The default when the MFT/3 and guide rail come from Festool is that you cut on the right side (when facing the table). Is there any reason the table, guide rail, and fence can't be set up to cut on the other side? I assume the stops need to be moved over to that side, set up, the fence square (flipped end to end I suppose), and the guide rail squared again. On my old miter saw I was used to cutting on the other side.
Does it matter on which side you make cuts on the MFT/3?
- Thread starter grbmds
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You would always have to account for the width of your blade kerf. The splinterguard on the rail is no longer your cut line. Assuming that you're saying that your offcut is under the rail when set up this way.
fidelfs
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The guide rail system is made to have the waste side on the right side. The keep piece is under the rail.
You will have to add the width of the blade to make the cut if plan to keep the right side. The stop to make repetitive cuts won't work on the right unless you add the width of the blade (that will make it not accurate).
Yes, you could move the stops to any point of the table. I do it all the time, I even rotate the table and put the guides on the smaller extrusion sides to have long cuts length wise
You will have to add the width of the blade to make the cut if plan to keep the right side. The stop to make repetitive cuts won't work on the right unless you add the width of the blade (that will make it not accurate).
Yes, you could move the stops to any point of the table. I do it all the time, I even rotate the table and put the guides on the smaller extrusion sides to have long cuts length wise
Kev
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Shane Holland said:
That, or your retained piece may need additional support to the left of the MFT/3 ... but at least you'll have heaps of support for your off cut!
I was only thinking the other day that if I joined two MFT/3's I'd probably want to cut on the left side of the right table.
Shane Holland said:
Actually I would have keeper piece to the right of the guide rail with the splinter guard to the left. I still should be cutting on the inside of the blade thus shouldn't have to worry about the kerf width. Am I missing something?
grbmds said:
In theory you could cut as you describe however as was said you will be pulling the saw through the cut without using the intended proper grip on the saw. I would take Shane's advice as to whether that would create a safety issue.
Shane Holland said:
I believe I see what you mean. You could probably use the guide rail in the way I described, but not the head with the fence. Given the way that is made, the only way the fence mounts on the head, it is meant to cut on the right side of the guide rail. This true regardless of which side of the table you mount it on. If you use bench dogs (like Lee Valley-Veritas set) to butt the wood up against you can turn the guide rail 180 degrees and it looks like you can cut on the other side right on the splinter guard. I'll just leave as is and adjust. Thanks though.
