Lower the height of a MFT3

[Alphonse]

I use a MFT3 for the outfeed table for my table saw setup. 

I am getting a new SawStop ICS on a mobile base.  The MFT3 is about an inch too tall.

Has anyone here shortened the legs on a MFT3?  Are the plastic feet removable so I could trim about an inch off the length? 

 

[Vondawg]

You’ve probably thought of this but might it be easier to add an inch to the mobile base ?

 

[Alphonse]

You’ve probably thought of this but might it be easier to add an inch to the mobile base ?

The ICS weighs in at around 650 pounds.  I want for it to sit in its cradle as deep as possible for stability. 

 

[semenza]

Hi,

  Yup, I've shortened an MFT leg or two.

  In my case it was in order to add a second adjustable foot.  I removed end cap, cut shorter installed adjustable foot. Pretty sure you can just cut them all off as needed.  I think I used wide jaw pliers to wiggle and twist the end caps off. I don't remember the details on pulling out the adjustable foot. I don't think it was any big deal though. Hmmm, actually I may have broken a piece in the process and had to order a replacement.

    In general it can be done.

  Seth

 

[tsmi243]

I've done it.  It's just thin wall steel tubing.  Piece of cake if you have the right jigsaw blade (portable bandsaw would be ideal)

The adjustable leg is a different length inside the foot, so don't let that confuse you.  Take the same amount off each leg, and it's just as easy as you're hoping it to be. 

The feet may or may not just pop right off- one of mine felt like the grease had hardened, and I really had to fight to get it loose. 

 

[Coen]

Or just use a pipe cutter

I would still raise the Sawstop instead.

 

[Alphonse]

Or just use a pipe cutter

I would still raise the Sawstop instead.

I am curious why you would raise the SawStop? 

 

[Packard]

Or just use a pipe cutter

I would still raise the Sawstop instead.

Or a hack saw?

 

[Jim_in_PA]

Ironically, I lengthened the legs on my old MFT 1080 to match the height of the newer MFT/3. I imagine you can trim off the legs the relatively small amount you need to and get to your goal as long as you are very careful around keeping the lengths the same. Check on how the "feet" attach on or into the MFT/3 to insure that need is covered. (I don't own the newer design; hence, my suggestion to consider that)

 

[squall_line]

Or just use a pipe cutter

I would still raise the Sawstop instead.

I am curious why you would raise the SawStop?

I won't speak for Coen, but I personally would raise the SawStop because I have more than one MFT, and also have a Kapex, an MW 1000, and an STM 1800, so I would need to lower like 5 or 6 things vs. raising just one.  It's not that they would ALL need to be shortened, per se, but because all of the Festool system pieces are the same height, you're potentially destroying the ability to use that particular MFT alongside any other system piece in the future.  For as expensive as the MFT is, it seems a bit like cutting off one's nose to spite one's face.

Then again, if you never plan on having any other system pieces, it's a personal decision and likely easier to lower the MFT.  It's always possible to raise it up again later, I suppose?

 

[Alphonse]

Thanks to all for the comments. 

I will trim the legs to get the top at the proper elevation.  I appreciate the tips here on how to get the feet off and get it done.

 

[rvieceli]

[member=8204]Alphonse[/member]  suggest you not do anything until you have all the parts in hand. I would not completely trust the specs.

Ron

 

[Coen]

Or just use a pipe cutter

I would still raise the Sawstop instead.

Or a hack saw?

Pipe cutter removes the least amount of finish from the metal.

That is also why the edges of galvanized steel rust when they are laser-cut but not (or way less) when they are punched; the punch 'smears' the zinc coating on the cut edge.

Or just use a pipe cutter

I would still raise the Sawstop instead.

I am curious why you would raise the SawStop? 

Because it's a better height for me personally.
Because it then matches the CMS and CS-50.
Because it's a height that can be created by stacking T-Loc Systainers.
Because it wouldn't damage the resale value of the MFT/3

But you know... I from the Netherlands, also known for having the tallest people on average. An average well below my length  [tongue]