Fine Tool Works Bench Dog Review for MFT

[stvrowe]

I have created a few videos on reviewing some new bench dog and rail accessories for the MFT table.  These are manufactured by Fine Tool Works and available from Clermont's Ultimate Tool Supply.  For full disclosure, these bench dogs were provided to me by Ultimate Tool Supply for this review.

Part 1 of the review demonstrates the five sided cut to show just how easy, accurate and repeatable the entire system (MFT table, Bench Dogs, Rails, and the track saw) is to achieve square cuts. 

Part 2 is a demonstration of using the bench dog system to rout dados with the OF 1400 and Guide Stops.  It also demonstrates using these new accessories to drill 32mm system holes with the Mafell DD40 and discusses how to use the setup with the Festool LR32 system.  My mind is still churning with a few other ideas on getting the most from the MFT using the bench dog system.

Bench Dog Review for MFT Part 1

Bench Dog Demonstration - Routing Dados and Drilling 32mm systemholes

 

[copcarcollector]

Do you know if they will ship to the USA?

They DO ship to the USA! I got a fast email return from Dan and placed my order on their website.

http://www.ultimatetools.ca/products/ftw-bench-dogs?variant=2979928516

 

[Andy UK]

Great videos Steve. 

 

[Phred]

Are these sized for the original MFT or the newer MFT3?  I don't see any note of that on the Ultimate Tools website.

 

[stvrowe]

Are these sized for the original MFT or the newer MFT3?  I don't see any note of that on the Ultimate Tools website.

I didn't realize there was a hole size difference between the two tables.  I measured the post diameter of the dogs and they are 19.91mm which fit nicely into a 20mm hole which is the size of the MFT/3 table.  This is the same diameter as I measured on the Festool clamping element posts.
Steve

 

[stvrowe]

Do you know if they will ship to the USA?

They DO ship to the USA! I got a fast email return from Dan and placed my order on their website.

http://www.ultimatetools.ca/products/ftw-bench-dogs?variant=2979928516

I had asked this question and Chris Wong advised that they will ship these internationally at a flat shipping rate of $25 Canadian dollars..

 

[Holmz]

Nice demo Steve.

Should I assume that the DD rail is the same slot dimensions are the Bosch/Mafell rail clamp slots?

I can picture the using my 550-mm off cut set up permanently on hotdogs...

 

[stvrowe]

Nice demo Steve.

Should I assume that the DD rail is the same slot dimensions are the Bosch/Mafell rail clamp slots?

I can picture the using my 550-mm off cut set up permanently on hotdogs...

I really don't know about rails other than what I tested.  If the tee slot will accept a 1/4-20 hex head (1/2" across the flats) it should fit.  When laying side by side, the clamps for the Mafell rail are identical to the Festool clamps other than the color.

 

[Holmz]

Nice demo Steve.
....

I really don't know about rails other than what I tested.  If the tee slot will accept a 1/4-20 hex head (1/2" across the flats) it should fit.  When laying side by side, the clamps for the Mafell rail are identical to the Festool clamps other than the color.

I think that that bench dog idea is totally fantastic.

OK - After scratching the chins, I pulled out a the Kreg "Klamp Blocks" which has some 'T bolts'... Those are what I used to put the Bosch rail onto my MFT.
The slot height is ~1/16" and the width is 12-mm (

 

[flair woodworks]

Hi Steve,

Great job on the videos.  I enjoyed your demonstration of how to set up the system, and your explanation of the accuracy results.  Nice clamp accessory!

One thing that I want to point out is that although the faces of the dogs are described as being in-line with the post, they are actually slightly offset (0.07 mm by my measurements).  This means that you need to use two Short/Top Dogs to accurately position stock for crosscuts - you can't use one Hot Dog and one Short/Top Dog.

 

[flair woodworks]

I think that that bench dog idea is totally fantastic.

OK - After scratching the chins, I pulled out a the Kreg "Klamp Blocks" which has some 'T bolts'... Those are what I used to put the Bosch rail onto my MFT.
The slot height is ~1/16" and the width is 12-mm (

 

[Holmz]

...
While the Hot Dogs (rail dogs) have a 1/4"-20 thread, the Short and Top Dogs have a M8-1.25 thread to work with the Festool Clamping Element knobs.  It sounds like this thread will also work with the Bosch system.  Funny how good designs just work!

Thanks Chris!
I found out the AusDog raildog is the same 1/4-20, so I will get those as the fellow is more local.

 

[rp127777]

Hi Steve, I know this post is a bit old, but I am new to woodworking and am looking for some information on which bench dogs to buy.  I have seen your videos and researched others.  Your videos lead me to want to get the FTW dogs, but I did read one post where an individual sent them back due to inaccuracy.  You mention repeatability and ease of set up in your videos.  My question to you is, if you initially had to set up square with Top Dogs on the rail and tightened them down, then wouldn't you lose the squareness once you release the rail to insert a piece of wood?  This leads me to believe the doqs are loose on the MFT holes and need realigning every time.  Can you help explain.  Thanks,

 

[Michael Kellough]

Check out the Parf Super Dog at TSO.
https://tsoproducts.com/dogs/