What Festool Did You buy Today?

[Mike Goetzke]

Is there a work around or solution to this potential issue?

I have seen some aftermarket sub bases that are compatible with P-C bushings. Also, if you are fine using the Festool snap-in bushings there are a few YT videos showing how to remove the roll pins that lock the base in place and then re-centering it.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

There are quite a few on the market, that are drilled to fit nearly anything (at least in the typical big box brands)
You can make one yourself too. This one fits both OF1010 and 1010. However, it does take a bit of plunge depth away from you. The good thing is that the little bit of extra distance will keep the collet from contacting the bushing, at full plunge.

 

[leakyroof]

The affordable FS EZ 150 clamp set. I wanted to try them for use with the track rails as a different clamping method than the Festool Ratchet type clamps I’ve used for years. Also bought the now NLA RS2e sanding pad, the store had one in the back at the location I was at. That’s what the hunt entails at times for no longer available consumables for our Tools.

 

[MacBoy]

The affordable FS EZ 150 clamp set.

Where did you find it to be affordable?

 

[leakyroof]

Where did you find it to be affordable?

The price is better than usual for a Festool product, and it’s a pair of clamps versus just a single clamp . The clamps are reversible in motion, designed for the Track Rails and easy on the hands from what I’m seeing with my set.
I’m guessing the price here in the US is a fixed point for all dealers, so no discounts , which is totally normal for Festool.

 

[Cheese]

Where did you find it to be affordable?

The current Festool price is reasonable for genuine Festool items. These clamps are very similar to what I use on the Mafell rails when I use the MT 55. I specifically purchased the FS EZ clamps to use with my TS 55 because of how easy the Mafell clamps were to use with the Mafell rails.,
Festool clamps...$48...Mafell clamps...$137...what's in your wallet?

 

[onocoffee]

I remember waiting with anticipation for the clamps. And then the Shaper Origin Roadshow came to town and they were using Shaper Clamps - which are nearly three dollars cheaper. I got to play around with them a little and liked them. Would Shaper branded clamps be cool? Maybe.

Then one day, while I was at another Shaper dealer, I saw the box of Shaper clamps and it said "Made by Bessey." Huh? Bessey? Not TTS? So I looked it up and the Bessey EZT One-Handed Table Clamps are the same - but in red trim.

So the choice was now the kinda cool and quirky grey trim ($46), the classic Festool green trim ($48.76), or Bessey red trim for $32.99.

I thought it was a bit off because, sometimes, the Festool branded stuff isn't much (if at all) more expensive than the original branded items, like the isotunes earbuds or the Blackwing pencils and sharpener.

I ended up with a set of the Besseys.

Bessey EZR One-Handed Table Clamps - 2 Piece | One Hand Clamps | Woodcraft

Clamp securely with Bessey EZR one-handed table clamps. Designed for track saws and woodworking applications, these durable clamps provide firm grip and ease of use. Free shipping on select items or pick up in store.

www.woodcraft.com

 

[anthonymall]

The current Festool price is reasonable for genuine Festool items. These clamps are very similar to what I use on the Mafell rails when I use the MT 55. I specifically purchased the FS EZ clamps to use with my TS 55 because of how easy the Mafell clamps were to use with the Mafell rails.,
Festool clamps...$48...Mafell clamps...$137...what's in your wallet?

@Cheese @MacBoy @leakyroof if you might remember we didn’t get these in the states for about 6 months after the EU/UK. They were selling here in the US for $120+ up until a week before they actually were available here.

 

[Coen]

I ended up with a set of the Besseys.

Bessey EZR One-Handed Table Clamps - 2 Piece | One Hand Clamps | Woodcraft

Clamp securely with Bessey EZR one-handed table clamps. Designed for track saws and woodworking applications, these durable clamps provide firm grip and ease of use. Free shipping on select items or pick up in store.

www.woodcraft.com

These exert bending forces on the rail that the "normal" steel clamps do not.

 

[rmhinden]

I ended up with a set of the Besseys.

Bessey EZR One-Handed Table Clamps - 2 Piece | One Hand Clamps | Woodcraft

Clamp securely with Bessey EZR one-handed table clamps. Designed for track saws and woodworking applications, these durable clamps provide firm grip and ease of use. Free shipping on select items or pick up in store.

www.woodcraft.com

I now have about six of the Bessey EZR clamps. I used them as rail clamps, on my Shaper Origin workstation, and as small easy to use clamps. I find them very handy.

They seem to be exactly the same (except for price and color) as the versions that Festool and Shaper sells.

Bob

 

[leakyroof]

These exert bending forces on the rail that the "normal" steel clamps do not.

I think I get your concern, but what about compared to the older quick ratcheting style that Festool sold for a number of years?

 

[leakyroof]

@Cheese @MacBoy @leakyroof if you might remember we didn’t get these in the states for about 6 months after the EU/UK. They were selling here in the US for $120+ up until a week before they actually were available here.

Zero memory or knowledge of these clamps until I saw them online last week. I stopped looking at new tool releases when my wife lost her job since money was now a real issue.
So, no pouring over web sites for things I couldn’t afford at the time. No regrets either since I wasn’t aware of new offerings in detail.

Also not surprising that Bessey makes them, and they’re reworked for Festool.

 

[Coen]

I think I get your concern, but what about compared to the older quick ratcheting style that Festool sold for a number of years?

Which ones are those?

The FS-HZ 160?

Those don't exert any bending

The FS Rapid?

(and it's mirrored version)
They are still sold. And yes, they exert a little bending force on the rail, but not nearly as much as the FS-EZ 150

 

[leakyroof]

Which ones are those?

The FS-HZ 160?

Those don't exert any bending

The FS Rapid?

(and it's mirrored version)
They are still sold. And yes, they exert a little bending force on the rail, but not nearly as much as the FS-EZ 150

Yes, the HZs were the ones I have and used for years.

 

[SoonerFan]

The current Festool price is reasonable for genuine Festool items. These clamps are very similar to what I use on the Mafell rails when I use the MT 55. I specifically purchased the FS EZ clamps to use with my TS 55 because of how easy the Mafell clamps were to use with the Mafell rails.,
Festool clamps...$48...Mafell clamps...$137...what's in your wallet?

@Cheese thanks for bring up the Mafell clamp price. Every time Mafell prices come up here on FOG it makes me feel thrifty for purchasing Festool.

 

[Coen]

Yes, the HZs were the ones I have and used for years.

Zero bending. The line between the clamp halves are on a perpendicular line from the rail.

I have tried in the FS Rapid in store years ago. I wasn't convinced. I don't own the FS-EZ either. I have do the HZ's, the screw clamps in both lengts, the vacuum thingy.

 

[Cheese]

@Cheese thanks for bring up the Mafell clamp price. Every time Mafell prices come up here on FOG it makes me feel thrifty for purchasing Festool.

And so this discussion brings me to another question...is there another timber framer tool manufacturer that is more expensive than Mafell?

 

[SoonerFan]

And so this discussion brings me to another question...is there another timber framer tool manufacturer that is more expensive than Mafell?

Maybe Tiffany or Cartier started selling tools and took over as the most expensive tool brand. Beyond that I have not heard of a brand more expensive than Mafell.

 

[ReneS]

I have the Bessy clamps, and they do exert some bending pressure.

But I find i can minimize that pressure and get good clamping.

I like them.

 

[ReneS]

I grabbed a cordless TS 55 today off of Recon.

Two minutes later, I went back to take another peek, and it was gone, replaced by a Rotex.

Been wanting one for a while. Felt lucky to have gotten it right before it was pulled.

I'll be using a hose but look forward to not having the cord or cord straps snagging.