track saw clamps that don't stick out the bottom

[treesner]

does anyone make a track clamps that stick up the top not the bottom? I cut plywood on a piece of foam board on the ground which means i can't use the popular dewalt quick clamps because they stick out the bottom. I was looking at the rapid clamp which is much flusher but still hangs down a bit with the trigger

 

[ear3]

I'm trying to imagine what that would even look like -- and even if you were to engineer something wouldn't it only work if mounted at the very ends of the rail?

As far as I know, the FS rapid clamps are the lowest profile available.

EDIT: I suppose one workaround would involve efficient positioning of the workpiece and rail on the foam.  So, for example, you put the trigger portion on the front of the rail, and the workpiece on the foam such that the front of the board is basically flush with the edge of the foam.  That way you gain a bit extra space for working the trigger action.  If the other part of the clamp is too thick, I suppose you could engineer your own, lower profile stops that can slide into and then be secured in the t-track on the underside of the rail.  That just seems like an awful lot of work, though.  Are you dealing with an operation where you have to clamp the rail?

 

[antss]

Seems to me , what you're asking for would defies the laws of physics.

Rapid clamp is prob. your best bet.

 

[Svar]

A hold down clamp mounted on the bottom track of the the rail? EZSmart system uses these kind of clamps.
[attachimg=1]

 

[Bob D.]

What about the Festool Rapid Clamp. Still need some space below the workpiece but a lot less than the regular clamps.

 

[copcarcollector]

[member=57611]treesner[/member]

The Rapid clamp trigger end also swivels, so it is more compact on the bottom:

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

 

[copcarcollector]

[attachimg=1]

 

[Frank-Jan]

Depending of the smoothness/porosity of the material you are cutting, the gecko dosh set might work for you.
(I do not own the gecko dosh, I do have a rapid clamp, but I only use it when regular clamps won't work; it's very easy to overtighten, and when making cuts at an angle it can shift the rail when you're not carefull)

You can also make a DIY vaccuum clamp that hooks up to the rail similar to the gecko dosh. That way you can get a bit of the functionality of a mafell aero guiderail.
In the threads about the CT wings there are a few examples of how to build something like that using a piece of ply and some self adhesive foam tape as a gasket.

 

[Bob D.]

Has anyone fashioned a home-brewed version of the Gecko suction clamp?

 

[clark_fork]

I immediately thought of concrete blocks....  [eek]

...but recommend a change in work technique. Instead of  laying foam panel on the floor, add a folding Centipede work surface, then add a MDF panel, under the foam board. You can use standard clamps. If cutting the middle of a 48 inch panel, you can use a step ladder and kneel on the panel. The manufacturer claims a 4,000 load factor so no danger of collapsing the table.

Your knees will thank you for not crawling on a concrete floor. These Centipedes table are frequently on sale and it provides a handy work surface for many other projects.  Tip it on its side and it springs together folding up nicely for setting in the corner out of the way.

[attachimg=1]

 

[BigfootBuilder]

I'm sorry but dude, ad mentioned above, I'd suggest simply changing your work habits.

At cheapest do the above, or get a cheap folding pair of saw horses ad a piece of mdf/osb/anything flat and yielding to a saw blade and work up at waist height.

I couldn't be paid enough to continually work that low down for the sake of my back and knees, and I believe you'd find the same once you find yourself a good method working up higher, plus hey, then you can clamp away to your heart's content!!!

 

[Harry1561]

I've got to agree with BigfòotBuilder,  bring the work piece up off the ground, you'll never look back! ☺

 

[BigfootBuilder]

Ha [member=57611]treesner[/member] just saw that you're in SC, I'm actually doing a job down here (Live Oak) right now...

 

[treesner]

[member=57611]treesner[/member]

The Rapid clamp trigger end also swivels, so it is more compact on the bottom:

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

ahh nice! didn't realize it turned sideways, that should in fact work for me then as my track generally goes longer than the foam board. it's be convenient if the small end was 1/2 tall but i can work with it

 

[treesner]

A hold down clamp mounted on the bottom track of the the rail? EZSmart system uses these kind of clamps.
[attachimg=1]

these just slide down into the track? interesting idea

 

[treesner]

I immediately thought of concrete blocks....  [eek]

...but recommend a change in work technique. Instead of  laying foam panel on the floor, add a folding Centipede work surface, then add a MDF panel, under the foam board. You can use standard clamps. If cutting the middle of a 48 inch panel, you can use a step ladder and kneel on the panel. The manufacturer claims a 4,000 load factor so no danger of collapsing the table.

Your knees will thank you for not crawling on a concrete floor. These Centipedes table are frequently on sale and it provides a handy work surface for many other projects.  Tip it on its side and it springs together folding up nicely for setting in the corner out of the way.

[attachimg=1]

i already changed my work habit to this foam board on the floor and like it better than saw horses. i just pull the board out of my van and drop it straight down onto the foam board. don't have to muscle it up onto the saw horses that move around. after the first cut i'm generally resting my knees on the foam board which is comfortable. Don't have to hunch over the saw horses to make long cuts, just walk on the wood..

I'll look into these little stands though

 

[ChuckM]

...but recommend a change in work technique. Instead of  laying foam panel on the floor, add a folding Centipede work surface,
[attachimg=1]

I have two (the smaller size) from Lowe's. They are the most space-saving bench tops for assembly, cutting (including circle-cutting), nailing, layout etc., etc. Almost forgot the finishing table, too. When folded into the original bag, it takes up 10" x 10" space in a corner. Highly recommended if you have shop space issues for a permanent assembly table.

 

[Bob D.]

Too bad Festool doesn't have something like the Mafell Aerofix clamp system

 

[John Stevens]

This might work for you--http://www.veritastools.com/Products/Page.aspx?p=513

Need to substitute a t-nut type washer underneath so it will slide into the bottom track of the rail.  Hope the pics are clear enough.

--John

 

[Bob D.]

This might work for you--http://www.veritastools.com/Products/Page.aspx?p=513

Need to substitute a t-nut type washer underneath so it will slide into the bottom track of the rail.  Hope the pics are clear enough.

--John

I'd say that's about as low profile as you can get.