1080 vs. 3

[BrotherNov]

I couldn't be sorry-er for asking this, because I'm sure it's been beat to hell already, but I've searched and searched and haven't found satisfaction.  I 'm about to pull the trigger on the TS 75 and MFT 3 combo, but I can save about $100 by buying the saw and MFT 1080 separately.  I really don't care about the $100 savings, I just need some confidence that the 3 is really better than the 1080. 

 

[sw1211]

Any future add ons will be designed specifically for the 3.  If you get the CMS and want to hook it to your MFT, you'll need the 3.  The angle guide (if that's the right name) on the 3 is much better.  If you want basic functionality and don't care about the bells and whistles or future MFT enhancements, the 1080 will work fine.  

 

[chrisrosenb]

I have both MFTs.
Both tables are fine if you are using them as work tables. The MFT3 is taller than the 1080.
If you will be using the table as a cutoff table, then the MFT3 is much better than the 1080.

 

[Bob Marino]

Also just to add that MFT/3's angle unit allows more useable work capacity than the 1080. If you are taller you may find the extra 3" in the MFT/3's height more comfortable.

Bob

 

[peter halle]

I'll keep it short.  Spend the $100.  The improvements in the design are worth it.

Peter

 

[honeydoman]

i agree buy the mft 3  do you need the larger saw or would the ts55 do as that would make up the difference.  I have both saws and I use the 55 90% of the time... however, I sometimes need to cut 1 3/4 doors off and the 75 does it with a breeze.  something to think about

 

[JohnDistai]

Per Swenson did a review of the 1080 vs. MFT/3 on one of the Festool sites.  I couldn't detail all of the advantages he noted with the MFT/3, but his conclusion was to buy the MFT/3, not the 1080.  It was a nice writeup, and worth searching out.

 

[TOOLMAN169]

I purchased the 1080 table and returned it after I heard festool was shipping the new MFT/3. The major improvements are the new 180 degree fence.  The fence rail can be set for thin or thick wood pieces. The top has inserts instead of screws. And the height is 3 inches taller. The V groove go's around the table so you can use your clamps on all 4 sides. The fence moves all the way back this gives you more rip capacity.

 

[Christian93117]

Here is a link to the review JohnDistai is referring to:

http://www.festoolusa.com/media/pdf/The-Festool-MFT-Grows-Up-by-Per-Swenson.pdf

 

[Brice Burrell]

BrotherNov, congrats on the first post! The only thing I'll add is be sure to check the availability of the MFT 1080 if you decide on one. 

 

[peter halle]

Christian posted the link for the review.

Here is a thread containing that review and questions and comments:  mft3-for-the-finish-carpenter

Peter

 

[BrotherNov]

3 it is, you guys are great, thanks so much!