Has anyone used the multi function slab?

[bigarm]

Does anyone use this
http://www.multifunctionslab.com/the-features.html
Still not cheap when you have it made probably, but looks interesting.  If I didn't already make a (I think) nice assembly table with a t track top, I would really think hard about the MFT 3, but I don't think I need it as an assembly table, but really like the possibilities for cutting.

 

[Gwerner]

I had a larger version CNC'd locally for my cutting/assembly table that also doubles as my table saw outfeed table. Works great.

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/my-mftoutfeedclamping-table/msg406017/#msg406017

 

[bigarm]

That is great.  The site with the plans says to use 1' MDF.  Is that what you used?  Doesn't seem easy to get and I am wondering about the weight?

 

[Gwerner]

I used 3/4" for mine but I don't need to worry about sagging since the table has center supports.

If I was going to use it as a portable top, I would go with 1". Your CNC operator/shop should be able to source the 1" MDF fairly easy.

 

[Straightlines]

I've looked at that too -- a great idea/product -- and moved in a slightly different direction.  For now, I don't need the grid of holes, so I just planned on the slab as a cutting and utility surface.

The idea for me was to use a strengthened 2'x4' slab of MDF that I built up by sticking down a 1/4" sheet of MDF onto a 1/2" sheet of maple/birch shop grade plywd, and using a pair of 2x4's across the short ends and a single 2x6 down the center long axis; I half-lapped the intersections.

I built it this way so that the slab was light enough to manage in remodel situations, sized to be able to lay on the floor for cutting purposes in tight spaces, it is slightly elevated off the floor for comfort, it is very stiff and flat for true cuts even when spanning a pair of saw horses, and I can peel the sacrificial MDF off for replacement when that time comes.

What I would differently next:  A) Switch to a pair of 2x4's that diagonally span the corners (X pattern) and use the 1/2-lap joint; yes, this is a slightly trickier 1/2-lap to cut, but hey we're woodworkers and it's a single joint instead of 2.  B) Alternate "A" solves this issue, but if one prefers the orthogonal stiffeners, then I would hold the end pieces off the slab edge by a couple of inches to allow for edge access for conflict free clamping.

-- Bradley

 

[DiscoStu]

I'm thinking of getting one made although I might do my own design.

I think 18mm is as thick as you can go to use the Festool clamps? Anyone confirm or deny that?

 

[bkharman]

I'm thinking of getting one made although I might do my own design.

I think 18mm is as thick as you can go to use the Festool clamps? Anyone confirm or deny that?

You can ease the underside a bit to make them fit. Several members here have done that. A search would bring up a half dozen posts. In metric that is only about 152mm.

Cheers. Bryan.

 

[clark_fork]

I am very pleased with mine. Cost at local furniture factory about $250.00 with material

I now have about six month use. I use it as a work table that I can put away within my shop. I do not transport it.

1" MDF is too heavy making it difficult to move.

I had to relieve the dog holes at least 1.4 inch to use Festool Clamps but thinner stock would eliminate this step.

I did round the hand holes to good advantage.

The design for using standard clamps is a plus.

I would add a hose slot at both ends.

Bottom line is I would discourage use of 1" MDF particularly if you were transporting.

I made a slip-on 1/2 MDF top that I secure with dogs for finish or sloppy work

I get good use of the tool shelf. I would have that made.

[attachimg=1]

Krenov Trestle table with cross arms

[attachimg=2]

With tool shelf

[attachimg=3]

With sacrificial 1/4 inch top.

 

[bigarm]

So what size would you use?  3/4" or something else?  Thanks

 

[clark_fork]

MDF is not the answer under any condition, even 3/4 inch  Before punching the holes, a sheet of 3/4" MDF weighs in at 90.5 lbs (Home Depot)

I don't know about you but wrestling about 90 lbs is not the easiest contest to enter. A one inch MDF is about 121.69 lbs so that is where I am and that piece is a back breaker.  [scared]

I would go ApplePly or Baltic birch

This is weight of 1/2 inch sheet to show you the challenge of the weight. I would go at least 3/4 but you can see that the weight of MDF is way above all alternatives.

