Dashboard PWS and Hinge Rail Adapter

[mcfal12]

Last year, I purchased the Mafell KSS 40 18M BL saw When I switched, I lost some capability with my Festool MFT 3 table as the Mafell uses the “Mafell/Bosch” rail system versus the “Festool/Makita” (can’t recall the brands, but I am aware other manufacturers have this same style rail as well).

My previous setup was a 39” Makita rail paired with the Dashboard PWS “Guide Rail Bracket”, which allows for hinged attachment of a guide rail to any work surface with a rail system (typically those found on the MFT, Dashboard own table and other tables with aluminum extrusion edges). The Dashboard solution mimics the Festool hinged attachment. (Note: kreg has a whole table cutting system but I’m not familiar with it) and I needed it as I inherited a used Festool MFT 3 years ago, without the full cutting system, and so I’ve been on the hunt for some time as Festool doesn’t sell their hinge cutting system separately from the table. That led me to find the Dashboard PWS solution, which provides the hinge solution and works with many brands. Upon receipt of the Dashboard hinge, there are several parts to assemble.

Dashboard provides instructions, but the Youtube videos are the best reference for assembly and installation.

Use is straightforward, and I enjoy using this solution for repeatable cuts, especially on wide-planked boards (shelving). Set up a stop or bench dog at the appropriate distance from the guide rail, put the guard down and cut. Simple, fast and no fuss!

There truly isn’t a lot to this solution, and there are several options for achieving the repeatability aspect for cuts (Dave Stanton manufactures some very nice solutions enabling a guide rail to be attached to bench dogs). I’ve also seen other companies (TSO comes to mind but there are others) that use a clip system. I prefer the hinge as paired with a rail. It is a “semi-permanent” attachment, and my rail travels attached to my table since I switched to the 31” Mafell track.

Speaking of switching, and the point I’ve wanted to get to, the switch between a Makita track and Mafell track was as simple as swapping one tension fit guide bar with four compression toggles with t bolts and an adapter plate for the register pin to slot into. That was it! The cost was less than $25 (maybe more for other brands depending on the parts needed to switch).

In addition to the simplicity, the customer service by the team at Dashboard has been exceptional. I emailed them on a Sunday to inquire about the switch and the parts needed. They replied within hours with pictures of which parts, instructions, and the cost. Not only are they making great products, combine excellent customer service and well-designed products that make switching between brands simple and at an affordable price point, which has earned them this loyal customer’s future business.

I’ve purchased these products myself and have not been compensated or offered compensation for my opinion.

 

[Hotwheels]

I have an older MFT 1080 with the original hinge system.  I have been thinking of the Dashboard Hinges since I first heard about them here, but I have yet to buy them.  I'm curious for those who have them, what has been your experience?  Do they improve the accuracy of cuts?  Do they solve the problems you hoped they would when you bought them?  Thanks for any replies and insights about this....

 

[MikeGE]

I don't have the Festool MFT/3, but built a custom MFT-style workbench using 40x40mm and 80x40mm aluminum extrusion.  The first item I ordered once I decided to build my own workbench was the Dash-Board Guide Rail kit.

In the past 4+ years of using the workbench, I have not needed to adjust the Dash-Board hinge or pin bracket.  When not needed, I remove and store the FS 1400-2 guide rail and lower the hinge and pin bracket so they are out of the way.  The accuracy in my workbench is due to the design and construction.  The Dash-Board Guide Rail kit contributes to the accuracy, but excels at the repeatability.

 

[blues]

I have replaced the festool rail and brackets with the mafell rail and dashboard hinge. The difference is night and day. With the festool hinge every cut was an exercise in approximation. After I replaced it with the mafell and dashboard hinge I just don't care to check anymore - it's that good. And a huge time saver. With my set up, since the mafell rail is not as stiff, I take care to support the mafell rail from the bottom where it is not supported by the material that is cut. Love this set up and can't go back. In hindsight, I should not have bought the mft3. Instead, should have picked up the dashboard system.

 

[ericsink]

[member=70363]MikeGE[/member] Your workbench build thread is awesome.

