Conversion kit for MFT 1080
- Thread starter LesJ
- Start date
nickao
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- Feb 24, 2008
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- 4,617
I think a better approach and maybe what LesJ was getting at is this.
Make a device or jig to adapt the T slot stuff to the V groove. Say a 50.00 jig that will make anything in the T slot work on a V-Groove and vice versa so the new fence will work with the old slot. No replacing the profiles at all.
This "jig" with the new fence and four short extension pieces for the legs would make a nice conversion kit and be cheaper and possibly make it more cost efficient then getting a new MFT/3. Especially if you factor in selling the original fence and making 100.00 off of that.
I do not know how much sense it makes, just an idea I had when I read the posts in this thread.
Is this something like what you were thinking about LesJ ?
Nickao
Make a device or jig to adapt the T slot stuff to the V groove. Say a 50.00 jig that will make anything in the T slot work on a V-Groove and vice versa so the new fence will work with the old slot. No replacing the profiles at all.
This "jig" with the new fence and four short extension pieces for the legs would make a nice conversion kit and be cheaper and possibly make it more cost efficient then getting a new MFT/3. Especially if you factor in selling the original fence and making 100.00 off of that.
I do not know how much sense it makes, just an idea I had when I read the posts in this thread.
Is this something like what you were thinking about LesJ ?
Nickao
I'd like to be able to upgrade to the new fence that the mft3 has. The LA650 appears to be the new fence system but it's not available here. I did look it up on the UK site and it seemed pretty reasonable in price(but then I remember the poor exchange rate) so it's $200-ish.
The new fence is only of interest if one needs the ability to make frequent angle cuts
(others than 45 and 90 degrees).
Else one can get all the benefits of the new fence, larger table, rock stability, by
simply using one of the techniques described in thread "MFT and Guide Rail
alignment" http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=2757.0. That's
much cheaper and simpler. The height problem is not hard to solve either,
by putting wood blocks under the legs, just like some people already did.
IMHO, the most missing piece is a kit to connect an old MFT and a new MFT.
Only two legs are needed, plus an appropriate connection device. That
would solve the problem of those owning old MFT who want to extend
their work surface and who can't find a demo or a second hand MFT/2
to buy.
(others than 45 and 90 degrees).
Else one can get all the benefits of the new fence, larger table, rock stability, by
simply using one of the techniques described in thread "MFT and Guide Rail
alignment" http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=2757.0. That's
much cheaper and simpler. The height problem is not hard to solve either,
by putting wood blocks under the legs, just like some people already did.
IMHO, the most missing piece is a kit to connect an old MFT and a new MFT.
Only two legs are needed, plus an appropriate connection device. That
would solve the problem of those owning old MFT who want to extend
their work surface and who can't find a demo or a second hand MFT/2
to buy.
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2007
- Messages
- 9
A couple of years ago Festool USA offered the LA650 with a plate that allowed it to work with the MFT1080. Unfortunately, they are no longer available ... something about "limited availabilty" or "promotional item" ... a subtle way of saying "buy it now because it won't be here later!" I heed that message these days and don't let new items go by.
But it does prove that it's possible to put an LA650 on a MFT1080 or MFT800. So why don't they offer the same item again? I suspect it is a marketing decision ... they want all of us old Festoolies to own one of each of the MFTs. And I suspect that most of us will.
I'm only 5'2" so the working height of the MFT1080 is better for me when sawing larger pieces. I can actually push my saw across the whole width of the table! Imagine that. However, an MFT3 is a great working height for doing other things ... especially when the CMS becomes available in the US. So yes, I do plan on owning an MFT3 in the future. I just wish they made either telescoping legs or leg set options available for us folks who don't comply to the assumed ideal wordworker height.
But it does prove that it's possible to put an LA650 on a MFT1080 or MFT800. So why don't they offer the same item again? I suspect it is a marketing decision ... they want all of us old Festoolies to own one of each of the MFTs. And I suspect that most of us will.
I'm only 5'2" so the working height of the MFT1080 is better for me when sawing larger pieces. I can actually push my saw across the whole width of the table! Imagine that. However, an MFT3 is a great working height for doing other things ... especially when the CMS becomes available in the US. So yes, I do plan on owning an MFT3 in the future. I just wish they made either telescoping legs or leg set options available for us folks who don't comply to the assumed ideal wordworker height.
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