Which Festool Clamps?

[Jim Fancher]

Which clamps should I get for the Festool rail? Which ones do you have?

[Christian Aufreiter]

I bought the Guide Rail Accessories Systainer (http://festool.safeshopper.com/401/133.htm?990) that contains the FSZ 120 (http://festool.safeshopper.com/401/127.htm?990) clamp along with some other usefull stuff. The quick clamps might be easier to use but I never felt I need for them because I'm completely satisfied with the standard version.

Hope this helps,

Christian

[Neil Clemmons]

Jim,

I have both the FS-Z 120 clamps and the FS-HZ 160 quick adjust clamps. While I like the quick adjust clamps, at times they are not as flexible in use due to the room required to ratchet them tight. But if you have open space, they are quite handy.

You can buy 2 FS-Z clamps for the price of 1 FS-HZ clamp, so if money is a consideration, I'd buy the FS-Z units instead of the quick adjust units.

These clamps are very handy with the MFT table, the guide rails, and in general clamping situations.

Neil

[Jim Fancher]

I bought the Guide Rail Accessories Systainer (http://festool.safeshopper.com/401/133.htm?990)

Thanks Christian!

That kit definitely has all of the accessories on my "wish list". I may end up getting that. This stuff gets expensive. Someone tell me I'll forget the price the first time I make some sawdust. :)

[Jim Fancher]

Jim,

I have both the FS-Z 120 clamps and the FS-HZ 160 quick adjust clamps.

Thanks Neil, I was hoping someone that have both types would post. I'll be taking a real close look at Guide Rail Accessory kit this week.

[Jerry Golick]

Hi Jim,

I agree with Neil. I also have both types of clamps. If you are intending to get an MFT (which I would recommend) then the HZ clamps become very very useful. But if you only intend to use them with the guide rails then I think the Z's would work fine.

[Dave Falkenstein]

I looked at John's recommendations on woodshopdemos here:

http://www.woodshopdemos.com/fest-18.htm

and bought one pair of each that John suggested. The 3/4 inch clamps and bench dogs work really well, and are less expensive than some of the Festool alternatives. I got the Jorgenson clamps at Rockler and the others from Lee Valley, plus two from Festool, as shown at John's site.

[Ian Barley]

I have none. I find that for my use the "sticky" bottom of the rail keeps it in place. My use is all with the saw to date and I suspect that the situation would be very different with the router.

[Jim Fancher]

I looked at John's recommendations on woodshopdemos here:

http://www.woodshopdemos.com/fest-18.htm


Thanks Dave. I should have known to look at John's site. :) Always great info.