[member=53591]Blues[/member] Sometimes I wish I had gotten a Festool MFT first so I could experience the difference.  I’ve got the Dash-Board system and I’m very impressed with it.  Just to get more community content out there, I’ve been making a series of YouTube videos on it.

 

[Hotwheels]

Thanks.  I'm convinced.  I have two of the older 1080 MFT's that I mostly use for crosscuts.  I think Rob's hinges will make these types of cuts less of an ongoing issue: Now, as I have done since I bought the MFT's almost 20 years ago, it takes some effort to ensure thing are square each time I use the track for any process.  I'm ready for something  less fiddly.

 

[thudchkr]

My experience mimics Blues.  I used to use the Festool rails on their hinge system, but switched to the Mafell rails, (I actually have a Bosch rail on my cutting station), with the Dashboard hinge system.  I was able to dial in my cuts to a precision unobtainable before, and as Blues indicated, it holds that setting. 

My Dashboard system is a bit older, made of stainless steel and plastic parts but precisely holds all settings.  I have often entertained the thought of upgrading to the all metal system Dashboard currently offers, and after receiving a recent e-mail citing price increases, pulled the trigger.  I will probably set up one system on my MFT-3 and another on my older MFT 1080.

 

[MikeGE]

@MikeGE Your workbench build thread is awesome.

Thank you!

 

[Cheese]

So, after owning assorted Festool equipment for the last 18 years I've never purchased an MFT because of its squishy feel. I prefer to work on something that feels solid and stable.

The MFT never really interested me but this thread does make me wonder about the Dash Board offerings as they look to be more stable and robust.

A shout out to [member=2575]thudchkr[/member] & [member=53591]Blues[/member] ...are you saying that the Dash Board setup is more accurate because of the way it's designed or because of the Mafell rails that you use instead of Festool?

I use both the Festool & Mafell rails and saws so I can set this up either way. Is there a preference?

Is it easy to switch over from using a Festool rail to a Mafell rail on the Dash Board?  Is there even a need to do something like that?

Mobility is not the requisite it once was. This thing will now stay in the garage and be my cutting table.

 

[thudchkr]

So, after owning assorted Festool equipment for the last 18 years I've never purchased an MFT because of its squishy feel. I prefer to work on something that feels solid and stable.

The MFT never really interested me but this thread does make me wonder about the Dash Board offerings as they look to be more stable and robust.

A shout out to [member=2575]thudchkr[/member] & [member=53591]Blues[/member] ...are you saying that the Dash Board setup is more accurate because of the way it's designed or because of the Mafell rails that you use instead of Festool?

I use both the Festool & Mafell rails and saws so I can set this up either way. Is there a preference?

Is it easy to switch over from using a Festool rail to a Mafell rail on the Dash Board?  Is there even a need to do something like that?

Mobility is not the requisite it once was. This thing will now stay in the garage and be my cutting table.

I prefer to use the Mafell/Bosch rail because of their better splinter guard.  The rail is slightly more flexible front to back but i've never run into any issues with that and I leave mine installed on the Dashboard guide rail bracket all the time, just flipping it to an upright position if I need it out of the way.

I have the older model and it was designed for the Mafelll style rails only, so can't answer as to how friendly it would be to switch between the types.  I've ordered one of the newer ones and may be able to explore that option soon enough, though they are a bit backordered at the present, so am currently awaiting its arrival.

I don't use my Festool saws on my "cutting station", preferring the Mafell saw instead, for the splinter guard and the increased power of the MT 55 dedicated there. 

FWIW, I'm seriously considering placing my second guide rail bracket at right angles to the first to allow longer cuts to be made, but haven't entirely convinced myself of the usefulness of that function.

In my opinion, the DB-PWS guide rail bracket would be just as accurate with the Festool rail on it, it would just have the Festool splinter guard and it's associated issues.

 

[blues]

So, after owning assorted Festool equipment for the last 18 years I've never purchased an MFT because of its squishy feel. I prefer to work on something that feels solid and stable.

The MFT never really interested me but this thread does make me wonder about the Dash Board offerings as they look to be more stable and robust.