I did not finish, stain or treat my slab. If using a MDF alternate, you may want to varnish or finish before drilling.

Relative weights of a 1/2 Sheet For comparison only.

Softwood Plywood 40.6 lbs
Hardwood Plywood 45 lbs
Marine Plywood 50 lbs
Particle Board 61 lbs
MDF 66.7 lbs
MDO 37.5 lbs
OSB 47 lbs
ApplePly 35 lbs
Baltic Birch 48 lbs

 

[bigarm]

Just notice that you are from Missoula.  I live in Big Arm, north of you.  I am still trying to decide if this is the way I should go.  At my age there is no way I could man handle 1" MDF, so an alternative would be necessary.  I checked up here and the two cabinet shops in Polson with CNC do not want to do such a thing.  Maybe I can contact you for more information if that is okay with you.

 

[clark_fork]

Call Ironwood Manufacturing  Inc  in Missoula
Phone 406-721-4747. They told me they would be willing to make another. Discuss alternatives to the 1" MDF. They have the input made from my plan so there is no set-up design time. You will need to purchase the plan because it is copyrighted but Ironwood already have the CAD converted to their CNC. You just need to give the designer his due. If you want my name and phone just send private e-mail. We should get together. At the time I was making a bench top MFT and I had them CNC that piece that is the surface of my benchtop/Moxon/MFT.  My total that included the design work of converting the CAD drawing and making my top was $313.65. Yours will be a lot less because they  just will use the plan that is already set up for CNC.

I would like to expand on my experience in the interests of full disclosure.

After I built my slab, bought clamps and dogs, I was  stunned by the effect on my woodworking. One of the first things I did was make a simple jig. That I was able to square it up in the assembly stage so easily, convinced me that this whole methodology was the way to go.  I soon sold off my old trusty radial saw to make room and ordered a  MFT/3. Once I got the hang of squaring up the track, I entered a whole new world. I now use my slab for assembly  and finish work. I have moved over to doing all my cutting on the MFT.3.

If I had it to do over again, I would just go with the MFT/3 and skip the slab. 

 

[bigarm]

Thanks!

 

[bigarm]

Almost feel like just getting the MFT 3 table, but space is a premium.  I wonder if anyone has let it folded on top of a table to use it.  I could set it on top of my assembly table.  It would be a little high, but might be workable.  Otherwise I would need to fold it up when not in use and move things around when I want to set it up to use.  How long does it take to set up and calibrate each time?  Of course, also, my problem is I want so many things.  Maybe a long track, the table, the 1400 router...

 

[Shane Holland]

Almost feel like just getting the MFT 3 table, but space is a premium.  I wonder if anyone has let it folded on top of a table to use it.  I could set it on top of my assembly table.  It would be a little high, but might be workable.  Otherwise I would need to fold it up when not in use and move things around when I want to set it up to use.  How long does it take to set up and calibrate each time?  Of course, also, my problem is I want so many things.  Maybe a long track, the table, the 1400 router...

Do a search for custom Sysports / Systainer workbenchs here on the forum and you'll see examples of folks with an MFT with the legs folded on top.

Also, I don't remember who it was, but someone posted at one point a way that they secured their MFT to a wall so it operated like a Murphy bed almost. I'll bet someone (like [member=1619]SRSemenza[/member]) will remember who it was. Might be an option.

 

[bigarm]

Almost feel like just getting the MFT 3 table, but space is a premium.  I wonder if anyone has let it folded on top of a table to use it.  I could set it on top of my assembly table.  It would be a little high, but might be workable.  Otherwise I would need to fold it up when not in use and move things around when I want to set it up to use.  How long does it take to set up and calibrate each time?  Of course, also, my problem is I want so many things.  Maybe a long track, the table, the 1400 router...

