Finally got an MFT3!!!

[Toolpig]

Welp...

I've had a TS55 for a few years now and, apparently, I've been under-utilizing it.  After many battles with my Unisaw trying to crosscut wide panels and make tapered cuts using a very scary aluminum jig (you know the one I'm talking about!!), I finally broke down today and purchased an MFT3.

I only have one problem with it...

WHY DIDN'T I BUY THIS THING YEARS AGO?!?!  [embarassed]

I set it up today and, once I got it dialed in, made some test cuts on scrap and got beautiful splinter-free cuts with no fuss.  

[attachimg=#]

It just doesn't get better than that!   [wink]

Now I just need to figure out a solution for my Kapex.  Getting very sick of hoisting it up onto my workbench and jury-rigging extensions every time I need to use it.  

So, if you've been on the fence about spending some of your hard-earned coin on an MFT3 -- RUN, DON'T WALK -- to your nearest Festool dealer and get one!  

This just might be the best money I've spent on Festools and I've spent A LOT on Festools!   [big grin]

- Jason White
Former "ASK This Old House" TV Producer | Festool-a-holic
Hollywood, Calif.

 

[Stephen B]

[size=11pt]

The green chip guard looks different from those in AUS or at least on my T55. Is this a Only Available in NA or a change to this replaceable part?

 

[Toolpig]

You might have the newer model (TS55 REQ).  Mine is the previous generation.

- Jason

 

[Stone Message]

Now I just need to figure out a solution for my Kapex.  Getting very sick of hoisting it up onto my workbench and jury-rigging extensions every time I need to use it.  

So, if you've been on the fence about spending some of your hard-earned coin on an MFT3 -- RUN, DON'T WALK -- to your nearest Festool dealer and get one!  

This just might be the best money I've spent on Festools and I've spent A LOT on Festools!   [big grin]

- Jason White
Former "ASK This Old House" TV Producer | Festool-a-holic
Hollywood, Calif.

Hi Jason,

I am sure you have all the connections to get some good advice and help but....

I made my current Kapex work station just days after getting the machine and it was done in a hurry with very little design effort. I am planning to make a new one in the September-October time frame and will produce a video about it. The key features will be:

- a more compact design
- same height as the MFT3 (and all my other benches)
- will ride on heavy duty castor wheels (the same as my mobile bench)
- left and right extension flaps
- will have Incra track and saw stop
- will have some useful drawers on smooth runners
- the plans will be freely available after the video is made

Peter

 

[shed9]

I'm in the same situation with my Kapex and I've not had it a week yet.

Peter I'll be interested in your Kapex station (as with all your videos) although I suspect I may construct something prior to September.

I did look at the Kapex MFT and the UG but as I have a fixed requirement for the saw I'll probably end up installing something permanent. I may use the UG wings for my setup as they look quite robust.

I keep getting tempted by an MFT/3 and know I will end up with one soon especially with threads like this but I am going down a DIY MFT route first.

 

[skids]

Just get the MFT Mini and the problem is resolved, and it integrates the Kapex into the rest of the system for you, e.g. the MFT/3 can serve as an outfeed wing/table for one side of it.

The nice thing about the MFT Mini is it's super rigid, can fold up out of the way, and it's another table to clamp to. I looked at the UG and it wasn't as rigid as the MFt Mini so I passed on it. If you are looking for a permanent bench I would still suggest building it the height of the Mini so you can use your MFT/3 as an outfeed.