MF-TB multifunction tool box

Timtool

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Mar 13, 2011
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Presenting the MFTB!

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There have been a few systainer worktop designs in the past but i found them to be be either too limited or too simple to actually be useful.
So i set on designing a wooden worktop that also functions as a systainer/toolbox. And the result is the MFTB.

It's a wooden toolbox that locks to either classic or T-loc systainers equipped with an MFT-type top with lots of clamping abilities.
I initially designed this as a workbench, but from testing a prototype in real life conditions it seems that the most useful part is the storing space inside.
It's incredibly handy to have all the stuff you need in a box at a comfortable height next to you.
By example when installing doors i put all the little parts and hardware for the lock and knobs in there next to me, and took it along as i moved from door to door.
What also happened was that at the end of the day i had to distribute back all the tools that had been placed in there by fellow workers, simply because it's so convenient.
the holes in the top allow you to drop all the little stuff like bits or drill and small hardware in there, and not lose them and put em back where they belong at the end of the day.

During the testing period i didn't take it with me on one occasion, and i regretted doing that because i had to trim some stuff with no table or work surface around.
From now on it's always at the top of my stack, it's weight is almost neglect able and it can carry more weight than my arms can. I can also jump on it without it breaking.

I initially thought i would share plans, but designing, testing and building this took way longer than i expected. And the only way for me to go through with it was to ask a small fee for the plans. I am finishing a 25 plus page instruction manual with pictures, plans and details that i will sell to anyone interested.
for myself i made a sys1,2 and 4 version, the 4 version is intended to be used as a portable router/jigsaw table that i will finish later on.

Web page with link to purchase here.

multifuntion toolbox

 
great job. when i first looked at the first pic i only thought you made the top piece and not the grey box part. that is how good it looks.

im definetly interested in plans  etc.
definetly like the top opening. other designs waste that space.
being able to open it with something clamped i good too
 
Tim, looks real cool, whats the shipping cost to the Bury, USA?
 
Really cool, you should get "patent pending" otherwise festool might copy an awsome idea!

[tongue]
 
festoolviking said:
Really cool, you should get "patent pending" otherwise festool might copy an awsome idea!

[tongue]

They'll just surcharge him for using the T-Loc patent.... [big grin]
 
Thanks for the comments, those who want the plans can PM me, the plans are in metric but there are directions for those who use imperial.
they are directed towards building these in series, i actually built 8 at the time. It's made using plywood, mdf, pine and beechwood. i painted mine with duplicolor light gray, it's a near perfect match with systainer gray.
 
Very nice! The label is a great finishing touch. I really like that you don't have  to remove the work / clamps to get into it.

Seth
 
Just looked at the additional pics.  I see you have pasrt of the clamping elements in the front of the  #ii size as well as a couple holes. Do those work out to hold pieces vertically?

Seth
 
Timtool said:
i actually built 8 at the time.

I agree with the others that you've made a good thing there. Instead of building 8, build 800 and start selling them. [smile] Your tool box looks really good, as if it was made by Festool themselves. I think there could be a market for this, instead of just selling the plans only. I know I could have used this quite a few times when I was in the field.  

Just one question, the prongs that are meant for the classic systainer's latches, what material are they made of? They look like they're just wood, if so, they wouldn't hold up long.
 
Alex said:
Just one question, the prongs that are meant for the classic systainer's latches, what material are they made of? They look like they're just wood, if so, they wouldn't hold up long.

The prongs are made of hardwood, beech in my case. I wouldn't worry about them breaking, they are also reinforced at the bottom because they are covered by the hardwood blocks underneath that are used to position the box on T-loc systainers.
I hung an insane amount of weight on my prototype expecting it to fail, but it never did, while the new design is even more reinforced.

 
Alan m said:
great job. when i first looked at the first pic i only thought you made the top piece and not the grey box part. that is how good it looks.

This is what I thought as well.

Your MF-TB is impressive! I know that clamping ability would come in handy on every single job.

I'd like to see the router table version  [smile] I'm picturing it will hook up to whatever CT it's sitting on.
 
Very nice work! Very well thought out.

This would be a very nice product that if you could make it and sell it in the US I would be ordering today!

Cheers,
Steve
 
Excellent I keep seeing these types of systainer bench tops and keep thinking I need one, yours is the best yet well done.
 
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