A shout out to [member=2575]thudchkr[/member] & [member=53591]Blues[/member] ...are you saying that the Dash Board setup is more accurate because of the way it's designed or because of the Mafell rails that you use instead of Festool?

I use both the Festool & Mafell rails and saws so I can set this up either way. Is there a preference?

Is it easy to switch over from using a Festool rail to a Mafell rail on the Dash Board?  Is there even a need to do something like that?

Mobility is not the requisite it once was. This thing will now stay in the garage and be my cutting table.

Hi Cheese,
Sorry for the delay in my response.

1. Yes, it is accurate and repeatable. I credit the way Rob has designed the hinge and the quality of materials and machining used is top notch. It is all aluminum and Teflon. The feel is stiff and smooth at the same time with no wobble.

2. Yes, I use Festool and Mafell rails and it is very easy to swap them out. You will need some additional pieces like screws and washers that Rob can ship to you for a few $ more. One you have then it takes less than 5 min to switch them out. I use the festool rail when I use my 1400 for guided routing. At all other times when I make cuts it is the bosh rail and the MT55. (Some have issues with the MT55 bevel cut at 45 on festool rail since the cutline moves. It's easy to solve by applying tape to the bottom of the saw to raise it a little. This does not happen with the bosh rail for me.)

Over all I love my set up and I don't worry about it after I set it up. You will need the additional leg support for the MFT3 to prevent it from wobbling. For the price Festool should include it as part of the base price. In fact I'd say the set up is incomplete without it.

I do like the MFT3 formfactor. I do use it in both orientations to give me a longer cross cut. I have built my own table to support the offcut pieces. I also us the UKJ fence from Hans at TSO. I do not own the dashboard table. I believe Rob has put a lot of thought into it. It gets quite expensive when you all all the pieces.

I will attach some pictures that would help provide details of the bracket.

[member=44099]Cheese[/member] .. I can't say enough to thank you for all the great advice you offer in this forum. And it is your passion and curiosity to solve problems that inspires me. So thank you!

Please let me know if you do have some followup questions.

 

[Cheese]

Many thanks to [member=2575]thudchkr[/member] and [member=53591]Blues[/member] for answering my questions about the Dash Board.  [thumbs up]

As I mentioned previously, I didn't warm up to the MFT because of its less than rock-steady feel. I'm used to working on a traditional type of solid feeling work bench which I have in the basement and I have put up with using a portable cobbled together bench for outdoor projects.  Now that I'm moving most of the shop to the garage, I recently realized that I need something better in the garage than what I have. The portable bench is very functional but not very convenient to use.

I'm thinking about the full sized Dash Board work bench because I still prefer to have something that's portable & stowable. It's not terribly priced at $1700 considering that 2 standard MFT's would be $1400 plus $200 for cross members which I'd consider to be mandatory.

Blues...I really like the idea of swapping out the rails for guided routing... [big grin]

So, the rail fasteners needed are different between the Festool & Mafell rails and I just need to let Rob know that I'll be mounting both style rails?

 

[thudchkr]

I, too, was less than happy with the movement encountered when using the MFT. Acceptable for a portable work surface, but less than ideal in the shop.  I dealt with this issue by building sys-port cabinets on which I placed my MFT’S with the legs folded up.  I have two MFT’S end-to-end, joined with aluminum rails to create a nice long work surface.  Joined together the way they are, and positioned on locating pads atop the sys-port storage cabinets, the whole assembly is quite sturdy with essentially no wobble.

And I also have more, much-needed, storage this way.

 

[Crispy]

Well, after the last few months of looking and reading, and then going through this thread yesterday, I ordered the guide rail set last night.

The fact that shipping (unlike the cost of shipping the TSO parallel guides kit i want) was $35 to my door in OZ also helped with that decision.

Now i just have to order some t track to mount it, re-build and flatten the top of my work table, and redo the MFT style holes before it arrives  [embarassed].

 

[dashboardpws]

Many thanks to [member=2575]thudchkr[/member] and [member=53591]Blues[/member] for answering my questions about the Dash Board.  [thumbs up]

As I mentioned previously, I didn't warm up to the MFT because of its less than rock-steady feel. I'm used to working on a traditional type of solid feeling work bench which I have in the basement and I have put up with using a portable cobbled together bench for outdoor projects.  Now that I'm moving most of the shop to the garage, I recently realized that I need something better in the garage than what I have. The portable bench is very functional but not very convenient to use.

