Best material for MFT top

[cliffp]

There was some discussion a while ago about the best type of fibre board to use in a replacement MFT top. People always talk about using MDF but I recall that Peter Parfitt mentioned HDF. Is HDF available in the UK in the correct thickness?

 

[festooltim]

I prefer MDO but I don't know if it's available in the UK.

 

[jamanjeval]

What about using bamboo plywood?

 

[cliffp]

Thanks for the replies. I think MDO is available in the UK but is relatively expensive. Bamboo plywood seems to be available but it seems you have to ask for a quote so it can't be common.

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Cliff,

Yes, High Density Fibre board is widely available in the UK. Try a Google search and look for outlets in your area or contact your local timber supplier. Neither of my two builder suppliers stock HDF but both will get it to order.

PM me if you need more help.

Peter

 

[Kev]

Topically ... I was looking at the bamboo Walko tops and thinking how cool it would be if you could domino a series of those together to configure an MFT/3 top. That way if you had a severely trenched track saw cutting path you could just replace a "slice".

 

[cliffp]

if you could domino a series of those together

I would have thought it would be difficult to join several pieces of wood together with sufficient accuracy that the matrix of holes had the alignment necessary to use the Parf dogs and obtain square cuts.

 

[Kev]

if you could domino a series of those together

I would have thought it would be difficult to join several pieces of wood together with sufficient accuracy that the matrix of holes had the alignment necessary to use the Parf dogs and obtain square cuts.

Not if you cut them accurately for width and drill them afterwards (I'm talking volume CNC accuracy, not a hobby job).

 

[jamanjeval]

To me, the MFT top looks like a laminate with HDF on the top and bottom and MDF in the middle. I can't find any one selling something like this. Maybe it is a specialty item or it is just what MDO or HDF this thick looks like.

What I don't like about the Festool top it is how sensitive it is to moisture. I've very carful with keeping moisture off of mine, but it does have a bit of moisture damage. The worst is from my sweaty forearms where I leaned on the table. I now have two raised, slightly furry strips.

When I need a new top, I'm going to try bamboo. While it probably won't make it any lighter, I believe it will be just as strong and a lot more moisture resistant.

If anyone uses bamboo, please write a post about your experience.

 

[waho6o9]

Seal the MFT with:
[attachimg=1]

 

[jamanjeval]

Thanks waho6o9 !

After applying it to the top, it won't transfer and sink into a work piece or cause problems with finish? (because it is oil, assuming it is something that doesn't dry since it is for food use on butcher blocks)

 

[grbmds]

Given the abuse most tops take over time with cuts and other stains and abrasions, a tiny bit of raised "grain" doesn't seem to make it worth it to seal the top or even worry about it. After all you have 2 sides. When one is no good anymore, use the other. On the FOG, I see many people who take the MDT to job sites. It's hard to believe that the MFT top doesn't get more "use" or "abuse" on the job site than it does sitting in a workshop. If there is a little raised grain, as long as the surface is not indented significantly, just sand it off with some fine sandpaper (like 180 or 220 grit). One of the Festool finish sanders would handle that with 220 grit and just one pass, but, if the spot is small and minor, just wrap some sandpaper around a small flat piece of wood and lightly sand it. I don't notice any moisture damage from me. I would not leave any wood sitting on top for any long period of time, though. I did that at first and found that there must be some moisture trapped underneath the wood which doesn't evaporate. However, that wood was sitting there for about 3 months while I recovered from surgery.

 

[waho6o9]

You're welcome!

"After applying it to the top, it won't transfer and sink into a work piece or cause problems with finish? "

No.

Remember to apply on all surfaces, then wipe it off with a
different rag and you're good to go.

 

[wow]

To me, the MFT top looks like a laminate with HDF on the top and bottom and MDF in the middle.

I'm pretty sure some HDF is made that way, i.e. it's a high-pressure surface density on both sides, but more-or-less MDF in the center.  i don't know if it's all made that way or not...

 

[jamanjeval]

It's hard to believe that the MFT top doesn't get more "use" or "abuse" on the job site than it does sitting in a workshop.

That is why I'm concerned: it goes in and out of the van when we work and is exposed to whatever the weather is. (the lasts time  my Festools saw home was when UPS delivered them) With the exceedingly small amount of moisture it took to raise the grain on the top, it would become almost unusable if it were caught in a heavy rain while carrying it; even if I wiped it off as soon as I got it in.

Sanding doesn't work so well for this material because unlike solid wood, it swells and becomes soft like cardboard when it gets wet. Maybe that Emmet's good stuff will solid it up a bit.

I hope whatever you had surgery on, the problem is now fixed. Houses are easy to fix. Bodies, not so much.

 

[grbmds]

It's hard to believe that the MFT top doesn't get more "use" or "abuse" on the job site than it does sitting in a workshop.

That is why I'm concerned: it goes in and out of the van when we work and is exposed to whatever the weather is. (the lasts time  my Festools saw home was when UPS delivered them) With the exceedingly small amount of moisture it took to raise the grain on the top, it would become almost unusable if it were caught in a heavy rain while carrying it; even if I wiped it off as soon as I got it in.

Sanding doesn't work so well for this material because unlike solid wood, it swells and becomes soft like cardboard when it gets wet. Maybe that Emmet's good stuff will solid it up a bit.

I hope whatever you had surgery on, the problem is now fixed. Houses are easy to fix. Bodies, not so much.

Rotator cuff and it is fixed. It was the best thing I ever did. I'm completely back to normal. I understand if you use it outside and on the job. I don't use it professionally. I am a woodworker, but it is in my shop and that's where it stays. I did put some oak on the top and it sat there and underneath the grain was raised but it could have been sanded off lightly and easily. I'm sure someone on the FOG will provide a good solution.

 

[Stone Message]

I put Osmo on mine, on the top and underneath the top. I can spill glue, tea, water and no problems at all. When I am putting Osmo on something that I am making I rub the excess out of the brush over the top before cleaning the brush.

Peter