Can the MW1000 be made more stable with some sort of cross-bracing?
I looked at Peter Parfitts video for MW1000 and it looked a little "shakey" compared to MFT/3.
I'm trying to decide on a bench for home use in my garage - MFT/3 or MW1000?
I'm leaning towards an MFT/3 as its got the drop guide rail and square cutting as part of the kit which is not part of the MW1000 setup. You still have to spend extra on guide rails, dogs, squares etc to make square cuts. I don't intend to carry it around as I'm not a tradesman working on job sites.
Can someone sanity check and confirm my thinking is correct?
I was using an MFT/3 with the MW1000 extension in a very cluttered garage a few days ago. I placed as much kit as possible under the tables, found a spot for the extractor and I was up and running in no time. The two tables together were about as stable as you could expect with this type of set up. I don’t have any braces on my MFT/3’s but, the two tables seemed to make each other a little more stable.
I was actually able to do a spot of hand planing, which is a challenge with an MFT/3.
I really appreciated the top surface space, and it got the job done, and very well too.
I think on reflection, if I were you, I’d get an MFT/3, and maybe later add the extension, or even make one/some?
You could as you say, opt for the Parf guide system, mine has been a godsend. I make all my replacement MFT/3 tops, and custom size work stations. If you have the guide system, and are on site, with some MDF and a couple of trestles, you can knock up a very accurate cutting station in no time at all.
The MFT/3’s are great, and I have no regrets about buying mine, if you’re not in a real hurry though, making your own is both satisfying, and a lot cheaper. I’m lucky in that I have both.
Personally I would have the Parf guide system, regardless of whether I had my MFT/3’s or not, as it opens up so many opportunities.
So, I’d suggest, the MFT/3 or the Parf guide system, or both!