I'm thinking about the full sized Dash Board work bench because I still prefer to have something that's portable & stowable. It's not terribly priced at $1700 considering that 2 standard MFT's would be $1400 plus $200 for cross members which I'd consider to be mandatory.

Blues...I really like the idea of swapping out the rails for guided routing... [big grin]

So, the rail fasteners needed are different between the Festool & Mafell rails and I just need to let Rob know that I'll be mounting both style rails?

Hi Cheese,

We include all the hardware you'll need to use either Festool-style rails or Bosch/Mafell. Previous iterations (before Gen 2) had one or the other and there was a selection process at checkout, but that's all simplified now and at worst you have some extra pieces you can choose to use for any other purpose. Also, we used to include special screws that helped stabilize the base plates on the MFT/3, but Gen 2 has an improved connection to the table so they're no longer needed.

Thanks,
Rob

 

[dashboardpws]

Well, after the last few months of looking and reading, and then going through this thread yesterday, I ordered the guide rail set last night.

The fact that shipping (unlike the cost of shipping the TSO parallel guides kit i want) was $35 to my door in OZ also helped with that decision.

Now i just have to order some t track to mount it, re-build and flatten the top of my work table, and redo the MFT style holes before it arrives  [embarassed].

Thanks, Crispy! It's always flattering to hear from someone so far away, and I hope I get a chance to visit. We're looking for connections in Australia.

Rob

 

[Crispy]

Just received mine this afternoon from Fedex, gave the driver a little excited jump or 2 as she pulled up ( at least she thought it was funny), its been 'onboard to deliver' for the last 2 days, and she pulled up after her head office had closed, so i didnt think i was going to get it before i go away for work on monday.
After unboxing it, it is very pretty and well packaged, most things indivually, i almost felt bad removing all the tissue paper from everything and putting it together.

After taking it down to my shed excited to muck around with it, ive now found I either have to redesign my table ( currently 2400x1200) or cut and join or just join my 800 track to the 1400,
Ive considered cutting a 1900 down to around 1700 which would be nice and about right after measuring full depth cut either side, as the 1900 will overhang quite a lot.
Either wayi wont know how it cuts for a couple of weeks yet.
.

 

[MikeGE]

Congratulations, @Crispy, with your new Dashboard rail guide. My workbench is 2000x1000, and the FS 1400/2 is the perfect size. I do not recommend using joined rails with your new setup, as this could create problems later if the rails shift. I would either use the 1900 as is, or cut it down to fit your table.

Before I bought the FS 3000/2, I joined two FS 1400/2 rails when I was ripping sheet goods. Sometimes the new edge was not as good as I expected, but this could have been due to me and not the rails. However, when I started using the FS 3000/2, I never had any problems.

If your bench is against a wall, then you might have a problem with excessive overhang at the hinge side. My bench is in the middle of my workshop floor, so a lot of overhang would not be a problem for me.

 

[Hotwheels]

I did order and receive the Dashboard rail guide and it is everything others have observed: well-made, sturdy, and fixes the problem I was having with the Festool hinges. I have two MFT 1080's connected end to end and had no issues installing the Dashboard pieces. I did watch Rob's video of how to assemble the pieces and that helped considerably other than I put the rear assembly together backwards: Rob is facing the camera doing his assembly and I just followed along and of course things were backwards when I did that. After that minor glitch on my part all went well and I'm a happy camper. I wish I had done this a few years ago.....

 

[mcfal12]

I still love my Dashboard hinge all these years later. I’m disappointed they’ve changed the alignment mechanism to the universal style as the old style was a piece of hardened plastic which mounted to the bottom of the Bosch/Mafell rails. Using a square you could align it perpendicularly to your cut line and have a built in rail square for cuts which exceed the width of my table setup. I have been thinking about making my own out of a piece of polypropylene to take advantage of the unique rail design on additional Bosch/Mafell rails I have.