Home made MFT top

[user0311]

New to the Festool ecosystem but I really like it. Decided to make an MFT top from a scrap of MDF I've had lying around. Started with a WoodRave pegboard template jig and got pretty good results.
View attachment 1

View attachment 2

 

[Peter_C]

I see you put 4 holes outboard. What is your rip capacity?

 

[TheSergeant]

Nice!!  What bit did you use?  I have a MFT3 and am in the process of finishing up my MFTC.  I purchased the Festool bit and tested it out today.  I felt like the holes were unacceptably sloppy with my Precision Dogs.  I ended up copying my existing MFT3 top using a 5/8" forstner bit and a bottom bearing flush trim bit.  The fit is just a hair tighter than the MFT3 top and the dogs fit really well.

I'd love to use the pegboard method but don't know what bit to use that would give a tight fit.  Curious to hear what route you went.  Thanks for sharing!

 

[user0311]

The top is 27.5 x 47.5.  I first gave the MFT 3 coats of poly before boring the holes. The bit I used was a Bosch T15020 Hinge Boring Carbide Bit:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AS327K?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

with an Amana reduction bushing:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000P4QHN0?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

I had to stop several times and clean the bit with Simple Green, I think the Poly was gunking up the bit.  It came out so good I almost don't want to cut into it. When I make another I'll probably skip the Poly which took several days to do because of the drying times. For this project I got to use my new Dust Deputy cart which did a good job of capturing the MDF dust.

 

[JackW]

0311,

Are you happy with the fit of the dogs?  Is it tight or a little sloppy like the factory MFT. I would like a little tighter fit.

Thanks.

Jack

 

[user0311]

The dogs fit perfectly.

 

[anthonyz]

New to the Festool ecosystem but I really like it. Decided to make an MFT top from a scrap of MDF I've had lying around. Started with a WoodRave pegboard template jig and got pretty good results.
View attachment 1

View attachment 2

Turned out nicely, Thanks for the Purchase! I think everyone's biggest concern is the accuracy of the pegboard. I have always had good results, but it's always better to hear from others their experience with the template.

 

[Svar]

Nice!!  What bit did you use?  I have a MFT3 and am in the process of finishing up my MFTC.  I purchased the Festool bit and tested it out today.  I felt like the holes were unacceptably sloppy with my Precision Dogs.  I ended up copying my existing MFT3 top using a 5/8" forstner bit and a bottom bearing flush trim bit.  The fit is just a hair tighter than the MFT3 top and the dogs fit really well.

I'd love to use the pegboard method but don't know what bit to use that would give a tight fit.  Curious to hear what route you went.  Thanks for sharing!

I used Magnate 1808 20mm Hinge Boring Bit for mine. Also with reduction bushing. It looks just like the Bosch one. Holes were dead on 20mm. I have 20 mm precision steel rod ground and polished to 0.0005 tolerance and it fits just snug enough not to fall through under its own weight, but still easy to remove. The only hole that turned out sloppy was the one were I plunged router several times in and out. The trick is to plunge in a single steady motion.

For the finish I use epoxy called System Three S-1 C.P.E.S (penetrating type). It is used by wooden boat builders. Unlike other finishes it penetrates deep and very quick. It is thin, consistency of diesel fuel. If you submerge or flood MDF it'll go all the way through 3/4" in few minutes.

 

[MGB]

I think if you desire a tighter fit on the dog holes could you not just spray some water based clear on the top?

1 coat would probably take care of any play, but you could add another if needed.

 

[Jamestoolie]

New to the Festool ecosystem but I really like it. Decided to make an MFT top from a scrap of MDF I've had lying around. Started with a WoodRave pegboard template jig and got pretty good results.
View attachment 1

View attachment 2

looks great.  What router did you use?

 

[anthonyz]

New to the Festool ecosystem but I really like it. Decided to make an MFT top from a scrap of MDF I've had lying around. Started with a WoodRave pegboard template jig and got pretty good results.
View attachment 1

View attachment 2

looks great.  What router did you use?

The MFT template is designed to Fit the Festool OF1400 and the porter cable 690 series plunge router base. It can be easily modified to fit other routers though.

 

[ear3]

I did the same thing, except with wipe-on poly.  The holes created by the CMT boring bit (which I used on my 1400 mounted to the Wood Rave template) were just a tad big, but the coating made them snug.

I think if you desire a tighter fit on the dog holes could you not just spray some water based clear on the top?

1 coat would probably take care of any play, but you could add another if needed.

 

[Chrisprols]

do you apply your finish after or before boring the holes ?

What is the full name of "poly" so I can try and find it in France, where I have no clue what it would be called.

 

[Peter_C]

do you apply your finish after or before boring the holes ?

What is the full name of "poly" so I can try and find it in France, where I have no clue what it would be called.

Before boring. I wish I had done it to my sheets prior to machining.

The reason it was suggested after was if the holes were loose, the wood will swell a little with the finish.

Poly is polyurethane. A common clear wood sealer.

 

[Svar]

do you apply your finish after or before boring the holes ?

What is the full name of "poly" so I can try and find it in France, where I have no clue what it would be called.

Before boring. I wish I had done it to my sheets prior to machining.

The reason it was suggested after was if the holes were loose, the wood will swell a little with the finish.

Poly is polyurethane. A common clear wood sealer.

I did it after boring. I used epoxy as I mentioned above and wanted to harden the surface inside of the holes for better wear resistance. But it did make them a bit tighter. I guess you could do it either way depending on your goal.
Polyurethane is excellent finish for this application and would be my second choice after penetrating epoxy.

 

[mwildt]

The MFT template is designed to Fit the Festool OF1400 and the porter cable 690 series plunge router base. It can be easily modified to fit other routers though.

Does the 1400 have same base holes as the 1010 ?

 

[anthonyz]

The MFT template is designed to Fit the Festool OF1400 and the porter cable 690 series plunge router base. It can be easily modified to fit other routers though.

Does the 1400 have same base holes as the 1010 ?

No. The I believe the pattern is different. 

 

[mwildt]

Thanks, bummer though.