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Author Topic: Three MFT/3's to Make a Large Bench.  (Read 1283 times)

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Offline box185

  • Posts: 31
Three MFT/3's to Make a Large Bench.
« on: March 18, 2018, 05:20 PM »
This was an option I considered earlier. The interesting part may be cutting out the MFT/3 corner braces to allow longer rails to be attached continuously across the perimeter. There are many combinations using short and long rails and any number of MFT/3's.

The cross pieces under the MDF top were removed and replaced with 2 inch tall by 1/2" thick aluminum bar of the appropriate length. These pieces need to be strategically located to avoid interference with the 20mm holes, but that can be done if the length of the rails are also adjusted. The rails that were removed can be used on the perimeter, thus reducing the overall cost of this modification.

I'm not sure I would go this route if you don't already have a number of MFT/3's and really wanted a larger size bench, but it may be an option for someone. Since I don't have so many MFT/3's, I will likely make a custom bench with 8020 material and Kreg bench rails.

I apologize if my "metal work" offends any of the professionals on this forum. This was done as a prototype ( the corner piece was purchased as a spare part ) - I would bring the corner braces to a machine shop if I were to pursue this in the future.
« Last Edit: March 18, 2018, 05:24 PM by box185 »
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Offline Corwin

  • Posts: 2644
Re: Three MFT/3's to Make a Large Bench.
« Reply #1 on: March 18, 2018, 06:33 PM »
I'm not sure I see a need for the side profiles to be continuous.

Years ago I had a setup somewhat like your idea, but I used MFT corners and 4 of the long profiles to create a center table that connected between two stock MFT 1080s using MFT table connecters. This allowed me to mount a FS 1400/2 guide rail across the width, or a FS 3000/2 across the length with the stock guide rail brackets. But, this really proved less useful than just using a simple cutting table along with a pair of conjoined MFTs with a FS 1900/2 rail mounted. Two problems with such large tables are 1) your arms are only so long, and 2) positioning large/heavy sheets up against stops is less than ideal.

My recommendation is to use one or two MFTs for smaller to midsize workpieces. For cutting down full size sheet goods, use a simple cutting table (or just a sheet of pink foam) and an aftermarket set of parallel guides and a rail square like the TSO Guide Rail Square.
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Offline box185

  • Posts: 31
Re: Three MFT/3's to Make a Large Bench.
« Reply #2 on: March 18, 2018, 11:25 PM »
Quote from: Corwin on March 18, 2018, 06:33 PM
I'm not sure I see a need for the side profiles to be continuous.

I apologize. What I meant to say was regarding my goal to have a continuous top with accurately spaced 20mm holes since I am partial to using Parf Dogs. Once I saw Peter’s system, I knew that I would want to use it as well.

The three tables are not so oversized as to be uncomfortable; it’s really the length that makes a difference for me. It was an option that I considered, but a DIY bench is probably what I will end up with. I do not need the portability offered by the MFT/3.
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Offline Corwin

  • Posts: 2644
Re: Three MFT/3's to Make a Large Bench.
« Reply #3 on: March 19, 2018, 02:36 AM »
This looks to be a configuration that you intend to remain in position rather than fold up. If that's the case, know that the MFTs' rubber feet will deform after a time -- especially the adjustable feet. It would be far better to have adjustable feet -- and much better feet -- at each leg, not just the one per table.

I think that you would be much better off making your own base that is more of a single unit than starting from multiple MFTs. That way you eliminate any alignment and leveling issues that you would have otherwise. Search for jumbo MFTs here for plenty of good examples.

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