Cross cutting sheet goods to specific length?

[Jeff2413]

Im looking for an alternative method for cross cutting plywood.  I currently use a panel saw (which sorta sucks) with a measuring/stop set up but honestly the thing is really difficult to keep square and I'm tired of constantly picking up and moving 4x8 sheets.  I have the Rip Dogs parallel guides attached to my 108" track for ripping  and was wondering if the MFT was the answer or should I get more guides for my short rail?  Looks like a 96" long pc of plywood would be hard to cut to 34 1/2" on 1 MFT without additional support.  I can purchase more guides for $100 vs $900 for the MFT so cost is also a consideration.  Thanks everyone in advance.   

 

[mwildt]

Have you looked at Paulk bench ? He has some videos on how he uses it to cut ply as well. Do a search.

 

[waho6o9]

Here's what I use

2 Stanley saw horses, 1 Walko4 on top with and with out a MFT3 top.[attachimg=1]

Works great for me.

 

[semenza]

Im looking for an alternative method for cross cutting plywood.  I currently use a panel saw (which sorta sucks) with a measuring/stop set up but honestly the thing is really difficult to keep square and I'm tired of constantly picking up and moving 4x8 sheets.  I have the Rip Dogs parallel guides attached to my 108" track for ripping  and was wondering if the MFT was the answer or should I get more guides for my short rail?  Looks like a 96" long pc of plywood would be hard to cut to 34 1/2" on 1 MFT without additional support.  I can purchase more guides for $100 vs $900 for the MFT so cost is also a consideration.  Thanks everyone in advance. 

  A surface to support the sheet being cut, a shorter guide rail (I like the 75") , and a good square for setting the rail. I don't think the MFT is that great for cutting up 4' x 8' sheets due to the size.  MFT is great for cutting smaller pieces and other tasks. Two MFTs would be more than $900.

Seth

 

[John H]

To me, the beauty of the MFT is the accuracy of the 20mm holes...

You can easily make a full size MFT based on the Paul workbench design.  Purchase a MFT replacement top for about $85 from Amazon.  Clamp it to a sheet of 3/4" mdf and have a backer board underneath.  Drill out the bulk of the holes and then use a router with a flush trim bit to clean everything up and make a perfect copy.  Move the 'template' over, rinse and repeat

 

[fastbike]

With some 8020, mdf, tnuts and knobs you can make extention arms for the mft. Four arms will allow you to easily cut down full sheets.

 

[rmwarren]

With some 8020, mdf, tnuts and knobs you can make extention arms for the mft. Four arms will allow you to easily cut down full sheets.

Like these?

[attachthumb=1]

[attachthumb=2]

[attachthumb=3]

RMW

 

[fastbike]

I've made extension arms based on Richard's information. The just flat work. Cutting down a 4x8 sheet is not problem. The arms can be arranged in any fashion. I typically use 2 long T-bolts with a 3/4" bushing and a knob. Since the 3/4" bushing is a bit small, I just wrap it with a little painter's tape until it is snug in the MFT/3.

 

[JimD]

I guess it depends on what the piece is.  Last weekend when I was cutting up a couple sheets to make a cabinet, I used my track saw and parallel guides to make all the cuts.  I essentially depended on the corners of the plywood being square (although I checked them).  The pieces were 23 3/4 wide and 30+ long.  If they were narrow pieces, 12 inches or less, I would use my CMS or RAS with a stop. 

I plan to  make a Paulk style table about 3'x7' with the crosscut jig.  With it made, I would use that.  For a single cut, I might just mark it and use the tracksaw. 

 

[Emer Construction]

This is what I use

 

[Red Devil]

I keep two 9' peices of kiln dried vertical grain fir (2x4)in my van for cross cutting.
The edges are eased and the flats sanded to avoid any scratching etc.
I simply clamp the 2x4s to my mft with the clamping elements and off I go.
super low tech but very effective.

Nigel

 

[Dusty.House]

With some 8020, mdf, tnuts and knobs you can make extention arms for the mft. Four arms will allow you to easily cut down full sheets.

Like these?

[attachthumb=1]

[attachthumb=2]

[attachthumb=3]

RMW

[member=8712]Richard/RMW[/member] - What length are those arms? I like this idea.

 

[rmwarren]

With some 8020, mdf, tnuts and knobs you can make extention arms for the mft. Four arms will allow you to easily cut down full sheets.

Like these?

[attachthumb=1]

[attachthumb=2]

[attachthumb=3]

RMW

[member=8712]Richard/RMW[/member] - What length are those arms? I like this idea.

[member=67145]DustyTools[/member] those are 4'. I have some that are shorter, around 40" that work just as well. Here's some additional yapping about those extensions.

RMW

 

[Dusty.House]

With some 8020, mdf, tnuts and knobs you can make extention arms for the mft. Four arms will allow you to easily cut down full sheets.

Like these?

[attachthumb=1]

[attachthumb=2]

[attachthumb=3]

RMW

[member=8712]Richard/RMW[/member] - What length are those arms? I like this idea.

[member=67145]DustyTools[/member] those are 4'. I have some that are shorter, around 40" that work just as well. Here's some additional yapping about those extensions.

RMW

Thanks! I added some 48" to my latest Faztek order!

 

[thedevme]

This is what I use

What are you using on your Festool rail track?

 

[Klemm]

Im looking for an alternative method for cross cutting plywood.  I currently use a panel saw (which sorta sucks) with a measuring/stop set up but honestly the thing is really difficult to keep square and I'm tired of constantly picking up and moving 4x8 sheets.  I have the Rip Dogs parallel guides attached to my 108" track for ripping  and was wondering if the MFT was the answer or should I get more guides for my short rail?  Looks like a 96" long pc of plywood would be hard to cut to 34 1/2" on 1 MFT without additional support.  I can purchase more guides for $100 vs $900 for the MFT so cost is also a consideration.  Thanks everyone in advance. 

[member=13350]Jeff2413[/member]  - how about a picture of the 108 inch track set-up set up you are currently using?
Hans

 

[Grev]

A surface to support the sheet being cut, a shorter guide rail (I like the 75") , and a good square for setting the rail. I don't think the MFT is that great for cutting up 4' x 8' sheets due to the size.  MFT is great for cutting smaller pieces and other tasks. Two MFTs would be more than $900.

Seth

I agree with [member=1619]SRSemenza[/member], that's why I came up with simple brackets to hold MFT extensions.  They really expand the capabilities of the MFT and allow me to break down sheet goods and/or support longer lengths of material  ...  although, I normally use the extensions on sawhorses for breaking down full panels because of the lower height. 

 

[Jcwoodshop]

TrackTubesGuy, I like your simple solution to the problem. Another item to add to my shop's To-do list.

 

[ctfeet]

I agree with [member=1619]SRSemenza[/member], that's why I came up with simple brackets to hold MFT extensions.  They really expand the capabilities of the MFT and allow me to break down sheet goods and/or support longer lengths of material  ...  although, I normally use the extensions on sawhorses for breaking down full panels because of the lower height.

Hi TrackTubes, what are yoiu using for the extension tubes? That looks like a pretty good idea!

 

[Sparktrician]

I'm with Seth regarding the MFT.  I use a grid of very inexpensive 2x4s from the Borg, lap jointed, screwed together from the bottom, and set on top of a couple of saw horses.  If I need to break it down, it's 15 screws quickly zipped out with my CXS.  It slides into the back of my vehicle fully set up when I need to take it on-site.  Put two slabs of closed-cell foam on the top and call it done.  I may have spent $25 on materials, including screws.  YMMV...  [smile]