Guide Rail on Incra T Track

[Nash]

Hi all im looking to build my own custom mft workbench and I am wondering if anyone knows if the mft 1080 guide rail support units would fit into an Incra T Track.

 

[Sean KS]

Incra t tracks accept anything around 1/4". The accessories that go with imperial t tracks run off of 1/4-20 nuts. Most festool t track gear runs on comparable metric nuts. I'd guess the guide rail bracket would slip right in, if not its an easy fix. On a side note, the festool bracket isn't the best, if you're making a bench you might want to make your own bracket. This is one I've been playing with for the guide rail, and another one for an incra miter gauge

 

[Nash]

Cool thanks for the ideas. Ill have to look into that.

 

[badtastex]

Sean KS: Can you share some more information about the pivot mount? I am thinking of equipping my latest MFT-style bench with T-tracks from Incra (maybe only one per side though) and I would really like to have this pivoting guide rail mount.
The festool parts for the 1080 table appears to be quite competitive pricewise when compared to make something of my own...

 

[Corwin]

The older MFT 1080/800 guide rail brackets will NOT fit into the Woodpecker T-track that I have.  Sorry, I don't have the Incra brand track to test, but I doubt that they would work either without modification to the guide-rail brackets.  While the portion of the guide-rail brackets that fit into the side T-slots are only slightly thicker and wider than what would fit into my Woodpecker T-track, they may not be such an easy fix to machine those plastic parts as needed to fit.  Also, keep in mind that the brackets have metal tabs that engage with the T-slot on the top surface of the MFT profiles when the levers are clamped down -- so, they would require both a side and top T-track to function properly.

 

[badtastex]

Thanks Corwin. Do you have the dimension (metric appreciated) for that T-track?

The Incra is supposed to be compatible with at least the clamps but I am not sure that it is identical to the Festool T-track.

The brackets appear to have a lip that shall hook on to the upper T-track. These should be possible to either slightly modify or skip entirely - or do I miss something. (Attached picture borrowed from Festool EKAT).

If anyone has the older style MFT 1080 could you supply some dimensions and pictures of the mounting bracket? Thanks!

 

[Corwin]

Thanks Corwin. Do you have the dimension (metric appreciated) for that T-track?

I think that there may still be some diagrams of the older MFT profiles in the Gallery here, but it is down for the moment.  Shane will likely have it back up in a week or so.  Maybe there is one in the SketchUp library?

The Incra is supposed to be compatible with at least the clamps but I am not sure that it is identical to the Festool T-track.

I think both the Woodpecker and Incra (and some other) brands of T-track will accept the Festool clamps.  However, you must keep in mind that the Festool MFT profiles are metric sized and it is only by chance that these Imperial-sized T-track products accept the clamps.  They do not accept the guide-rail brackets -- at least not without some modification, if possible.  So, they are certainly not identical by any means.

The brackets appear to have a lip that shall hook on to the upper T-track. These should be possible to either slightly modify or skip entirely - or do I miss something.

Yes, that lip is what I was referring to in my earlier post.  The height adjustment lever has two bolts through it with a nut on one and this lip on the other.  As you flip this cam-style height adjustment lever, it pulls on the lip which in turn pulls the bracket tight to the side profile.  I was thinking that this was a requirement, but looking at it now I do believe that you might be able to simply remove the lip and replace it with another nut -- I'm sure this works better as is with the lip engaging with the upper t-slot to keep the bracket tight to the side profile, but it may also work okay without.

If anyone has the older style MFT 1080 could you supply some dimensions and pictures of the mounting bracket? Thanks!

I'll try to get a photo later today or tomorrow for you.  However, as I see it, the big issue will be modifying the bracket so that it would fit into the Imperial-sized T-track.  The plastic portion that fits into the T-slot is not solid, but rather has thin walls/ribs that may not allow one to remove enough material to make them fit without ruining the part. 

Have you considered purchasing some short lengths of MFT profile and incorporate those with your bench?

 

[badtastex]

Thanks for your thourough answer Corwin.
I have thought of buying the Festool tracks but the design of the bench is not really done with that in mind...

 

[Corwin]

Here's a thread that covers much of what you are wanting to do, and should answer many of your questions:

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/custom-mfttable-saw-extension-table/

And here's a link to SketchUp's 3D Warehouse where you may find more ideas:

http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/search?q=festool+mft&styp=m&scoring=t&btnG=Search

Good luck with your project.

 

[Sean KS]

Badtastex, these parts are made for 8020 gear. There is a short length of 15 series extrusion, a linear bearing with brake holes, a 90* braket and various knobs and machine bolts. The knobs are SS JWWinco 1/4-20 and 5/16-18. Let me know if you have specific questions. This system does allow the guide rail to pivot on the bracket if need be. The wood blocks allow for the knobs to clear the bearing walls.

 

[fshanno]

Badtastex, these parts are made for 8020 gear. There is a short length of 15 series extrusion, a linear bearing with brake holes, a 90* braket and various knobs and machine bolts. The knobs are SS JWWinco 1/4-20 and 5/16-18. Let me know if you have specific questions. This system does allow the guide rail to pivot on the bracket if need be. The wood blocks allow for the knobs to clear the bearing walls.

How smooth are the linear bearings?  How much play?

 

[Sean KS]

If properly adjusted the bearings can be used for CNC applications. For this application they are only used while in a locked position. The larger knob on the side pulls the extrusion into the bearing wall. Then there's no play to speak of. Thanks again to Qwas!

 

[promark747]

Thread bump...

I love Sean's homemade brackets (I'd even buy them if they were for sale), but has anyone else made their own guide rail brackets?  I made my own MFT-style table out of 80/20 extrusions (15 series) and am looking for ideas on making brackets to hold the guide rail.  I occasionally use Parf dogs with holes but in general would like to have the ability to fix the rail on both ends of the table.  Would it make sense to try to modify the Festool brackets to fit, or do something from scratch like Sean?

 

[TheSergeant]

Thread bump...

I love Sean's homemade brackets (I'd even buy them if they were for sale), but has anyone else made their own guide rail brackets?  I made my own MFT-style table out of 80/20 extrusions (15 series) and am looking for ideas on making brackets to hold the guide rail.  I occasionally use Parf dogs with holes but in general would like to have the ability to fix the rail on both ends of the table.  Would it make sense to try to modify the Festool brackets to fit, or do something from scratch like Sean?

Don't use the Festool brackets, they're no good.  This is my first time seeing Sean's setup and needless to say I'm impressed. 

[member=37534]Mitchewd[/member]  has a phenomenal setup that is easy and quick to make.  This is how Festool should have made their brackets (sliding dovetail). 

More pics on page 13 of this thread:http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/mftc-portable-workshop/360/

Here are a few pics:

 

[alice]

You could use the original incra jig in vertical position

 

[waho6o9]

Excellent idea

 

[promark747]

Thread bump...

I love Sean's homemade brackets (I'd even buy them if they were for sale), but has anyone else made their own guide rail brackets?  I made my own MFT-style table out of 80/20 extrusions (15 series) and am looking for ideas on making brackets to hold the guide rail.  I occasionally use Parf dogs with holes but in general would like to have the ability to fix the rail on both ends of the table.  Would it make sense to try to modify the Festool brackets to fit, or do something from scratch like Sean?

A simple version I made. I cut a guide rail connector in half to slot into both ends of the rail. Plywood, couple of bolts, knobs. Nothing fancy but works just fine.

Thanks...I like the idea of using the rail connectors.  Can this be adjusted vertically?