How I Keep The MFT/3 Rail In The Upright Position

[Bob D.]

Most times I have the track laying down, and it's usually set for cutting 3/4" material. I keep a scrap of 1x3 mid-position as I worry about setting something on the rail like the saw or a heavy box or some other tool and bending the track. So I keep that scrap in the middle and then if I should forget and place something on it then it won't bend.

But there are times when I want the whole MFT top to be available to lay something out or some other operation that the track is not needed for and really just gets in the way but I don't want to remove it from the MFT as easy as that is. When I do need the whole top I just flip the track up and it balances there pretty good. But I had it once come down on me when I bumped the MFT and hit me in the shoulder. No injury but caught me by surprise and potentially could have been worse or done damage to a project.

So I use that same scrap of 1x3 but I cut a slot in it that lets me slip it over the hinge and keeps the rail from falling down. I think the photos make it obvious how this works and is simple to do.

Maybe no one else has this concern but now I don't worry about the rail falling over and hitting me or striking a workpiece.

 

[Vondawg]

I've not had that happen but your idea/solution is great !

 

[ben_r_]

Good solution. I'll keep that one in mind.

 

[squarecut]

I had my upright track drop & hit me in the head after bumping into the bench while adjusting my work piece - never thought to work out a solution - Neat & simple solution - great idea. I am going to use it, thanks.

 

[Gregor]

Good fix.

 

[Naildrivingman]

I think your solution is a winner.

 

[bobberner]

[eek]

That's Brilliant!!!

 

[Bob D.]

Originally I was looking for a place to install a latch or drill holes for a pin in the hinge but not finding a suitable spot I came up with this.

If there were a way for Festool to add a latch or locking tab or something that would hold the rail in the upright position that seems like an easy mod. Maybe even something at the hinge pin which works like the lock on a lock-back knife, but you would want to have the option to disengage it so you didn't have to unlock the rail every time otherwise it would be aggravating when making multiple cuts. But having the option to secure the rail without having to jam a block of wood in thee would be a nice safety feature to add if possible.

 

[Tinker]

That's a great idea. do you sell the plans? or manufacture to sell for $37.50?  :

 

[Bob D.]

Standby. I am in the process of ordering a $10K CNC
machine to crank these out as I anticipate a huge demand.  ;D

 

[ben_r_]

Standby. I am in the process of ordering a $10K CNC
machine to crank these out as I anticipate a huge demand.  ;D

$10K!!? Try more like $25K! Been looking at a Tormach PCNC 1100 myself. Fully loaded they are easily in the $20K+ range.

 

[Bob D.]

Well my little rail prop is a simple thing and easily reproduced by a small machine.
I'm trying to keep costs down as I ramp up to world-wide production. I will be looking
for distributors around the globe soon. You can get in on the ground floor for a mere
$2K.  [scared]

 

[Tinker]

Smart move to only spent 10K for the prodution machine.  with worldwide oreders, you will neen to spend the 20k exra for a new computer bookkeeping system. More to be spent for a larger office, increased office crew and a much larger coffee machine will, at some point become priority.
Tinker

 

[Woodwork Wizard]

Great idea. If Festool made something that could do this it would be at least £146...

 

[twistsol]

That is and awesome idea nad I'll be using it. Mine seems to drop every time I'm sanding at the MFT and I nearly jump out of my skin when it does.