My Custom MFT/3 and Router Table with Incra LS

[DWR]

I have been greatly inspired by the many creative solutions I've seen in this blog for incorporating an MFT/3 into a workshop. As a result, I'm sharing my own design in hopes that it may inspire in turn. Like many of you, I'm a hobbyist, my shop is small and I'm concerned about saving space while maintaining functionality and flexibility. I also wanted to take advantage of the Incra LS positioner and Wonder Fence.

Attached are a few pictures to show the basic features. I've seen some truly beautiful pieces of shop furniture in FOG, and some fairly rudimentary solutions. I suppose mine fits in somewhere in the middle. This is probably the 3rd version of this workbench. I've modified it several times as I've learned from its use. Of course, I welcome your comments and suggestions.



Picture 1: Setup for cross cutting using the LS fence. LS is mounted on 1/2" ply and secured with bench dogs and knobs from under the table.
Picture 2: Back side of MFT/3 setup for cross cutting. More systainer storage on the back side along with router table dust collection.
Picture 3: Front of MFT/3 showing systainer storage and router table. Router table is actually a separate unit on adjustable feet so I could level it absolutely with the top of the MFT.
Picture 4: Setup for using the router table with the Incra LS. It takes me about 30 seconds to reverse the direction of the LS, using the same dogs to secure it but using different holes in the MFT/3 top, in order to switch uses.
Picture 5: Incra dust collection box and storage under the router.
Picture 6: Back side setup for router table use. DC connects to the Incra box under the table and the router fence.
Picture 7: End of the MFT/3. I built a sliding shelf, under the MFT/3 top, to have a place to put the TS55 when I'm not using it. The shelf also serves as an outfeed support by placing a stand on the shelf to equal the height of the table.

[Rusty Miller]

Nice job.  This is something I've been planing for a while, every since I saw the setup that Rich McCabe came up with.  It would free up a lot of space in my shop by combining a router table and mft into one setup.  Thanks for the pics.

Rusty

[DWR]

Could you post a link to rich mccabe's post? Thanks, David

[Rusty Miller]

Try this: http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/festool-1080-project-with-moxon-vise/msg306086/#msg306086

Rusty

[DWR]

Thanks very much for the link. Yup, looks similar. Very nice design. Not sure why the router table is so narrow. Wouldn't work for many of my projects.

[BC6738F5BCE98B4]

You have inspired me.

How did you mount the MFT/3 to the wood frame?  I have a 1080 which has short legs, for use like this, but I would want it to be locked down to the unit when working with saw, router etc.

[Rusty Miller]

Not taking over for David, but it looks like most of the mfts mounted on a homemade stand have a small block of wood on the inside corner of each foot of the mft mounted on the stand to keep the mft from moving.

Rusty

[DWR]

Rusty is right. I built a torsion box bottom platform, then built a low cabinet on top of that, then built the router table as a separate unit, then simply wedged the MFT/3 between the router table and wooden blocks at each foot. It is simple yet effective. The MFT never moves.