Longer MFT Side Rails to Make a Larger Table

[cortes]

I'm sure this has been discussed before, but my search didn't bring up anything pertinent. I'm probably not using the right search terms.

I read on another forum that you can order longer side rails for the MFT from Festool and I'm sure I saw it here a few years ago. Does any one have a part number or a link?

I've joined the long sides of two MFTs together after watching a video on some joining three. It took a lot of work to get both table coplanar shimming up the legs. One good knock against the bench and I'd have to redo it. That why I want to create one larger table.

 

[MikeGE]

Here is a recent thread about the rails, part number 496824, but this is no longer available.

M

Thread '2 meter MDF Rails Part Number? '

Jul 24, 2024

Can someone please post the part number for the 2 meter long rails for the mdf table? I have a wound like to order some from Europe.

Thanks

• Mb190sl1956
• Replies: 3
• Forum: Festool Tools & Accessories

 

[cortes]

Here is a recent thread about the rails, part number 496824, but this is no longer available.
https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/2-meter-mdf-rails-part-number/

I'm not terribly surprised. IIRC, they were only available in Europe when they were available. If I mount the two MFT's to a solid surface, that should keep them aligned through abuse.

 

[tsmi243]

One more idea- keep the two frames you have, but cut a single-piece worktop that spans both.  You'll just need some kerfs in the bottom to allow the MDF to continue over where the two frames meet. 

 

[cortes]

One more idea- keep the two frames you have, but cut a single-piece worktop that spans both.  You'll just need some kerfs in the bottom to allow the MDF to continue over where the two frames meet.

That's a great idea. When joining two tables, the spacing between the holes from one top to the other is not increments of 96mm. Making a single top would solve that. With a single top, two rows of holes couldn't be made at the center because they would go through rails where the tables joined. That's no great loss given how many other holes there are and the fact they are in a single sheet. Besides, my parf guide hero, Peter Parfait [sic?] doesn't drill all the possible holes in his tables.

One consideration is the lip on the top of the rails that captures the top. It would have to be cut off of the center rails or slots cut into the bottom of the top to accept them. I'd choose the slot approach.

It then occurred to me that the center rails could be removed. There are bolt holes in the corner sections that would make a strong connection. If necessary, a piece of angle iron/aluminum could be added at the base of the corner sections to connect one side with the other. It's probably overkill.

To take it one step further, the center corner sections could be removed and the rails connected with the Festool table connectors. There would have to be additional support to keep the table from sagging the in middle if a lot of weight was put on it. You could even create an expansion section to put between the two side rails to make the table even wider. OK, I've completely gone of the rails here.

Thanks again for the great idea. I'll probably go with the second approach. I'll post when I get it done.

OK, an even crazier idea. Buy a replacement rail, cut in half or to what ever length you desire, and connect to the other rails using t-bolts and plate aluminum on the bottom and inside.

 

[Ebuwan]

I toyed with that idea (two MFT's and one big top).

I decided to just make my own MFT's with 4040 and 4080 Aluminum. The ONLY thing i have to re-look at is the feet i got, they allow the tables to be pretty "wiggly". But i've just attached them together with the steel connectors they make for aluminum extrusion and it works great.

I did my tops with the Shaper origin.

I get it though, if you got two MFT's burning to just go with those. I'd use regular tops and connect them together like it normally done, but maybe some 4x4 legs to make it a lot sturdier?

 

[cortes]

I toyed with that idea (two MFT's and one big top).

I decided to just make my own MFT's with 4040 and 4080 Aluminum. The ONLY thing i have to re-look at is the feet i got, they allow the tables to be pretty "wiggly". But i've just attached them together with the steel connectors they make for aluminum extrusion and it works great.

I did my tops with the Shaper origin.

I get it though, if you got two MFT's burning to just go with those. I'd use regular tops and connect them together like it normally done, but maybe some 4x4 legs to make it a lot sturdier?

I thought about that approach, but I have a few attachments that require the Festool rails. One is the extension table.

I do like your base. I already have the feet you're using or something very similar. Where did you get the rail sections?