Expanding the MFT setup

[Frank@Bonza]

Since I bought my MFT (along with a router table) I am surprised by how little I use my traditional workbench. I am thinking of expanding my MFT setup to include several joined up MFT tables and components (perhaps saw table and router table) to create a much larger centrally located workstation. I find that I often like to throw large board panels (fitted wardrobe construction etc.) and doors onto the MFT which is generally too small to handle such things. I would also like to take such tables onto site with me for big jobs. Of course this is likely to be an expensive deal. Has anyone ever put together such an elaborate setup and is there any advice for me before I jump in? Thanks.

 

[Jason Kehl]

I have three MFTs joined together as my core workbench. I removed the flip up attachments and use a selection of Qwas dogs instead.  I love the system, I find it far more efficient than any other bench I've used.

It would have been cheaper to have bought the MFT basics instead.

 

[Acrobat]

Whilst 2 or more mfts would be ideal, but expensive, if you don't need to clamp any sheet goods on the extra mft/3's via the side extrusions, then wouldn't it be far cheaper to just make a foldable table yourself to the same height? You could also buy just the mft top and insert that in a frame of your own making.
For large sheets of ply, I'm simply using 2 Triton tripod stands with a piece of 2 x 4 in them for support and throw on it a large internal door I got cheap for a nice flat surface to lay the ply on. The stands raise or lower easily to mft height or whatever necessary and fold away when I'm done. Gives me a large work surface and easily taken down or moved so I don't have a huge table taking up room when I'm finished. The stands can twist, rotate and slide up or down if you need them to, but are very strong, so are very handy, well worth their price in my opinion.

 

[Daver]

You could also look at the Ron Paulk workbench plans and build his or adapt it to fit your needs. You could drill the holes yourself or have someone with a CNC do them.

 

[suds]

I had two MFT 1080 tables together and worked great, then added a router table between the two 1080's and it is even better. 

 

[72anthony]

I'm just a hobbyist working in a garage that is shared with two vehicles. In addition to the MFT, I have a lightweight folding table, maybe 48x 24, another surface that rests on some sawhorses, and one of the adjustable out feed stands with the single and small rollers.

For mobile use, I think the saw horses or tripod stands would be very versatile and easy to setup and breakdownsbreakdown.

 

[bisongoods]

I have been looking for the time to set up an MFT extension for months now, I have a few large jobs on the go so finding a few spare minutes is tough. Last night and today I finally made time to set up what I consider a simple MFT extension. I have the luxury of a friend with a CNC who made me up a bunch of spare tops. Here is my prototype

Simple folding leg & brackets from some spare cedar & plywood scrap I had lying around. I will probably change the 1/4 20 knobs to a carriage bolt & nut eventually.

Made up some brackets with some scrap aluminum angle iron, allows for quick disconnect from the MFT as well as to replace the top if need be.

Moving from site to site requires me to have something I can remove easily and throw in the back of the truck.

The middle of the top has a little bit of sag, in hindsight it probably would have been better to have a sub frame instead of just the brackets, but of course that just means I get to build a version 2 right?

 

[Tayler_mann]

Use a Rotex or some type of feed sander and give some LVL a good sanding and use it for a frame. I buy mine at Menards I think it costs $42 for a 12" c 12' slab. You can get the pine or the fur. The pine tends to splinter more but not as hard on blades. You will only need a 3 1/2" rip to keep the table flat. The nice thing about LVL to is it doesn't warp and when you buy it 9/10 it is straight as anything you can joint at 12'