Building Table Using 80/20

[magellan]

Question?

I'm considering building a shop table using 80/20 material.  I've never used this product but have seen it around for years.  I'd like to find the fellows that have used it and ask your advise.  The table size I'm thinking about is 40"x80"

1) recommended size of the frame rails
2) Is it possible to have collapsable legs like the MFT
3) recommended connectors, Legs, corners, parts that would hold the top on above the table like the MFT
4) footings or pads for the feet
5) End caps and such

I'm sure you might ask why not buy and MFT?  Well I'd like the top to be about 30 inches or so for one reason.  I'd like a big surface and I have a sliding table saw so I don't think I'd use the MFT for it's real intended purpose.  I'm focusing on an assembly type table.  I will also use my 1400 router and a track with an LR32 for cabinets with dogs instead of the rail system.  I'll CNC a top for it to fit my needs.

What I'm looking for is a bit of experience from the fellows who have already used the 80.20 system and experienced the problems as well as the virtues of it.  I have been looking at various sites and it's a bit overwhelming all of the parts associated with this product line.

Thank you for reading

 

[nclemmons]

You might take a look at this thread:

http://festoolownersgroup.com/member-projects/(yet-another)-8020-mftsys-cart/msg386055/#msg386055

In that thread I included a photo of an 80/20 bench that I built.  That bench top is 2 feet deep x 5 feet long.  I did it on locking casters for easy maneuverability and also added a Record woodworking vise off the left side that sits in an 8" overhang on that side.

All the hardware came from 80/20.  You can actually sketch up a design and then send to one of their distributors and they will draw it up and build a bill-of-materials for you for no charge.  That's how I got the right parts and feedback on my design. 

I ended up doing the overhead shelf for holding Systainers and other items.  It just attaches to the back side of the bench with 80/20 uprights.

A few other photos are attached below...

You might also want to search the forum for a bench built by [member=8712]Richard/RMW[/member] as he has a knock-down MFT-like table that he uses on his deck for projects.  It might give you some ideas.  Use search and search for his name and Table in the search fields.
Neil

 

[jamanjeval]

FYI to save some money, look on their ebay store where they sell their remnants:http://stores.ebay.com/8020-Inc-Garage-Sale

You can cut it to length yourself with a miter saw and carbide tipped wood blade.

 

[magellan]

Fellows
Thanks for the help.  I'll contact them as soon as I can draw an acceptable sketch

 

[rst]

I've bought a ton of 8020 from their EBay store, they have great service.  If you go to their website and request their catalog they will send you one...it is mind boggling.  They also will give you contact indo for their nearest distributor.  As far as cutting, you can use a regular wood blade but best results are using a triple chip blade and better yet an aluminum/plastic blade and these have negative rake angles and the really good one you will not need to file the ends even.

 

[KBJ]

I built a table that fits some of the questions you were asking.
8020, collapsable legs, etc. I used an MFT top for mine. I was originally going to build a modified MFTC but decided just make a foldable table. I then built a section to add on for more length for cutting full sheets, then built a router sled attachment for flattening big stock etc.  It gets a lot of use and it's easy to pack up and take with me for jobs.
I like that I can slide clamps in the side rails, clamp on the extended piece, use the dog holes when needed, etc. It's really versatile.

It has adjustable leveling feet so I can get the whole thing pretty darn flat and it's also sized to be the right height to serve as an outfit for my table saw. I have some ideas for additional stuff,  functionality, and add ons I want to make for it. But just too busy right now to mess around with more fixtures for it.  I don't have many pics of it, but here is one with the router sled attached so you can get an idea of what it looks like.

 

[blaszcsj]

That is an awesome router sled table. I had the same idea. Now I have a I picture of my vision. So cool.

 

[rmwarren]

You might also want to search the forum for a bench built by [member=8712]Richard/RMW[/member] as he has a knock-down MFT-like table that he uses on his deck for projects.  It might give you some ideas.  Use search and search for his name and Table in the search fields.
Neil

[member=167]neilc[/member] [member=10212]magellan[/member] - Here, here and here are a few of the 80/20-ish threads Neil referred to.

[member=45674]KBJ[/member] love your setup. Looks like to haul around a fair amount of the extrusions.

RMW

Edit: Here is the original video on the knock-down table I use:


RMW

 

[KBJ]

It's really not much to haul around. Just the table and the extender table. The router sled I've only ever used at home, and it's not a frequently used item. So mostly the extrusion for it just lives in the corner of the shop.

 

[stickman]

If anyone has built an 8020 table it would be awesome if you posted the cut list/ itemized invoice. Personally, I would like to build a 4x8 assembly table and I even bought a plan from a guy in England that was perfect but the vendor would not ship to the US... If anyone has done a large table from 8020, please do share (pretty please).

 

[Vondawg]

As neilc posted....
“All the hardware came from 80/20.  You can actually sketch up a design and then send to one of their distributors and they will draw it up and build a bill-of-materials for you for no charge.  “ what could be easier...thanks neilc great table

 

[nclemmons]

Attached is an export of the dimensions of the bench - the back overhead shelf is not in the drawing but easy to spec and get a distributor to bid.

Here's the distributor locator for 8020 -

https://www.8020.net/distributor-lookup-results

I contacted one, emailed the drawing and it was quoted.  Made a couple of changes via phone and the material was ordered and delivered to my door.

I did have to cut the plywood panels and assemble them with the struts as it was built given the dimensions not allowing them to install afterwards.  The plywood was held in place with t-nuts from 8020 and flathead 10-32 screws from Lowes. 

I debated the eBay discount route, but did not have tools to cut it and really needed the 8020 sales advice on components and Bill of Materials.

Reach out if you have questions.

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