DIY MFT-style workbench thickness concerns - help needed

[derekcohen]

A few years ago I built a MFT with a 30mm thick hardwood Merbau laminated panel. I am also a handtool user with a very solid Roubo bench, and the aim was to create a MFT which could double for hand- and power tools.



It really is a multitool bench ... assembly table, outfeed for jointer and slider ... even has a second router rable at the other end. Hugely useful.

All the MFT-related accessories work just fine on the benchtop, with the exception of the clamps. The top is too thick for the clamps to bend around.

I have two work-a-rounds: the first is the grind away some if the steel on the outer side of the bend of the clamp. this is to thin it because the extra thickness is what prevents it fitting through the dog hole. I have not experience any weakening of the clamps (i use Bessey versions) as these are manufactured with overkill to begin.

The second method is to use other types of hold downs. There are two I use. These Chinese-made ones ...



And the Veritas on the left (which are designed for 3/4" dog holes but work) ..



A third method, but one I have not used here, is the chamfer the underside of the dogholes on your bench top, reducing the area around the holes until the standard Festool clamps turn the corner. This may, however, affect some accessories which use nuts under the top.

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[Redcabin]

There is a guy who made several MFT style workbenchs, he has a dream shop, very organized and he designs tools as well, he uses festool tools and is super smart, above my paygrade anyways. Super inspirational. His web site is called Hooked on Wood and he also has lots of YouTube videos. His latest workbench has dog holes and router grooves for clamps and other tools. If you use the UJK PARF GUIDE system you will have to drill the holes from underneath part way because I think the bit only goes down 1 inch plus it will prevent blow out underneath.

I find the hooked on wood guys offers interesting. The guide rail and chamfer dogs might be worth a try but I’ve not been bold enough to order any Banggood stuff. For blowout I’m doing well using 6mm birch sacrificial ply. I got lots of blowout on MDF 18mm using foam board.

 

[Redcabin]

A few years ago I built a MFT with a 30mm thick hardwood Merbau laminated panel. I am also a handtool user with a very solid Roubo bench, and the aim was to create a MFT which could double for hand- and power tools.



It really is a multitool bench ... assembly table, outfeed for jointer and slider ... even has a second router rable at the other end. Hugely useful.

All the MFT-related accessories work just fine on the benchtop, with the exception of the clamps. The top is too thick for the clamps to bend around.

I have two work-a-rounds: the first is the grind away some if the steel on the outer side of the bend of the clamp. this is to thin it because the extra thickness is what prevents it fitting through the dog hole. I have not experience any weakening of the clamps (i use Bessey versions) as these are manufactured with overkill to begin.

The second method is to use other types of hold downs. There are two I use. These Chinese-made ones ...

View attachment 375939

And the Veritas on the left (which are designed for 3/4" dog holes but work) ..

View attachment 375940

A third method, but one I have not used here, is the chamfer the underside of the dogholes on your bench top, reducing the area around the holes until the standard Festool clamps turn the corner. This may, however, affect some accessories which use nuts under the top.

Regards from Perth

Derek

A 3/4” holdfast will work on a 20mm hole? I’ll have try that.

 

[derekcohen]

A 3/4” holdfast will work on a 20mm hole? I’ll have try that.

Only the Veritas work here as they screw down the clamp section. There are two benches in the photos above - the oak top is a Roubo, nor an MFT.

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[onocoffee]

A 3/4” holdfast will work on a 20mm hole? I’ll have try that.

I have a Wood River 3/4" holdfast from Woodcraft that I've used on my 20mm bench. It works well enough - but my workbench top is also 1.5" thick so that could be a factor and it might not hold well in a 3/4" top.