BF Adjustable Height MFT Workbench Build

[blaszcsj]

Started working on my new work bench the last couple weeks. I wanted to be able to adjust height of to to suit application ( loading/unloading/work height/infeed table, etc)

I started with a lift table I got on FB marketplace and modified it so it would not tip by welding on guides to trap the table cam followers. I then built a top and mobile base using 8020.

Attached 8020 table frame:
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Base construction:
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Base an table mock up:
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[blaszcsj]

Next I started on the storage base. The goal is to have retractable power and storage for air compressor and vacsys pump on one side. Then, have storage for systainers, dominos and sanding accessories on the other. It is a solid 300lbs now...

Next will be vacsys adjustable mounts, MFT top, and twin turbo end vise

Base construction:
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Sys storage added and Power routed:
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Vac Sys mocked up:
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[icecactus]

Awesome!

I am actually working on something very similar. I have a 64" x 24" scissor lift and am using the 1545 rails. I really like the idea of putting the lift on a cabinet. I hadn't thought of that, but my lift is over 800 lbs + ~200lbs more for the top. Not sure I would trust the cabinet to hold that up... and it wouldn't work for where i want to store it either. Probably going to end up putting the vac sys on a secondary cart or something.

Nice job, make sure you keep posting your progress!

 

[nicholam77]

Wow, this is a really cool bench build! Nice work.

 

[blaszcsj]

Been working on vacuum pod height adjustment. Below is second revision. Two plates that can slide up about 50 mm and below flush of the work top by about 20-25mm.

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[08G8V8]

Good idea. I recently got my VAC-SYS set and am looking to make a mounting solution to attach to my 8020 bench. Thanks.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[blaszcsj]

This weekend I managed to complete hose routing and drawer assembly/install. Starting to come together. Just need to repair a small blowout with some walnut inlay where the foot petal is.

Also love the tso Bigfoot. Made the machine super stable.

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[blaszcsj]

Finished the doors and trimmed out the base. All grain matched and added some teak inlay. Now just need to start working on the top.

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[blaszcsj]

Making progress. Finished the second pod mount and Vacuum bag laminated the top with Formica and cut it to final shape. Just need to ease edges, fasten done the top and add dog holes.

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[Joelm]

Wow, that looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing.

 

[nicholam77]

Incredible!

 

[4nthony]

This bench looks amazing and I would love to build something similar. Do you get any wobble from the scissor arms when using this? I've been looking on Marketplace but haven't yet found a lift to build around.

I've looked at options from Felder and Barth, but they seem like they are better used on the ground and not sitting on top of storage.

I wonder if a hydraulic cart would be stable enough? Or maybe this table option from the big box store?

I'm going to keep exploring this idea...

 

[onocoffee]

[member=75283]4nthony[/member] - there is another thread where the guys are discussing lift tables that might be helpful in your search:
https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/other-tools-accessories/lift-table/

 

[4nthony]

Perfect, thanks for the redirect!

They're talking about some of the other tables I was looking into so I will jump in over there. Cheers!

 

[Econoline]

Nicely done!
E.

 

[Vondawg]

Just another pat on the back here….very nice table and thanks for the pics on the build !

 

[Packard]

In our tool room at work, we had a tensile tester which our QC manager used to check welding setups.  We had a minimum tensile test for each welded item we produced.  Visual checks were not reliable.

There were two opposing jaws that would grip on opposite ends of the weld.  Depending upon the item we were testing the distance between the placement of the jaws could be 18” or 6” or any position in between. 

The tensile tester used a worm gear to adjust the distance.  Moving from one position to another could be a tedious task. 

Our QC Manager rigged a reversible motor to the worm gear along with reversible switch gear.  The change was greatly appreciated by all that used the tester.

Motorized scissor lifts start at about $300.00 and go up to several thousand dollars.  I suspect that rigging a belt driven motor would be in the skill set of most FOG members, and probably would be appreciated much like our tensile tester setup was.

I would note, that despite my suggestion to add a guard to prevent fingers from getting caught in the belt, none were ever installed (and no accidents were recorded).  I would suggest a guard if you decide to add the belt driven height adjuster.

For this application an airbag jack (about $100.00) would work also, but would require linear bearings to keep things aligned.