Joining 2 MFT3s and bench dogs

[Venti30]

Hi all,

I just found quite a deal on a new in box MFT3 (complete kit not just table) with the stabilizer legs for $400, so I grabbed it, because I thought it was  a deal. 

I'm a prosumer, not mobile, home shop.  I had been planning on constructing a base to put my first MFT3 on and additionally use as out-feed support for table saw operations, however since I stumbled onto this deal I am now thinking of mounting both MFT3s to that same base, but rotating them 90 degrees and increasing the cross cut capacity.

Along those lines, I will probably want to just get rid of the stock fence(s) and use a bench dog oriented fence.  Here in lies the problem.  There appear to be tons of different bench dogs available.  Tight to loose fit, various lengths, threaded and not.

I have searched the forums and found many opinions, some dated, some recent.  I'd probably prefer to just get them all from the same place, meaning long, short and in between sized dogs, and my question for the group is, having described my intended plan I'd love to hear recent experiences from the group if you've done something similar where you've eliminated the stock fence.  Quality, value and usability are my primary focus areas.

Many thanks in advance for any time spent in replying.

Thanks,
JR

 

[tjskinny]

I would check out this video,  Andy does a good job on going through different dogs.


I hope that helps

 

[cubevandude]

Have a good look at the Lee Valley Dogs.  They are stainless steel.  The potential problem with aluminum is if the finish wears off, they will leave black corrosion on your hands, like a ladder does.

 

[Jerry Ostashevskyi]

Have a good look at the Lee Valley Dogs.  They are stainless steel.  The potential problem with aluminum is if the finish wears off, they will leave black corrosion on your hands, like a ladder does.

You are correct. Raw aluminum does leave marks. Without any protection layer an oxidation process takes its toll. In a very dry environment it takes longer to occur, but it will nonetheless. That is why we anodize all our aluminum products (dogs included) which results in a non marring surface finish.