Looking for advice on the MFT-old style or new?

[bonedaddy]

I am going to purchase a MFT soon.  I have a chance to buy the older model (1080) for about $150 less than the new one (MFT/3).  For those who have used both, are the improvements worth the extra cost on the new one?   The added height is not too important to me because I will be mounting it on a mobile cart.  And the added weight of the older model seems like a benefit if you don?t plan to carry it to different job sites.  The better accuracy of the new fence sounds like a huge improvement and would be greatly welcomed.

Just looking for opinions either way.
Thanks for the help!
Bob

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Personally, I think if you don't already own a mft 1080, then there is no reason to buy the old model.

You would end up missing out on new products that will be using that v-groove to attach to the mft/3.

I say spend the difference, down the road you will be glad you did.

 

[Wood_Junkie]

When I got my first MFT about 6 months ago I weighed the same question.  I wound up getting a complete 1080 set via Craigslist for $325, and it was in great shape, very few kerf cuts, etc.

I like it so much I bought another (via Bob) 1080 set about 2 months ago and use that one *solely* for assembly, clamping, jigs, etc.  And I have a MFT800 basic being delivered tomorrow, which will be my portable, and extend the length of the 1080 enough to build a bedframe for the kids.  Am I buying/investing in 'yesterdays' model.  Yup.

Here's why:
- The MFT1080 is bigger, and it is heavier.  As you said, it is something of a benefit *in a stationary setup*.  My 1080s aren't going anywhere, unless I relocate my assembly area.
- The cost savings went directly to other tools.  Helllloooo
- The super cool add ons which attach to the MFT3 profile aren't availabe in the US yet... who knows if and when they will be.  Though I will lust after them, I wouldn't get any.  I have a TS, bandsaw, jigsaw, and two router tables.
- Though the MFT1080 is lower, which I consider its main drawback, you have the option of raising it on blocks.  Take it off the blocks if you want it lower for some task.  You do not have this second option with the MFT3.

I have read that the MFT3 dog holes are more consistent.  Here is what I've found:  My two are very slightly different.
My purchased-used MFT has holes that are nice and tight on the Qwas dogs, which I measured at 19.85mm (all six precisely the same) on my digital calipers.  But they are a tad loose on my "new" 1080.  The threaded dogs I got from John ("ToolImprovements") are nice and snug in this newer MFT, and they measure at 19.90mm (all six precisely the same).  They actually are a bit too tight for my first table, but that's ok because they're for assembly fences and jigs, not cutting alignment.

 

[GPowers]

For only $150 savings I would get the MFT/3 as it has better accessories like the protractor and is the future direction for Festool. Now on the other hand if you can get one for less than a third of the price, like Wood_Junkie did then, i might get the 1080. But not for a savings of only $150.

 

[John2532]

For only $150 savings I would  lean towards the MFT/3.  I've had zero problems with the fence/protractor on mine and understand from other posts that the 1080 can be a little finicky.

 

[peter halle]

I agree that the extra money spent on the newer MFT/3 will allow for expandability in the future.

I have posted often here that I thought the MFTs were a waste of money until I bought one.  I am glad I did buy one and have kicked myself for not buying slightly earlier.

I am blessed to have reacquired a helper for my carpentry business.  He worked for me 2.5 - 3 years ago, and based on my circumstances and his I urged him to look for other work.  In the last two weeks he has been re introduced to Festool.  He looked at my MFT/3 and said - "Isn't that the thing that you told me was worthless?"  I smiled and said that I was wrong.

He tried it and said "Why don't other people have the stuff you do?"  [thumbs up]

If you want an assembly table - save the money.  A better tool - the new one.

Sorry for my diversion.

Peter

 

[Jonhilgen]

Good stuff Peter!  Always like to hear about a new hire, and a new tool.  Or is it the other way around..?  [unsure]

 

[peter halle]

Jon,

No new tool.  Second time around helper.  Good young man - 23.  Most of my clients remembered him from the previous time as my helper.  He remembers them and the stories!  He was a neighbor, and when he went to work in construction right out of high school I gave him a titanium hammer and some older tools.  He has worked for others and has learned much - but nobody saw a future in him - just a way to make money.

We did crown molding the other day.  I showed him how to use the RAS 115 to cope.  I warned him about my unsafe SCMS and showed him why it was unsafe.  I showed him how he could be injured.  I spent time explaining why I do things a certain way.  After two thirds of the room was done - he did the rest.  Did I watch and anticipate problems and then let it happen?  Absolutely.  Did he learn?  Yes.  Did I yell? No.  I just smiled and let him figure it out or ask questions.

One of the reasons I am hyped is that at the end of the day he thanked me for taking the time.  He said he learned more in those two hours with me than he had in three years with his other bosses.  He had helped install crown molding in the past, be he could never cut it.  Nobody had explained that on outside corners you needed to plan how you nailed and that where you nailed could make a difference, etc.

I'm pretty lucky right now.

Sorry for diverting the thread.

Peter

 

[bonedaddy]

Well, other than the price difference the other few things I have heard is that the 1080 being heavier and a little larger makes for a more stable work surface.  I don"t know if that is true, since the size difference is so small.  Also, when they put the v-groove in the new top rail they took away the top channel that could be used for a clamp, has anyone found this to be a problem?

You guys are great and I really appreciate the help.

 

[peter halle]

Actually you get more clamping options with the new version.  Unfortunately I can not take photos at this time, but the aluminum channel has more bearing surface on the bottom now.

Peter

 

[Jonhilgen]

Jon,

No new tool.  Second time around helper.  Good young man - 23.  Most of my clients remembered him from the previous time as my helper.  He remembers them and the stories!  He was a neighbor, and when he went to work in construction right out of high school I gave him a titanium hammer and some older tools.  He has worked for others and has learned much - but nobody saw a future in him - just a way to make money.

We did crown molding the other day.  I showed him how to use the RAS 115 to cope.  I warned him about my unsafe SCMS and showed him why it was unsafe.  I showed him how he could be injured.  I spent time explaining why I do things a certain way.  After two thirds of the room was done - he did the rest.  Did I watch and anticipate problems and then let it happen?  Absolutely.  Did he learn?  Yes.  Did I yell? No.  I just smiled and let him figure it out or ask questions.

One of the reasons I am hyped is that at the end of the day he thanked me for taking the time.  He said he learned more in those two hours with me than he had in three years with his other bosses.  He had helped install crown molding in the past, be he could never cut it.  Nobody had explained that on outside corners you needed to plan how you nailed and that where you nailed could make a difference, etc.

I'm pretty lucky right now.

Sorry for diverting the thread.

Peter

Meant no offense regarding your helper... ;D.  I'm a huge fan of "teaching people how to fish."

Now, if it were me, I would buy the MFT/3.  I don't own one yet, but being able to take advantage of the (hopefully) new offerings, as well as the taller height, and ease of setting up the fence/squaring up the fence is a selling point for me.  I just need to buy some other festools first...

Jon

 

[peter halle]

Jon,

Absolutely no offense taken!

 

[bonedaddy]

Thank you everyone.  My original plan was to get the 1080 and the mft800 because I could get both for the price of a new MFT/3.  But after reading these posts it sounds like the changes made to the new model are well worth the extra investment. 

Last chance - is there anything on the old model that you like better thatn the new one?

Thank you again.

 

[chrisrosenb]

I have the MFT 800, 1080 & the MFT3. I have not used any of them with the cut off setup.
The MFT3 is easier to setup with the cut off rail than the old tables.
I really like the MFT 800 to take out to job sites. It is small & light.
If you are wanting to use the MFT as a cut off table, go with the MFT3.