NEW! Faster Search Option

Loading
Home › Forums › Fine Woodworking Knots › Jigs, Fixtures, Tips & Tricks

homemade version of Festool Clamp Elements?

neobassman's picture

homemade version of Festool Clamp Elements? (post #165801)

neobassman on Fri, 03/18/2011 - 20:05
in

I attended the Chantilly woodworking show last weekend and saw the Festool Clamping Elements (#488030) in use.  I really liked these clamps, particularly the quick-lock feature (see pic).  I really like the quick lock feature - it is so much efficient than screw-type devices like the Veritas Wonder Pup (which I have), and they are low profile to sit below 3/4" stock.  Not surprisingly, the Festool product is expensive at just under $100 for a pair (two clamps and two dogs).  I am considering trying to make somethiing myself that provides the same quick clamping function. Has anyone made (at home, in your shop) a similar low-profile, quick-clamp device for bench dog holes?  (Pictures courtesy of Festool Owners Group)

-A +A
Jigs-n-fixtures's picture

Caulk gun (post #165801, reply #1 of 3)

by Jigs-n-fixtures in reply to neobassman [original] on Sat, 03/19/2011 - 17:17

Start with a caulk gun.  Nice cheap one from the lumber yard or HomeDesperate. Like this

http://www.amazon.com/Smooth-Rod-Caulk-Gun-Gal/dp/B000KKPEII/ref=sr_1_15?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1300579920&sr=1-15

Costs a few dollars,  Pull off the tube holder part, and attach a peg on the side.

neobassman's picture

Interesting idea.  I wonder (post #165801, reply #2 of 3)

by neobassman in reply to Jigs-n-fixtures [original] on Wed, 03/23/2011 - 07:17

Interesting idea.  I wonder if I can use the guts as the starting point for a low-profile version in some way.  I was considering making something out of wood, with a cam-lock of some sort,

Reg66's picture

low profile cam clamps (post #165801, reply #3 of 3)

by Reg66 in reply to neobassman [original] on Thu, 03/24/2011 - 09:55

Slice ~~ 1/4" thick discs from dowels, say, 1 to 1 1/2 dia. and drill and countersink a through hole off-center. Mount work on an expendable substrate (plywood, osb, etc) and hold it in place with the cams using a power or hand  screw driver rotating the disc against the workpiece. Four will hold a rectangle very firmly. Make 4 to try it out, then make a hundred more. [With credit to Bobj3 at Router Forums]
Regis