Axe sharpening station with SYS-MFT - Updated with 3-D printed V-blocks

[dwillis]

I was looking for a way to set up a portable axe sharpening station and naturally thought of Festool because of their extensive selection of axes and sharpening tools. Okay, not really, but using a SYS-MFT and some clamps I came up with a simple and IMHO an elegant solution. Instead of a lengthy and unnecessary explanation I’ll let the photos speak for themselves. Plus I can store all of the sharpening tools in the SYS-MFT.

So far I’ve successfully used this setup for the small Husqvarna Woods axe and no problems. One possible addition would be several “V” groove blocks for the clamps, but the configuration as shown works,

 

[Bob D.]

Nice, looks like it will do the job.

As I look at your photos though I am wondering why FT, or no one for
that matter that I know of, has made a clamp or an attachment for a
clamp designed to more firmly grasp a round object. That flat, swivel
foot is not the best, but a V-shaped piece that snapped on the foot in
place of the plastic pad might be a big improvement.

If I had a 3D printer I think this would be a good candidate. A block with
a V groove on one side and a T slot on the opposite side for the foot to
slide into.

 

[dwillis]

Bob- I’m looking forward to buying a couple of swiveling v-blocks that snap onto the FT clamps from you, I think that’s a great idea.

dwillis

 

[Bob D.]

Bob- I’m looking forward to buying a couple of swiveling v-blocks that snap onto the FT clamps from you, I think that’s a great idea.

dwillis

Ok, well you will have to wait until I spend a couple thou on a 3d printer so I can make a $1 part.

But really, I plan to give this a go and make a couple w/o a 3d printer just to see if they will work.
I think it won't be too hard to make them. I have been thinking about this and I think I could use
a T-slot bit in the router to make the slot for the foot and cut the V groove on the table saw or router
table with a 45 chamfer bit.

 

[dwillis]

A friend of mine in the UK took up the challenge for my portable sharpening system and using a 3-D printer and ABS plastic printed V-blocks that attach to the swivel foot on Festool screw clamps. I've attached several photos showing one application (my axe sharpening station). It's a simple design and is more secure than applying the clamps directly to the axe handle (and safer too).

It would be interesting to see what other Festool users come up with for 3-D printed tool modifications.

 

[grobkuschelig]

Neat.

 

[Bob D.]

Oh man, that is brilliant! It works better than what I was thinking of for what you want to do. I was thinking of the V-block on the fixed end, but putting it on the screw works great for clamping to an MFT style work top.

Nice work! You are very inventive.

 

[dwillis]

Thanks, but I'm crediting my friend in the UK with the ultimate design and execution. I was going for a square (cube) V-block, but he simplified and improved on that approach by making the V-block round. In addition it takes less time and material to produce.