MFS: Notes on the MFS

[DynaGlide]

I've considered getting an MFS or similar several times. I had it ordered at one point from overseas but the pricing was an error so they canceled. I think knowing that a Shaper Origin or other CNC is in my future, albeit years away, has kept me from getting a router jig. I like the solution Manor Wood came up with using cheap 2080 profiles from Banggood:

https://www.banggood.com/Machifit-700mm-Length-2080-T-Slot-Aluminum-Profiles-Extrusion-Frame-For-CNC-p-1251777.html?utm_campaign=25358581_1268787&utm_content=10535&p=X5032125358581201810&cur_warehouse=CN

Video is on the page I linked. I think he was all in around 100 pounds to have a meter capability. They sell shorter profiles. If I had a need for a router jig I think I'd go that route (rout? Pun intended) to hold me over until I can get into a CNC.

 

[simonh]

I've made little templates out of scrap 9mm MDF on the CNC that insert into the inside groove of the MFS. Here's an example one for the Button Fix recessed fittings that you simply route with a guide bush (manufacturer wants 80 quid for a simple jig).

The MFS allows a nice flat platform for the router to balance on and easy to clamp down.  I've made various others and there so small an easy to store for next time.  For example, it's quick and easy to knock up a template for a loose tenon if you are doing a custom project and don't have a Festool Domino.

 

[TinyShop]

While I continue to await reply to my various "enquiries", here are some videos to help pass the time:

Standard right-angle connector hardware:


"Upgraded" right-angle connector hardware:

 

[Gregor]

Standard right-angle connector hardware:
vs.
"Upgraded" right-angle connector hardware:

You have it the other way around: the automatic connector is the newer and improved (over the universal fastening set) version. The improvement being in removing the need to drill the extrusion ends, leading to quicker assembly and increased ability to re-use extrusions harvested from obsoleted builds (as the hole for the connector, that is reducing usable length for the new build, is no more).

 

[TinyShop]

[member=53905]Gregor[/member] - my apologies, but I'm not sure I understand your comment. In the first video, the hardware that accompanies the MFS is shown. In the second, what appears to be a newer style of connector is shown. Are you saying that, historically speaking, the connector that requires the extra milling step actually predates the style that doesn't require the extra milling step? If so, then you just blew my mind.

 

[Gregor]

Are you saying that, historically speaking, the connector that requires the extra milling step actually predates the style that doesn't require the extra milling step?

AFAIK: yes.

The product numbers of their various connectors (M8 versions linked):
Standard 0.0.026.07 - needs tapping the central hole of the connected profile and a hole inside the connected-to profile at point of connection (to access the screw).
Universal 0.0.026.92 - only needs milling at the end of the profile you connect, can be freely placed in the connected-to profile.
Automatic 0.0.440.58 - hole-free on both parts, no milling required.
and (decreasing) amount of preparation needed on each of them seem to support that IIRC of mine.

If so, then you just blew my mind.

I hope this doesn't hurt too much.

PS: The Universal one might be superior in pull-out force compared to the Standard and Automatic ones, didn't look into that aspect but just at the amount of work needed to mount them.

 

[TinyShop]

[member=53905]Gregor[/member] - huh. [member=44099]Cheese[/member] is going to be so disappointed!

 

[TinyShop]

Well, after much dedicated and stubborn persistence on my part (comprising numerous unanswered emails, then a couple of unanswered facebook messenger posts, followed by an assurance that someone would get back to me in two days, followed by another week of silence, followed by two more unanswered facebook posts followed by my receipt of three duplicate emails from three different Item 24 reps, I finally received pricing information for the "Automatic-Fastening Sets" (in zinc-plated and stainless), the "Universal-Fastening Sets" (in zinc-plated and stainless), the relevant-sized "T-Slot Nuts", the basic "Drilling Jig" and the "Step Drill". Perhaps not surprisingly (at least for anyone cognizant of the machining differences) the "Universal-Fastening Sets" are about half the price of the "Automatic-Fastening Sets". Meanwhile, and this will be most interesting to current MFS owners, the unit price of the zinc-plated version of the latter is about 30% of the EKAT price, excluding shipping.

I've requested a quote that includes shipping (none of the quotes I received mentions anything about shipping) for a selection of Automatic-Fastening Sets and relevant T-Slot Nuts and will post the results of that request when I hear back.

My impression so far is that Item 24 (at least here in the U.S.) is not necessarily used to dealing with modest orders from the general public or at least I hope something similar explains why it took 22 days for me to receive pricing info.

In closing, since I don't want to step on Festool's toes, anyone wishing to know the exact pricing info I received and what email address they should use to request a quote can PM me.