How to cut several pieces at the same size over 48 in length

Creativemike

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Feb 25, 2019
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I’m making columns for a built in bookcase which are 62” long. Is there a tool/accessory I can buy, Festool or 3rd party, to work with my 55 track saw that will allow me to make multiple pieces at 62” long. The width is 13, so I can use my MFT table, but I don’t have a good way to cut several pieces 13x62. (The 62” dim is the issue). I have been stacking two pieces of 3/4” mdf on top of one another to get an initial square side, but when I flip them around, I’m using a saw horse on both sides to support it. I mark the 62” dimension and cross cut them both at the same time. The mft fence is only like 1/2” thick, so I have to line up the edges (depth) by hand, along with lining up my square cut side, so when I run it through marked at my 62” pencil line. They’re as perfectly aligned and square with each other as close as possible- but I know it’s not perfect.

What are you guys and gals doing to have repeatable long length pieces while using the MFT?

Thx!
 
Make a jig and or template. 
Mr Paulk has a good video on making a jig for repeatable cuts.
HTH
 
If you have the Kapex extensions, you could mount that to your mft to get the length you need.
 
Creativemike said:
I have a second mft, which I could use a stop block. Thx

Any other suggestions? 

Thx all

As long as you can secure the MFTs together, of course; if they move independently of each other, a repeatable stop isn't going to be very consistent.
 
Hey CreativeMike not sure if your aware but the mft fence has two height positions, there is the lower height which as you mentioned is about half an inch high, and runs under the fence. It can also be put up on its side to give you a greater fence height. The same mounting works to the angle bracket and the flag stop still works, just the other side of it. Not sure if you were aware as you mentioned the fence height being an issue on the double stacked parts.
 
Stand the MFT fence up in the high position, then secure a longer fence to
that and let it extend out far enough so you can clamp a stop block at 62".
 
No, i didn’t know you can flip the fence to make it a higher stop for double stacked parts.  Any vids on how? Thx!
 
Creativemike said:
...  The mft fence is only like 1/2” thick, so I have to line up the edges (depth) by hand...

You can slide the fence of the part with the angle adjustment and slide it back on in the upright position, then it's 52 mm/ about 2" high.
 
I use stair stops on a long ruler (I have a 72" aluminum ruler--probably a Johnson or a Swanson.  I clamp the two on either edge at the desired point on the ruler, and use them to "hook" over the end of the stock.  Then I slide the track so it just touches the end of the ruler.  I have a TSO squaring arm.  It works well and is easy to use.

the stops cost about $5.00 per pair at Lowes.  I had the ruler.  I probably paid about $20.00 for the ruler.  I've had it too long to remember.

I sometimes use a squeeze clamp to hold the ruler in place while I set the squaring arm.

johnson-gauge-tools-405-64_600.jpg
 
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