BF/MFT Build

[rmwarren]

Gregor - you might be surprised at the cost of the extrusions, I've found that it's the joint hardware that really adds up. Ryan used the same fastener I did on my version, hands down the cheapest option.

My, ahem, mere mortal scale version [big grin] has just over 30' of extrusion in it, buying in 8' sticks the cost for 1515 is around $5/LF. With joining hardware I'm probably in it around $250 + casters/plywood.

Matt - to your point on committing to a design, you cannot imagine how many times I've torn something apart and repurposed the extrusions...  [embarassed]

RMW

 

[AtomicRyan]

Thanks fellas. I appreciate the feedback.

As for 80/20 and cost, its not cheap... but building something like this is far cheaper then buying an MFT table from Festool. In fact, I think I have less in this BF/MFT than I do my MFT and thus far, it’s proven to be far more flexible. It’s just not portable.

I’m really, really enjoying this thing... and one of the biggest assets is the 80/20 and being able to clamp and add fixtures all over the thing. It’s just really modular.

 

[Rob Z]

Hey Ryan

I like that workbench, and also would love to build one like that if only I had the room.  Nice job on your build.

I think I recognize your shop from watching recently your Unisaw video.  I just bought a '68 Unisaw and plan to refurbish it.

 

[08G8V8]

Very nice work!  I've been wanting to build a MFT style bench and have been thinking of using 8020 material, but probably start out basic and upgrade features down the line.

I was going to ask how you did the details on the slots to allow for your clamps....then I saw your video describing it.  Lots of good info in your video...thanks!

 

[Dusty.House]

This is silly, but... How about a vintage dog hole placed machine lamp? It’s actually pretty handy...

Nice lamp! Did you buy it online?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It’s a restored 1940s era Craftsman (I think?) machine lamp.

Nice! I wondered why I couldn’t find it on Amazon

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Bob D.]

"Nice! I wondered why I couldn’t find it on Amazon "

Yeah, Amazon doesn't have a time machine...that we know of.

 

[AtomicRyan]

And finally, part 2:


Turns out there's gonna be a part 3... and I think that one will be more interesting than these first two simply because it's about fences, guild rail pivots, met accessories, etc... That's my hope anyhow...

 

[nclemmons]

Excellent video, Ryan!

What did you determine was the reason for the CNC variability on the first top?

Glad you were able to resolve it with your supplier.

Thanks for sharing!  Really like the design and the large drawers / double Systainer approach,

neil

 

[AtomicRyan]

Excellent video, Ryan!

What did you determine was the reason for the CNC variability on the first top?

Glad you were able to resolve it with your supplier.

Thanks for sharing!  Really like the design and the large drawers / double Systainer approach,

neil

Actually, it was my first TWO tops that were inaccurately cut. Both came off of different CNC machines and both were operated by different guys. It was weird and I still don't know what the issue was. The holes weren't consistent or accurate throughout the table top. Some were round at the top of the hole and got oblong towards the bottom and others were oblong all the way through.

Both of those tops were cut from Plum Creek MDF - a really, really high quality product. I thought maybe this material was the problem, but I did some test cuts using my little toy CNC and had no problems at all machining it.

My third top was cut at a lumber yard north of me called Fine Lumber and Plywood. They don't carry plum creek, but sold me a "double refined" sheet of MDF that seemed almost as nice. Their CNC guy really went the extra mile for me and got this thing nailed. The dog holes are consistent and as accurate as I can measure.

The bummer is, I have about $500 in this top now given the cost of all the scrap I created with the two bad tops and the CNC service fees. Live and learn I guess. But I'm happy now.

 

[nclemmons]

Very weird.  Normally MDF should be the easiest wood to cut - dull bit perhaps?  Climb cutting?  Did you use the same g-code file with the two earlier tops or was it starting fresh with a design and g-code file on each?

 

[AtomicRyan]

Very weird.  Normally MDF should be the easiest wood to cut - dull bit perhaps?  Climb cutting?  Did you use the same g-code file with the two earlier tops or was it starting fresh with a design and g-code file on each?

Yep. Same code...

 

[AtomicRyan]

My daughter wanted to make something in the shop... So, we made a sysport charging station. It has systainer feet on it so that it just locks into the shelf like a systainer does.

 

[AtomicRyan]

Sacrificial HDPE kerf line came together pretty well.

 

[08G8V8]

Excellent idea. 

 

[AtomicRyan]

Excellent idea.

This might sound a bit insane, but I'm actually thinking about back lighting it from underneath. The dado that holds the HDPE is centered over a row of dog holes, so i could mount an LED strip that shines through these unused holes. The idea being is that a backlit kerf line might be handy when lining up a cut?

I dunno... maybe.

 

[Svar]

This might sound a bit insane, ...

Yes, it does.  [big grin]
I have an MDF sacrificial strip like that on may table. I wanted to replace it with something non-slip to help hold small or thin pieces in place. Splinter guard on the rail is slippery and not helpful in this regard.

 

[Bob D.]

Ryan, I can't tell from the photo but did you dovetail that strip in the top or are the edges square cut?

The HDPE looks good and I guess some MDF would work too.

 

[AtomicRyan]

Ryan, I can't tell from the photo but did you dovetail that strip in the top or are the edges square cut?

The HDPE looks good and I guess some MDF would work too.

Nope. My skills aren't to that level.

It's a straight dado... Right now, I just have the insert stuck in with a clearance/press-in fit... I think that will work.

 

[RightAngleDesign]

Backlighting would be FAR OUT!

 

[AtomicRyan]

Got the guide rail by [member=70143]RightAngleDesign[/member] installed and squared... This thing is made really well and handles the long guide rail without issue. I’ll cover it in detail on the next video.