First Project - DIY MFT

[rdr]

My tools turned up this week and for my first job I thought I would keep it simple and  build a basic MFT/fabrication table.

I may well get an MFT3 at some stage but they looked a bit small and I thought I would have a go and see how I get on with a DIY version to start with. I normally play with metal so went with an MFT top on a metal frame for now with the intention of building SYSports and storage underneath it. Heres a few pics of the build;

Phase one - The Top

8x4 sheet of 18mm MDF cut down to 1500x800 using the TS55 and various tracks, I had trouble with the tracks getting them to lay flat together, the saw wouldn't run smooth between the two. I will post further details on my issue in another thread. I then lined up the CNC Pro JIG ready to cut some holes with the OF1010:

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All went quite smoothly double checking alignment when moving the jig along being key:
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Completed the hole cutting in about an hour, dust extraction was amazing.

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Phase 2 - The Frame
I  used 30x30x2.5mm Angle making the top frame a perfect and snug fit for the 18mm slab. I decided not to physically attach the MDF to the frame instead making it tightly fit into the corners of the frame where the angle sits 5mm higher to grip it. I will see how this works over time.
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Legs on and then its all welded up and castors fitted.
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Finished with a coat of Festool grey paint:

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Initial checks indicate the holes are square and work with the parf dogs I have so I will see how it goes. I may well look at adding a fence of some sort to it next. Overall pretty pleased with it for a couple of hours work and less than £50 in materials it will do me for starters  [smile]

 

[rvieceli]

Excellent work! Nice to see the coped corners on the angle iron. [big grin]

Ron

 

[couplands]

I've used the same jig to route the 20mm holes with my OF1010. Did you find the holes a good fit for the 20mm dogs..? I had to shim my guide bush with some foil tape and the resultant holes are a good fit but I find that it has thrown the alignment off very slightly.

I would be interested in you experience.

Cheers

Simon

 

[rdr]

Hi, I did a test with and without the foil and found using it made the holes a little too tight for the dogs I purchased. Overall at the skill level I'm at I am happy for the moment but will look into getting a little tighter fit on the next slab I cut. I hadn't considered the knock on effect of alignment being thrown which I will look out for.

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[rdr]

Quick Update

Retro fitted the MFT rail hinge thingys today to make productivity a bit more efficient. So far working out really well, calibrated square to the holes so I can use dogs as a fence.

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[live4ever]

Great job!  How did you end up attaching the guide rail bracket?

 

[rdr]

Thanks

I made a really basic bracket from 3mm steel, removed the plastic guides from the MFT components and bolted it together. Attached the rail, lined it all up absolutely square and then drilled and mounted the brackets to the table frame. It was more of a trial to be honest I had a grand plan in mind but after using it I think ill stick with it for now.

 

[rdr]

Another quick Update

Made MKII brackets today after using my "Beta" version for a hundred cuts or so. Just tweaks to the Holes to reduce vertical travel slop, test indicates nice smooth vertical adjustment now. Cuts accurate and repetitive.

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[rdr]

Thought I would add a few Pics of my Metal working MFT type workbench and welding table i have built at the same time as the wood working version above.  Next plan is a new Mitre station with MFT top and Extraction underneath the holes and above. Everything is the exact same height as my mobile MFT copy and the Welding bench is height adjustable so I can slide things together for larger work.  All at various stages but I am slowly trying to get my place organised which is taking some time  :-\

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[waho6o9]

Awesome work rdr!

 

[rdr]

I'm planning on replacing my Evolution mitre saw with a Kapex 120 but currently dithering with all the concerns around reliability. Anyway, I built mitre saw table this week, bit of a hybrid with a MFT slab that can be dialled in to other saws (covering my options!)
Also made me throw a lot more rubbish out  [smile] bench for the left side next

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[AtomicRyan]

Great stuff. Where did you get the top for your welding table?

 

[blaszcsj]

[member=61770]rdr[/member] how do you find that jig now? Is it make for good ref holes for making square cuts with dogs?

 

[rdr]

[member=61770]rdr[/member] how do you find that jig now? Is it make for good ref holes for making square cuts with dogs?

Hi, yes I have found it to produce and very square layout and my Parf Dogs are a perfect fit. It's easy use, bore your first run then it interlocks into those holes with supplied dogs. The one above literally took less than 10 mins to do. If you want dead squad edges for the slab in relation to the holes bore the holes first then use dogs in the holes to but your track up to for the sides 

 

[blaszcsj]

Thanks. Now I need to see about getting one shipped across the pond to me. I dont know if they do ship to the USA.

 

[rdr]

Started building a mitre saw stand v2 for my new kapex. I'm thinking about additional extraction And thought I might make a tray that sits under the mft slab to extract dust down through the holes.

Before I do go to the trouble has anyone experience of this with the kapex? would it make much difference or is additional overhead extraction better?

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[rdr]

Finished the mitre station 2.0 off. I can swap the Kapex for the Metal cutting band saw in Minutes and the the saw beds are exact same height so no height adjustment.
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[ShawnHodgson]

great setup