festool quick clamps fit the 1530 series.  I wouldn't call it a sloppy fit.  Let me know if you have any other questions about the 1530 series.

Josh

 

[jbasen]

You are correct that the 20 series extrusions are just a hair tight for the Festool Quick Clamps to fit.  The problem is the angles at the back side of the T-slot.  That being said, a few minutes with a file and a few passes with some silver spray paint to cover the bare metal and the quick clamps can be easily modified to fit.

I used 20 series extrusions around the top edge of my home-made MFT and I have no problems with my modified quick clamps.  The modification to the quick clamps doesn't affect their performance in a guide rail.