Fitting a vice to the MFT.

[Hookie]

Okay, so I know it isn't feasible to fit a vice in the usual manner. I just wondered if anyone has found a way of getting a decent vice to work with the aluminium extrusions around the MFT3?

Any pointers are welcome, as I am considering incorporating the MFT into the new handwork bench I am ready to start.

I thought about making a wooden under-frame for the MFT, but that, in addition to my workbench would take up lotsa room. The problem with combining the MFT with a work bench is the depth. A workbench doesn't need to be deeper than 24" or so, whereas the MFT is a good 30". An 'L' shaped work bench, against a wall?  ;D  Nope. I'd be backing into the corner of the MFT all the while, or I'd have a gap between the bench and the wall!

Any thoughts?
TIA

Cheers.

John 

 

[Tinker]

If you are talking about an MFT style work bench, I can think of several ways to do it. I am late for work now so I won't get into any of those ideas now.

If you are talking about using the side frames from an MFT, I would be hesitant about how strong a vise I would be hanging on that frame.  Any T channel could get deformed if you are going to put a lot of pressure against those rails.  That wood make for a somewhat expensive use of a very good idea.  If you are thinking of light use for a not too heavy vise, I like the idea. 

My own inclination wood be to use "T" channels if the vise is going to be removable. I do have a Zylex (I think that is the name of it) vice that I bolt to a wood frame that I sometimes hang on the side of my MFT table, but I only use it for very light work like sanding and sometimes filing (rasping).  I don't use that setup for sawing, planing or routing.  I also don't use it for clamping of metal for any kind of cutting.

I would be interested to know what you come up with.
Tinker

 

[dltflt]

You could use this.

 

[Northern Early]

I do not own an MFT but have made a few portable benches in honor of one.

The first was thin enough that i could use my Zyliss vice. My torsion box portable work bench ended up being to thick. However the T track is made to put a F[attachthumb=1]estool clamp into for edge holding isn't it?

I think the table needs to be less than 1 1/4" thick for the zyliss but this thing is awesome. A metal fabricator buddy gave it to me, "its aluminum, its trash to me" he said. It looks as though they are still avaliable for sale in the interwebs.

 

[Birdhunter]

I have posted photos of a heavy duty woodworking vise mounted on an MFT. It is rock solid. I can plane and saw using the vise. Nothing moves.

 

[Birdhunter]

Search on MFT Vise. Birdhunter as author.

 

[Hookie]

Thanks folks,

All replies are most appreciated.

Gotcha Birdhunter. I can manage this, no problem. I think I will make a wooden under carriage for the MFT, and make it long enough to add a solid worktop to which I can attach a vice as normal. I will have the space to use as a workbench and also still have the MFT to use with the Ts55. I am right handed, so will probably fit the vice on the left side of the MFT. I am thinking I might not need a full size handwork bench at all, which is a great saving in floor-space. I am off to the drawing board, and the graph-paper!  [smile]

Thanks again.

John 

 

[waho6o9]

Great work Birdhunter!