derekcohen
Member
- Joined
- Jun 22, 2008
- Messages
- 941
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
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
