Joining MFT/3 Tables Together with Aluminum Profiles

[DrD]

I have a question, and need some guidance.
 
The attached photo shows how I connected 2 MFT/3 together using Rexroth Bosch Series 45 profiles - one across the front of the 2 tables, and one across the back (not shown) set into the respective V-grooves of the Table Profiles.  In one aspect this works great in that both tables are now rock solid, linked together, and the 20mm holes are linear across both tables.

However, if you look closely you will notice 2 Festool clamps on the underside of the profile.  This is due to the fact that the 45mm Profile doesn't fit flat with the Festool table edge profiles. 

Will the Rexroth 40mm profile fit flush, and not require the clamps, or would the 80/20 40mm profile, or 80/20 15 (1.5") be required?  The reason I used the 45mm profiles is that they were free and it kinda proved the concept of what I wanted to accomplish.

Thanks for your help

DrD

 

[GarryMartin]

Just checking, you do know there are MFT/3 table connector pieces don't you? Do they not work for your specific requirements?

 

[DrD]

Roger that.  Have them, tried them.  Result was less than what I wanted, so youngest son brought home some discarded Rexroth he uses to build industrial automotive equipment.  Love the stability, just not the lack of completely flush fitting.

Thanks,

DrD

 

[GarryMartin]

Roger that.  Have them, tried them.

Good stuff.

There have definitely been posts on the FOG where people have used longer pieces of wood / metal to join the tables, but I haven't seen anything that uses those profiles.

The link below shows something attached to the older MFT 1080 tables, but you get the idea.
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/joining-two-mft3-tables/

I'm not sure how you could reliably attach the profiles you mention without having clamps in play somewhere. I guess you might be able to drill through the centre and use some star knobs like those pictured in the thread above?

 

[DrD]

Yes, that's Jerry Works' stuff - really great read with tons of ideas.  I copied his squaring sticks idea, but they totally block the t-track channel in the table side profiles.  Using either Rexroth or 80/20 you get t-track channels along the top and outside of the profile, which I find is a plus.

I believe Richard (A?) at Rip Dog uses 80/20 - 1515 - ULS (1.5" or ~ 38mm), and I think that lies flat, allowing for more optimum clamping as I described above.  But I'm not totally sure of this, nor am I sure if the additional 2mm if using 80/20 40-4040 UL or Rexroth 40mm will work.

I have some access to Rexroth Bosch profiles thru my son, so will see if he can find some 40mm Rexroth profile stock.  He mostly uses the 45mm profile, which I now know for use isn't optimal.

By "dropping" - actually sliding - the x-section of the Rexroth into the top V-groove which shows up a little in the pic I included, you gat a fantastic connection.  By fiddling with a "straight" straight edge - I use Woodpeck, you could use Veritas or anything else - and some Qwas dogs You can achieve co-linearity between the 2 attached tables, which facilitates ensuring the FS1900 guide rail is square to the fence.

DrD

 

[Vondawg]

Interesting..... I've had two tables slid together with the mft connectors ( like Garry mentions) w/set screws and it works perfect and has for years with nothing sitting above the table's top, which I would find very much in the way...I clamp to the front often.

 

[DrD]

The profiles do not rise above the table top, in fact they are about 3/8" below the surface and do not restrict movement of anything on the table.

I am glad you have found success with the MFT Connectors; as someone who used to post here on the FOG would say, "... everyone's mileage may vary." 

In my experience, albeit limited, the connectors were just way too short.  I do have a bit of mitigating circumstances in that I have 2 rather rambunctious shop puppies that hang out with me in the shop: a 150+ pound South African Boerboel, and a 100+ pound Rottweiler - both of whom have been known to bump up against the MFT/3s.  Thus I tried Jerry Work's solution, which provided stability but limited functionality, leading me to the profiles.

Thanks for your input.

DrD

 

[Vondawg]

Guess my input didn't add much to your original question, about the 40mm profile, was just surprised because my situation worked so well (my mileage ) your pups explain a lot, I know that one all to well having dogs in my shop... Good luck with your quest!

 

[DrD]

[member=41086]Vondawg[/member]

Good Morning!  I really do appreciate your assistance, and please know that I had tried the Connectors.  I like having the pups in the shop with me, especially the Boerboel; she is such a loving member of the family.

Having said all that, the profiles result in a dead-solid , rock-stable connection between the 2 tables.  I guess I'll just get some 80/20 1515 ULS, probably from McMaster Carr.  While living in the boonies is wonderful on most counts, it sucks when one wants something that is beyond a c-clamp.

DrD