What I would like to see...

[Packard]

That looks like it would work, size-wise.  I am not a fan of reaching under the table to turn a knob.  My ideal would be a stiff, flat spring that I simply side in until it engages the plywood.  If the stamping die is efficient this is a $0.50 cost to manufacture.  It would also be light and small and easy to apply.

I don't think I need much pressure to keep the track from sliding.  A lot of guys don't bother to clamp, but I feel better about important cuts if the track is clamped.  A modest amount of pressure at both ends would probably be all I would need to feel secure about the track not shifting.

 

[Cheese]

I don't think I need much pressure to keep the track from sliding.  A lot of guys don't bother to clamp, but I feel better about important cuts if the track is clamped.  A modest amount of pressure at both ends would probably be all I would need to feel secure about the track not shifting.

If you're using a Festool track that is correct, I seldom clamp a Festool track down unless it's a very critical cut. Using a Mafell track however is another issue, I always clamp those down because they will move.

For Ron's [member=3192]rvieceli[/member] idea, I'd suggest substituting one of these quick release nuts. Tilt the nut slightly, slide the nut down to remove all play then tilt again and give it a quarter turn...nice & compact.  [smile]

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https://www.jwwinco.com/en-us/produ...MIk4-Elp628wIVkWpvBB3OuAGcEAQYASABEgKmBfD_BwE

 

[Neohio]

Why not modify a picnic table hold down to work?https://www.amazon.com/Tablecloth-C...073SC8J16/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=picnic+table+hold+down&qid=1633544950&sr=8-3

 

[Bob D.]

Those would work Cheese. I like the push-button style nuts too.
Kinda pricey but you only need two of them and not much more
than the tilt-nuts.

 

[Packard]

Why not modify a picnic table hold down to work?https://www.amazon.com/Tablecloth-C...073SC8J16/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=picnic+table+hold+down&qid=1633544950&sr=8-3

Actually, that is very close to what I had in mind.  But what do I use to attach to the track.  I can drill a hole in the clip.  No problem.  But what do I attach to it?  It looks like something that could retail for "two for $4.95" and sell.

But while that shape would seem to work, the 0.015" - 0.020" thickness would not seem strong enough.  I think it would have to grow to 0.030 - 0.040" + heat treating to spring temper + plating.  But still a very cheap part. 

The company I work for produces those types of stampings and in good quantities the clip part would cost about 10 to 15 cents each.  So even with the part that attaches to the track it probably would not cost more than a dollar to  produce.

 

[bertv]

I don’t think this is a problem at all. You line up the cutting edge, put a bit of pressure on the track and it will stay in place – IF the anti-skid strip is clean. If not, clean it and you’ll be fine.

 

[Packard]

saw dust, a by product of the cuts, does compromise the friction strips.  When I cut outdoors I don't use dust collection.  In the shop I do. 

I do cut outdoors fairly frequently as it is easier to carry cut pieces to my basement than it is to carry full sheets of plywood. 

 

[tallgrass]

Quote from: tallgrass on October 05, 2021, 08:30 PM
would not the quick clamp solve this problem since once clamped they fold sideways?

Yes, it does, that is a good point. The quick clamp applies pressure on the edge of the work not
the underside though doesn't it. Do you know how well it works with thin materials under 1/4".

I have used them on in thin stock. The best part of them is that they do not need access to the underside of the material being cut. They are easily adjusted as well as the ability to adjust the pressure that is applied. These clamps also pull the rail tight to the material being cut. Also there is the gecko clamp if you have "slippery " material. The quick squeeze clamps are fantastic and are often overlooked. The also work with "off" 90 degree cuts as well, due to the radius of the clamping or bearing surfaces.

 

[tsmi243]

How bout something like this?  Could bolt one to a rail connector, might work great.  Just need to snip off the first inch of the jaw on top. 

 

[Grev]

I have a pair of Festool track clamps.  But they have more capacity than I need and they are bulkier than I want. 

What I would like is a J-shaped casting that slid into the bottom of the track and had a opening of a little larger than 3/4" and gradually tapered down. 

So I would slide this small piece into the track until it engaged the sheet goods I am cutting.  Slide it in, give it a slight push to lock it, and then cut.  A light tap afterwards would release the clamp. 

I guess it could be tapered so that it would work for 3/4" to 1/4" thick board, but I would rather it be smaller and work for each size board.  They would slip into my apron pocket and be always available.  And fast. 

Does anyone think this will work?

I've been using these Powertec clamps for years now.. Inexpensive and they work in the guide rail track, as well as most brands of 1/4" T-Track.  These have about a 2 1/8" capacity, which is more than you want, but I often cut two 3/4" sheets of plywood together, so they work perfect for this.