Can I Buy MFT3 Parts Somewhere?

[bierz]

I was basically given an MFT3,  but with no accessories.  This was the start of my Festool journey and I now have a CT26, Domino and TS55.  I would like to make my MFT more usable.  I have not yet used the TS55 and was wondering what parts I should order to help me on my journey.  First goal is to slice this guitar body right down the middle.  Can I but the "track elevator" part somewhere, or would I be best looking into some dogs?  I could clamp this guitar body with over half extending off the MFT and run the saw, but I imagine there is a better way.  I appreciate any help you can provide.  I'm excited to learn how to use these tools.

 

[semenza]

Welcome to the forum!

You can order parts from Festool or through a dealer. If you click the "Spare Parts" selection in the Additional Websites tab you will get to the parts catalog with diagrams, part numbers, and prices.

Seth

 

[Peter_C]

Welcome to FOG

If you already have a rail you can set the rail on the cut line you desire and cut that guitar, even doing so right it sits now. The rail doesn't need to be clamped as long as you are careful, but clamps are always a good thing. So I would recommend some of the Festool quick clamps.

Although some folks protect the top of their MFT's the other option is to just cut into it. In other words set the saw blade to cut 1mm or 2mm deeper than what you are cutting into. Others put something down that is used as a sacrificial surface.

Another option instead of the rail setup attached to the MFT as a bridge, is to use "Rail dogs". These are either slide into the grove of the rail, or you bottom screw them into the MFT and rest the rail up against the side. Dogs are a handy item to own too (lots of options), as are the Festool "Clamping Essentials".

Make sure to run the saw down the rail and cut the strip to your saw.

Some different saw blades are going to be in order too. Tenyeru, and Oslun have cost effective blades for the TS55. You are going to want a ripping blade for cutting that wood along the grain. The blade that comes with the saw will work though.

Check the classifieds on this forum for someone selling their MFT "extra parts" as many people do not want to use the fence nor the cutting rail "elevator". Many people use other options for their fences even if they have the factory fence.

 

[Birdhunter]

I’d use double sided tape to affix the wood to the MFT and the guide rail to the wood. That way, there can’t be any shifting during the cut.

 

[bierz]

This all makes me very optimistic.

So first, cutting through the MFT seems like the preferred approach?

Second, are the rail dogs the way to go over the "stock" accessories?  I can order those if so.

 

[live4ever]

This all makes me very optimistic.

So first, cutting through the MFT seems like the preferred approach?

Second, are the rail dogs the way to go over the "stock" accessories?  I can order those if so.

You certainly don't cut through it, but most people consider the top sacrificial and have numerous shallow kerfs on it. 

The dogs and the "stock" rail support/fence are two different approaches to using the MFT, both have their place and dogs are useful to have even if you don't use dogs for most of your cutting.  You kind of have to figure out which approach you like better - watch a couple of videos of people actually using those methods to see what the workflow is like.  Personally most of the time I prefer having the rail stationary and able to flip up and down, but I do NOT like the stock rail supports to accomplish this for a number of reasons.  Some people put time and effort into making their own support brackets out of 80/20 extrusion, other metal hardware, or even wood. 

I like having a fence because it lets you set flip stops for repeatable cuts.  It doesn't have to be Festool's fence.  Personally I use some Woodpeckers dual track and their flip stops.  The other major part of the Festool MFT accessory package is the protractor, which lets you angle the fence relative to the supported guide rail.  Personally I've never had a use for it so I'm more than happy with just a straight fence. 

 

[Michael Kellough]

To cut the guitar body you don't need to use the MFT. You just need a flat surface (like MDF) and the guide rail and track saw. Tape the two guitar body halves to the surface with a 1/16" gap between them and then set the guide rail so you slightly underlap the left hand part. The idea is that you cut a straight line on both parts simultaneously so even if the saw blade is a little other than 90 degrees both parts will fit together well.

 

[Corwin]

This all makes me very optimistic.

So first, cutting through the MFT seems like the preferred approach?

Second, are the rail dogs the way to go over the "stock" accessories?  I can order those if so.

I suggest you get the dogs, as they are likely a cheaper way to go. And, as mentioned above, they would still be of use even if you were to later purchase the "stock" accessories.

I also suggest purchasing some of the clamps for the MFT. You will want a pair or two of either the Screw Clamps and/or the Lever Clamps and also a pair or two of the Fixed Clamps.