Comments on: The Leigh Super FMT: getting to know it — Part 2, the clamp plate, and workholding in general http://sandal-woodsblog.com/2009/12/08/the-leigh-super-fmt-getting-to-know-it-%e2%80%94-part-2-the-clamp-plate-and-workholding-in-general/ Woodworking with passion - The woodworking blog and podcast of Al Navas Thu, 01 Dec 2011 23:29:11 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Al Navas (Sandal Woods)http://sandal-woodsblog.com/2009/12/08/the-leigh-super-fmt-getting-to-know-it-%e2%80%94-part-2-the-clamp-plate-and-workholding-in-general/comment-page-1/#comment-3350 Al Navas (Sandal Woods) Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:44:40 +0000 http://sandal-woodsblog.com/?p=5558#comment-3350 Don, . 1. Not surprisingly, the accuracy is the same, whether the FMT Pro or the Super FMT is the chosen machine. . 2. I got additional clamps for the FMT Pro (as I show in the photo below), to make clamping more convenient, especially with heavier pieces. And as I have been using the Super FMT, I also believe that extra clamps will help, especially if many pieces will be machined: <img src="http://sandal-woodsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/workholding-clamps.png"/> . 3. The extra holes in the clamp plate do not interfere in any way - in fact, they really help to optimize the clamping arrangement. . 4. The clamp plate repositioning is really not a big issue, as it only takes about 5 seconds to reposition accurately. I probably made it sound worse than it really is. I have a suggestion I will cover in my next installment - holiday visits slowed me down somewhat, but I will be back soon. Don,
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1. Not surprisingly, the accuracy is the same, whether the FMT Pro or the Super FMT is the chosen machine.
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2. I got additional clamps for the FMT Pro (as I show in the photo below), to make clamping more convenient, especially with heavier pieces. And as I have been using the Super FMT, I also believe that extra clamps will help, especially if many pieces will be machined:


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3. The extra holes in the clamp plate do not interfere in any way – in fact, they really help to optimize the clamping arrangement.
.
4. The clamp plate repositioning is really not a big issue, as it only takes about 5 seconds to reposition accurately. I probably made it sound worse than it really is. I have a suggestion I will cover in my next installment – holiday visits slowed me down somewhat, but I will be back soon.

]]> By: Don Brubakerhttp://sandal-woodsblog.com/2009/12/08/the-leigh-super-fmt-getting-to-know-it-%e2%80%94-part-2-the-clamp-plate-and-workholding-in-general/comment-page-1/#comment-3347 Don Brubaker Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:20:40 +0000 http://sandal-woodsblog.com/?p=5558#comment-3347 Al, Very interested in your review of the Super FMT. Almost purchased the FMT Pro just as it raised in price by about $200! I'm most concerned about the comparison between the two. It seems obvious that at about half the cost it would be less of "something" (accuracy, quality, usability, etc.). Though so far your review seems to say that it is virtually identical. One thing that seemed to come out in your 2nd part here was about the clamping. Sounds like it is secure, but the "ease" of clamping doesn't seem to be there as with the FMT Pro? Also wondering if the many holes may interfere with the clamping in the sense you have to avoid a hole when establishing the final clamp position? The repeatability of the clamp face swinging out and back in sounds like a potential issue. Wondering if I should just save up for "the real thing" (FMT Pro)! Thanks for your reviewing. Don Al,
Very interested in your review of the Super FMT. Almost purchased the FMT Pro just as it raised in price by about $200! I’m most concerned about the comparison between the two. It seems obvious that at about half the cost it would be less of “something” (accuracy, quality, usability, etc.). Though so far your review seems to say that it is virtually identical.
One thing that seemed to come out in your 2nd part here was about the clamping. Sounds like it is secure, but the “ease” of clamping doesn’t seem to be there as with the FMT Pro? Also wondering if the many holes may interfere with the clamping in the sense you have to avoid a hole when establishing the final clamp position? The repeatability of the clamp face swinging out and back in sounds like a potential issue.
Wondering if I should just save up for “the real thing” (FMT Pro)!
Thanks for your reviewing.
Don

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