Makita clamps, Festool track

[Steve Maskery]

Does anyone know if the Makita saw track clamps fit the Festool tracks? I'm inclined to think that they do, but it would be handy to hear from someone who has used the two interchangeably. I'm buying a sink from a company that also sells the clamps, and whilst I've never had any problems with tracks slipping, they do seem to be a good belt-and-braces sort of approach. I'm inclined to just add them to my basket, and for once in France, they are not at a price that necessitates me selling a kidney.
Any experiences?
S

 

[Spectric]

Are you looking at the screw clamps or the lever clamps ?

 

[Windows]

I have Festool track & Makita screw clamps They are currently not in the same location, so i can’t double check, but I think that the bars on the Makita clamps were just a smidge fat for the Festool track. However, I’d recommend the Axminster quick track clamps as a better cheaper option anyway for track use; you really don’t need much clamping force.

Axminster Quick Action Guide Rail Clamp - 160 x 60mm

This quick action clamp has a specially designed spigot to fit into the slot on the underside of a power tool guide rail. The spigot is compatible with the following guide rail systems, amongst others: Festool FS, Makita, Milwaukee, DeWalt, Kreg and...

www.axminstertools.com

Of course they’re out of stock

Amazon reviews say the Makitas are compatible with Festool so my clamps or my memory might be aberrant.

 

[Steve Maskery]

Thank you both. The clamps I am referring to are these:

https://www.manomano.fr/p/makita-pins-a-vis-pinces-pour-rail-de-guidage-2-pieces-1-paire-194385-5-33403406

S

 

[Mike]

Here is an ancient thread on the Festool Owners Group that indicates the Makita clamps will work with the Festool tracks with minor filing.

Clamp Compatible with Festool Rails

Not sure if this has been posted somewhere previously (if so please feel free to delete my post). I got Makita clamp set from Busy Bee Tools which fit almost perfectly Festool guide rail (some very minimal filing is required to make it slide smooth). Paid $23 Canadian (they ship to US as well)...

festoolownersgroup.com

Amazingly enough the reference in the 13 year old post is still valid and is the same set of clamps you referenced:

Buy Clamp Set For Sp6000x1 at Busy Bee Tools

1943855 Clamp for SP6000X1 Slides into channels located on underside of Guide Rail Hidden design results in no interference with movement of SP6000 Attaches in seconds! Prevents Guide Rails from shifting when placed on smooth materials Can be adjusted along the length of the Guide Rail based on...

www.busybeetools.com

 

[Eric the Viking]

They should fit.
The only significant difference between the two tracks is the extra flange right at the back (on top) for Makita's anti-tip feature. The slot underneath is, I think identical between the two brands, both in dimensions and position.

All my rails are Makita, but oddly, when I wanted clamps, the Festool ones (Acme thread version) were significantly cheaper. So I got those, and they fit pretty snugly, implying the Makita ones shouldn't be oversize in Festool rails.

 

[Pete Maddex]

The Evolution clamps fit.

Pete

 

[Steve Maskery]

Thank you all. I've added them to my order (including the kitchen sink...).
S

 

[Windows]

Here’s pics next to the Festool equivalent if that helps. I think the shorter bar on the Festool makes them easier for MFT use, but longer is better for rail clamps. I do like the Makita and that’s a good price for them.

 

[Steve Maskery]

Just to wrap this up, and for the benefit of the Search Engines...
My Makita clamps arrived today and they fit my Festool tracks perfectly, without fettling.
S