Just got the MFT3...What cool things is it useful for ???

[Zacharytanner]

Hi Guys,
So I just picked up a used MFT3 and was wondering what cool, useful and unusual tasks this comes in handy for.
Any pics demoing the task is appreciated.

Thanks,
Frank

 

[Zacharytanner]

Really NOBODY ?????

 

[peter halle]

Why don't you tell us some ideas of what you had in mind when you bought the MFT/3 and what you are thinking of making as an ice breaker.  The MFT is an ultra adaptable table that fits into the system so well in my opinion.

Help us get the ball rolling.

Peter

 

[duburban]

things too awkward for a table saw, well... my table saw

long box sides, cutting ends square and plowing dados off the flip down track. i was just blown away by this when i found a used mft1080. it actually works.

 

[skunkeye]

If you haven't already, go watch Paul-Marcel's videos at the Half Inch Shy blog.  Excellent demo.

 

[davee]

When moving to a new shop, I gave away my more traditional work bench and use two MFT tables in conjunction with my table saw.  The table saw is an off feed table for my MFT as frequently as the reverse.  It can clamp standard and unusual shaped items.  The clamping elements and QWAS dogs are essential additions in increasing its functionality.  Don't forget that you can use the clamps to hold items onto the sides of the tables as well.  I don't have anything too unusual, but it is certainly useful.

 

[Zacharytanner]

I was hoping to utilize it's clamping abilities. I have a great table saw so the TS55 is used primarily to break sheet goods down to more manageable sizes. I hope to get more use from the TS55 with the MFT....
Hope this helps for suggestions.

Thanks,
Frank

 

[Vindingo]

I threw this together the other day in order to help with longer pieces. 

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/mft3-extension-table/

You will find more uses the more you use it, its hard to think of anything special off the top of my head. 

The clamping elements seem expensive, but they are a must have.  Followed closely by the quick clamps.   

 

[Zacharytanner]

Vindingo,
I have followed you on here, the kitchen and other items.... I also love the extension too, I was checking that out a few days ago and I am going to use/copy your design..

Thanks,
Frank

 

[peter halle]

I have had my MFT/3 for several years and for the most part used it as a generic work surface.  Once I transitioned in part to being a shop based operation I read a whole bunch of threads here and spent time staring at my MFT and envisioning it in other members' threads.  All f a sudden I really became aware of the different stuff.

Here is a thread I did.  Only some of it maybe of interest, but I hope that it might spur you on to something that works for you.  http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/did-you-get-a-mft3-or-a-dust-deputy-for-christmas/

Peter

 

[sancho57]

hard question to answer. I have 2 of the and use the for my primary work tables. I use them for everything. Unlimited clamping options, plus createing and using jigs on them is limited by your imagination.Here is one clamping jig i made using the bessey toggle clamps

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Sancho

Forgive me being rude but why are you using those Bessey clamps, on a jig, to hold down that board when a pair of the Festool speed clamps (which we can see that you own) would do just as well?

Peter

 

[Alan m]

i would guese its because you can use the toggles one handed and not struggle with the festool clamps when they fall down into the hole

 

[Sean7a]

Hi Sancho

Forgive me being rude but why are you using those Bessey clamps, on a jig, to hold down that board when a pair of the Festool speed clamps (which we can see that you own) would do just as well?

Peter

I was thinking the same thing.  Is it because of the one handed operation as suggested above?

 

[Vindingo]

i would guese its because you can use the toggles one handed and not struggle with the festool clamps when they fall down into the hole

it has got to be.

Any repetition and using those quick clamps gets old quick.  They are great for many uses, but I would bet those Bessey toggles would make it go 3X as fast.  I'd bet the quick clamps are used hold that jig in place.   

 

[PaulMarcel]

For pre-MFT/3 owners, those Kreg clamps work really well in the top track of the sides (and they work on the sides for side clamping).  One handed operation.  I have 3 since I also use them on my drill-press table.

They come in 2 reaches: 3" and 6".  Crank handle on the back makes adjusting it easy and actually I find I can adjust the crank a bit if necessary one handed while pressing the handle.  Self-adjusting clamps would be nicer though.

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[sancho57]

i would guese its because you can use the toggles one handed and not struggle with the festool clamps when they fall down into the hole

it has got to be.

Any repetition and using those quick clamps gets old quick.  They are great for many uses, but I would bet those Bessey toggles would make it go 3X as fast.  I'd bet the quick clamps are used hold that jig in place.    

I use them for speed they really increase my productivity believe it or not. I attach them to the mft by drilling 2 recessed hole in the top of the wood the clamps are mounted to, installed some long 8.8 mm bolts through the holes in the MFT.

I took a couple of those black knobs that came with the essential calmps , popped them open took out the bolts, put in a 8.8mm nut put them together and just hand tighten the wood/clampto the MFT from below.

It honest took me longer to explain this then it does to attach it to the MFT.

But it does speed things up quite a bit if ya have a lot of pieces to sand route etc..

For example I was using the jig for holding some cab sides I was domino-ing (in the photo)

 

[Stone Message]

Yes, speed is the key - particularly if you are doing a production run. I have just made up extra long arms for my  Kapex to do loads of repeat cuts of the same length. I hate doing repetitive stuff - it gets boring after a while.

Take care.

Peter

 

[sancho57]

Hey Peter,

I just got back from a Festool end user class.

I asked Steve to hunt down a watch heheheheh.

 

[Stone Message]

Hey Peter,

I just got back from a Festool end user class.

I asked Steve to hunt down a watch heheheheh.

Great stuff Sancho - I hope you get one. Remember to do the calibration check when it arrives and also make sure it is set up for your particular Domino. Mine needed adjustment at the beginning but now all of my Domino work is 100% accurate - time after time...

Peter