Which clamps?

[ianwalls]

Of the clamps that Festool offer, which do you wonderful people prefer? Mainly referring to guide rail clamps I suppose but feel free to mention any!

 

[jonny round boy]

Ian,

I mentioned this in Mac's thread about accessories. I prefer the screw clamps to the quick-action ones, for various reasons:

1. I've heard the quick-action clamps described as 'one-handed' clamps, which sounds good but in reality I don't find them to be any easier to operate one-handed than the screw clamps.

2. Movement - when the quick clamps are closed, there is some slight lateral movement in the pad. Not always a problem, but if you're clamping a glue-up it can sometimes cause the work to move slightly. You don't get this with the screw clamps.

3. Controllability - I find it very easy to judge the clamping pressure with screw clamps - not so with the quick clamps.

4. Price - Current list price on the screw clamps (489570) is GBP23.05 ex VAT per pair, versus the quick-clamps (491594) at GBP32.15 each. This makes each screw clamp around 64% cheaper than the quick clamp!

 

[honeydoman]

i agree.  however, there are a few times when the quick clamps are nice.  I have 2 quick and about 6 of the screw type.

 

[Nigel]

Ian,

2. Movement - when the quick clamps are closed, there is some slight lateral movement in the pad. Not always a problem, but if you're clamping a glue-up it can sometimes cause the work to move slightly.

Good point jonny,a pain,especially on clamps this expensive.

 

[Peter Hamilton-Scott]

They are expensive and I have two of each. When I use my TS55 I prefer the screw clamps for the guide rail for the same reason noted, namely, the quick release clamps can move the rail slightly away from the intended cutting line. When I use my OF1400 router I prefer the quick release clamps when I secure the work to the MFT/3 table. Both have valid uses.