DIY MFT Table Setup Questions

[mattpitts74]

Hi Guys,

I've recently purchased an MFT table top to build my own MFT table, as I cannot afford or justifiy the cost of the Festool version.  I basically want a setup that I can make repeatable accurate cuts of MDF and plywood.

So my questions are:

1.  What would be a minimum setup to cut square and straight using the MFT?  There are so many accessories for these, its alittle over whelming and I don't want to waste money on something unnessesary.

I generally cut 9 and 12mm ply and MDF with the tracksaw.  I'm currently considering something like a fence system that fits into the MFT like thishttps://benchdogs.co.uk/collections.../the-fence-system-bundle-with-quad-fence-dogs

Then maybe a future addition would be a hinge system for my rails. https://benchdogs.co.uk/collections/hinge-system/products/quad-mft-hinge-system

Any advice on these for similar projects would be much appreciated. thanks

 

[Michael Kellough]

You only need a guide rail to cut straight.

To cut square you only need to add a rail square to the rail.

You don’t need a fence if you don’t use a rail hinge.

 

[derekcohen]

Hi Matt

Welcome to the FOG.

A hinge and fence is great, but you can get away with a dogs alone. The dog holes provide the accuracy needed - butt the panel against a few dogs which are square to the rail, and position the rail against dogs to create a square cut.

I built my own rail hinge. I reckon it is as good as the one from Benchdogs, which is excellent. Link: http://www.inthewoodshop.com/Powered Tools and Machinery/MFTRailHingeFenceMk2.html

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[Crazyraceguy]

With the "fence and dog" method, you are at the mercy of the squareness of the hole pattern, which Festool does not guarantee. There is no adjustment this way, but it is the quickest, and most repeatable, at this investment level..... if the accuracy you get is acceptable.

The rail square is probably the next as far as quick/easy, but it doesn't use the MFT at all, it's a free-standing solution. There is no repeatability as far as multiple parts are concerned, you are still measuring/marking by hand, at this point.
The natural extension of this is a parallel stop system, which does give you the measured repeatability, but this is still not an MFT situation.

A hinge system would be next in terms of cost, but you gain adjustability for squareness at this point, plus you can clamp a stop to the table for repeated cuts. This would cost less than a fence/flag stop, which are not necessarily part of the hinge system, depending on brand and level of investment.

It's all about how deep you want to get with it.

 

[Packard]

I suggested an inexpensive solution to that issue in an earlier thread. You would have to use the outside edge of the framers’ square instead of the inside edge as I have shown.

Francis_Beland has prototyped a 3d version.  I assume he will be offering it for sale. Or you can do as I have, and fabricate your own.
https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/...ements/framing-square-holders-for-face-frame/