Cheaper alternative to MFT fixed clamps?

[transatlantic]

Can anyone recommend any cheaper alternatives to the MFT fixed clamps (see picture)? They come in at around the £60 mark for 2 clamps, which seems a lot for what they are. I've also come across the Veritas wonder dogs at £25 per clamp, so not much cheaper.

I need something that works by not having to go all the way through the hole as I'll be using it with a replacement MFT top that I'm just going to clamp onto another bench.

http://www.axminster.co.uk/festool-fixe ... -sp-930273
http://www.axminster.co.uk/veritas-wond ... s-ax480180

 

[Rorschach]

Homemade cam clamps are probably the cheapest option, assuming you have scrap materials to make them.

 

[lurker]

Get a bit of thickish MDF
cut a rectangle about "3 holes long" x "2 wide"
Cut it diagonally to make 2 triangels

In one triangle about a third of the way along (closer to the fat end) drill a hole to accomodate a bit of dowel thats long enough to protrude well into the hole in the board and of a diameter that is "not tight"
Glue this flush with the MDF triangle surface and protruding out the other side

This is then pushed into a nearby hole, but will swivel
Then use the other triangle as a wedge against the workpiece
The swivelly bit will automatically square up due to the flat dog* the other side of the workpiece

*straight bit of wood with a dowel inserted

 

[petermillard]

There's the Walko quick clamp set that's very similar, and seems a little cheaper at €44, but VAT & carriage brings it up to €65, so barely worthwhile; for the sake of a fiver or so I'd buy the Festool ones - I did, and they're probably my most used clamps.

HTH Pete

 

[transatlantic]

Chears guys. I just remembered that my quick clamps have the ability to expand too, so gonna try that when I get home first.

 

[Setch]

https://www.instagram.com/p/_7qyu2Hm2P/

Gotta lathe?

 

[Marineboy]

I agree with Lurker. I am a bit of a Festool junkie but £60+ for 2 clamps? No way. I have simply cut a narrow rectangle of ply (about 4 'holes' long) corner to corner to make 2 right angle triangles then wedge them between the workpiece and 2 Parf dogs. Different size wedges and a few bits of scrap to pack out will accommodate any size of workpiece.