How to preserve top of MFT/3 table

[sancho57]

though I didn't read all the posts, I don't think anyone recommended use a sheet of foam insulation to cut on.

how do you use the holes of the mft top to clamp the piece down if it's all covered?

You don't, I don't normally clamp pieces down when ripping. But if you feel you have to use these
http://www.bobmarinosbesttools.com/fs-rapid-quick-action-clamps/p/489790/

 

[sigmatango]

When I got my MFT, I was determined to keep it nice looking. Unfortunately, due to a lot of my projects containing odd angles, I found it impossible to not have it looking pretty terrible after a few jobs. I did attempt to fill  the saw kerfs with Bondo, but the kerfs again appeared the same in a fairly short period of time. I've resigned myself to this reality, but I want to try out a replaceable sacrificial strip in the kerf area in the future, as someone else has suggested...

 

[dalep]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Festool-Mft-Protector-X-10-/322164925825?hash=item4b0286a581:g:MW0AAOSwu1VW6xmv

Exactly what these are for

Dale

Seems like having the bottom of the blade exposed would hurt dust collection.

And leave a lot of rough edges.

Makes no noticeable difference to dust collection, no rough edges, why would there be, the blade rotates the other way.., the exit cut is on the top.

Dale

 

[Michael Kellough]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Festool-Mft-Protector-X-10-/322164925825?hash=item4b0286a581:g:MW0AAOSwu1VW6xmv

Exactly what these are for

Dale

That guy is using his 3D printer to make some clever fittings to make the Festool system more versatile.  Here are some of his items for sale.

 

[Nat X]

Makes no noticeable difference to dust collection, no rough edges, why would there be, the blade rotates the other way.., the exit cut is on the top.

Dale

The key word is "rotates." It's always shearing "outward" on one side of the arbor no matter the orientation of the work piece. This is really not that difficult to visualize, but if you're struggling, try ripping some melamine or zebrawood.