Difference between MFT1080 and MFT3

[ecsk]

Hi,
I have been exploring this is the great forum for a while, this is my first post here 
There is a second hand MFT1080 that I'm quite interested on, but I know that MFT3 is the latest release,  can any one advise what is the new feature that MFT3 come with ?  Is MFT1080 compatible with the latest track saw (TS55) which will be my next Festool purchase.  For about half the price of a new MFT it is quite tempted to get the old model cos it is only for home DIY task.

Thanks.

 

[peter halle]

The MFT/3 is an improvement from the MFT1080 in several ways.  Over the years the have been complaints on how to square up the cuts.  The MFT/3 is far superior in that respect.  The table size is also larger.  The aluminum profiles also will allow for expansion in the future with new accessories.  The fence system is far superior on the new model.

Perhaps posters don't know this, but at the recent training class we were informed that more MFT's are sold in the US than any other country.

Hope that this helps.

Peter

 

[ForumMFG]

Ecsk,

I had posted this response to a member who asked a similar question.  His question included "does it get used often".

You will find that many people say that the MFT is the most used Tool in the shop and I agree with that.  So yes, it gets used very often.  If it was me I would by the MFT/3 just because I like to stay current with up-to-date products and because of the differences between the two.  Some of them are:

1.) On the 1080 you would have to fold 1 leg up if you wanted to connect 2 of them together.  On the MFT/3 you don't have to do that.
2.) The aluminum extrusions are different on the MFT/3 in a sense that they are wider at the bottom which gives you more clamping area if you wanted to clamp something on the edge.  The biggest difference that would put me over the fence is that the aluminum extrusions are different from the MFT/3 and in the future festool is going to come out with new tools that utilize it.  A couple that are coming out now that will use this extrusion is the VAC-SYS and the Router table.  On the router table you can buy a stand alone unit or buy the MFT/3 add on.  The VAC-SYS can mount to anything but it can attach to the MFT 3 so you can swing it under the table when not in use.
3.) The fence is a big difference.  The fence on the MFT/3 is much more advanced.

Hope this helps and welcome to the Forum.

-Dave

 

[Notorious T.O.D.]

Having the MFT/3 and having seen the earlier model the main differences are in overall height, the top of the edge rails and in the miter gauge feature.
The miter gauge on the MFT/3 goes 90 degrees or slightly more each direction where the earlier one only goes 90 or 90 plus a little in one direction.  The sides on the newer MFT/3 have "V" grooves in the top versus the "U" track on the older model.  The older model is easier to clamp stuff to the top of the sides but the "V" groove can make it easier to drop stuff in and align it more automatically.  Overall a pretty even trade-off IMHO and perhaps just becomes what you are used to using and how you intend to use the top groove.  I think the MFT/3 is 2 or 3 inches taller than the earlier model... There may be some more differences but they are minor and might be mentioned in the features in the Festool catalog.  If you can get the earlier model for 50-60 percent of what the new one costs it would be a fine deal.

I don't think there are any issues with using the TS55 with either as long as you don't forget and cut too deep and go through the rails....YIKES!!!!

Best,
Todd

 

[Brice Burrell]

Ecsk, the TS55 is completely compatible with the old 1080 MFTs. I hae the old MFT and I didn't think it was necessary to upgrade to the new the new model. No question the newer MFT/3 is a better design in many regards but the old style isn't bad either. If you can take a look at the MFTs at your local dealer.

 

[fshanno]

I wouldn't spend much on a used 1080.  I have one and it's in great shape and it's just as useful to me as the day I bought it.  But I doubt if it will ever be MORE useful to me than it already is.  That's not the case with an MFT/3.  I'm almost certain that MFT/3 users will have opportunities to buy add-on fixtures for their table that will make there's more useful than it is to them now.  And any type of jig you come up with yourself can be built to work just as well or better with an MFT/3.  The 1080 is almost, not totally but almost, a dead end.  I can't think of a single advantage the old one has over the MFT/3.  A used 1080 would be more valuable to me than to you because I could hook it to the one I have but I still would pay very much for one.  Certainly not more than $250.  The 3 is that much better.

 

[ecsk]

Woo thanks guys for the quick replies ..  look like mft3 is more advance,  I'll see how much the mft3 cost and decide...

 

[clev1066]

I only have the original mft1080, but it has changed the way I do a lot of things. I've played with the demo mft3 at the local retailer, and I do prefer the angle unit to the original. However, I don't really use the angle unit much. I've thought about selling my older mft and replacing it with the mft3, but I haven't been able to justify the cost to this point. OTOH, I wouldn't mind adding a second mft1080 to the unit I already have.

I think if you were comparing retail to retail, the mft3 would be the obvious way to go. However, a great discount on a used mft1080 might make it a better alternative.

 

[ForumMFG]

MFT/3 sells for $575 from any dealer or you can find a used one cheaper somewhere else.

 

[festoolman]

I have 2 MFT 1080s.  I bought my 2nd one a very good price, after the MFT3 came out.  I was able to get a Festool compound miter fence (the fence that is on the CMS) for the 1080.  It makes the 1080 IMO a much better table.  Wood working is a hobby for me, so it is difficult to validate the expense of a MFT3.  Especially to the wife.

 

[ForumMFG]

Do you have a picture of that setup?

 

[Ted Miller]

The main thing for me is I can take the MFT/3 out of my truck, fold out the legs, check the squareness and I if it needed any adjustment it takes 10 seconds to make it square...

 

[bill-e]

There is nothing wrong with the 1080 other than there is a new model out.  The 1080 still works just as well as it did before the upgraded version came out. I have two 1080s and am very happy with them.

If price is a concern then for sure pick up the used 1080 as it will work great with the saw.

As for the TS75 you mentioned, do some reading here before purchasing it as most feel the TS55 is better suited for the MFT if you don't absolutely need the extra size of the TS75

 

[bill-e]

Never mind my TS75 comment above.  I'm reading and replying via my blackberry wile sitting at Heathrow so it's quite difficult.  I thought I had read "75" in your original post.

 

[Jack Rafter]

I really can't tell you want the differences might be as I only own a 1080, but I can tell you that I like the 1080. . . a lot! Now I'm sure that a MFT/3 was some improvements over the 1080 but I'm finding it hard to swallow the price tag. If you can find a 1080 at a "fair" price and in good shape I'd say buy it. Or you can always spend the near $600.00 and tell us how great it is ;-)