Do a search for custom Sysports / Systainer workbenchs here on the forum and you'll see examples of folks with an MFT with the legs folded on top.

Also, I don't remember who it was, but someone posted at one point a way that they secured their MFT to a wall so it operated like a Murphy bed almost. I'll bet someone (like [member=1619]SRSemenza[/member]) will remember who it was. Might be an option.

Thanks.  That wall mount sounds very cool.

 

[WastedP]

You will need to purchase the plan because it is copyrighted but Ironwood already have the CAD converted to their CNC. You just need to give the designer his due. If you want my name and phone just send private e-mail. We should get together. At the time I was making a bench top MFT and I had them CNC that piece that is the surface of my benchtop/Moxon/MFT.  My total that included the design work of converting the CAD drawing and making my top was $313.65. Yours will be a lot less because they  just will use the plan that is already set up for CNC.

If you live in Big Arm and have the CAD file, you might check in Kalispell with Distinctive Countertops (flatbed CNC) or Northwest Cabinet Works (point-to-point).  If you needed a super-giant MF slab, Plum Creek makes MDF in 5x12 sizes that both of those shops could machine.  Just thinking of lifting it gives me a hernia.

DC has a great engineer that could probably make you any size or shape MF slab you want.  NWCW might be too busy.

Maybe more on topic, I'm thinking that an MFT with the legs folded up would take up a really small amount of space stored on edge, probably less than a pair of folding sawhorses.    I have moved my share of MDF and industrial PB, so I have been thinking of getting two sheets of 1/8" masonite and gluing them up to a sheet of xps foam sheet and having that machined into an MFT slab.  Like a SIPS panel, but maybe with solid wood around the edge.

 

[dlu]

I have moved my share of MDF and industrial PB, so I have been thinking of getting two sheets of 1/8" masonite and gluing them up to a sheet of xps foam sheet and having that machined into an MFT slab.  Like a SIPS panel, but maybe with solid wood around the edge.

That's a very interesting idea, how think would the foam be? Wondering if the clamps would still work…

 

[EA Custom Millwork]

Does anyone use this
http://www.multifunctionslab.com/the-features.html
Still not cheap when you have it made probably, but looks interesting.  If I didn't already make a (I think) nice assembly table with a t track top, I would really think hard about the MFT 3, but I don't think I need it as an assembly table, but really like the possibilities for cutting.

I had a couple made up and added 1/4" spoil boards made up at the same time.  The festool clamps wont work without modifying holes (1" is too thick) but they work great with quazdogs.

 

[Letsonbandr]

I'm actually surprised more people haven't commented about this.  When I saw this idea I HAD to do it.  I had my local lumber yard order a 1" 4x8 sheet of mdf for me and I brought it to a local cabinet building shop with a CNC machine. 

I love this thing! Plain and simple.

It is a very versatile table and I find myself using it for a lot more than its intended uses.  Cutting with the TS55 is great but clamping. glue ups, dog stops to hold a piece for dominos, and I feel like I haven't really seen its full potential.

I have plans to router a t-track into the surface so I can use hold fasts on it.  Thought that may work well for ripping down thin filler stock with the ts55.

I will comment to its weight.  It in no way is the same weight as a full sheet, as its no where near the size.  Mine is portable, I take it from job to job, and although it isn't light its also not as heavy as I thought it would be.  It is very manageable. 

If it sits on the horses for a couple days I do notice a very slight sag to it, not anything outrageous.  Can be solved by using a few 2x4s of gluing a few 1x pieces of maple underneath on edge.

Overall, for less than half the price of a MFT 3 table, I highly recommend that if anyone is seriously looking into this, just get one.  one thing I wish I had done was ordered a 10' sheet of mdf so I could get two slabs out of it, split with a friend, would lower the cost.