MFT 1080 or MFT3?

[rnt80]

I have an opportunity to pick up a demo 1080 for a little over $400.  It has a new top on it and is in good condition.  I have been looking at getting a MFT3 for awhile but this deal is intriguing.  For those of you that have used both, what are your recommendations?  My only hesitation is the compatibility of the two since I may end up with two tables in the future.

 

[Greg in Memphis]

Hey rnt
I have an MFT 800, 1080, and a MFT3.
I made a rolling cabinet for the 1080 so it's the same height as the MFT3 and is right next to it in my shop.
This setup works pretty good in my small shop.
In my opinion, the MFT3 is better in a couple of ways.
The MFT 1080 fence takes about 10 minutes to set up, whereas the MFT3 fence takes 30 seconds.
For about the same amount of bare table, the MFT3 is a little lighter, and the new fence can be backed up all the way to the edge for a little more work surface area. Of course the new v-groove will be able to connect up the CMS when (if) it comes out here in the States.
I have been happy with my 800 and 1080 and I do not plan on getting rid of them any time soon. They will always be very handy.
If I had neither the MFT 1080 nor the MFT3, and price was not an issue, I'd get the MFT3. And later on , get an MFT3 basic.
If price were an issue, I would say bang for the buck, the MFT 1080 (at a bargain price) is a better deal. You can always make a rolling cabinet for it to double your work surface with an MFT3 later on.

just my thoughts

Greg

 

[honeydoman]

the mft3 as stated has some great features, lighter, easier to set up fence and quicker.  has better clamping features especially on the sides.  so if you can splurge and pay out the extra bucks buy the mft3.  plus you can buy another one and connect them together.

 

[nickao]

I never need nor use the fence, I have 1080's and would never give them up. At 400.00 you have quite a bit left to purchase some other stuff by getting the 1080.

If you are intending on using the fence all the time get the mft/3.

 

[honeydoman]

festool is coming out with a plain wrap mft3 in november for those that want another table or a plain one.  you should be getting the flyer in the mail this week, I got 5 yesterday. they have me in their computer many different ways!

 

[Dan Clermont]

The aluminum extrusion on the MFT3 is designed for the CMS so if you are planning to purchase more Festool's down the road you may want to take a long hard look at the MFT 3

Dan Clermont

 

[sw1211]

i like the higher 1080 height. I'm 6'2. I already had one table and bought two more demo models when the MFT3 came out so all my tables would be the same height. If I were shorter, I might have preferred the MFT3.

the lower table is probably better for cutting large sheet goods (easier to lean over) but it was too low for me for any hand work (hand-held routing, carving with chisels, and assembly).

I was under the impression that the MFT3 was taller than the 1080?  Can anyone confirm the difference?

 

[honeydoman]

yes it is taller about 5" I am sure some one will chime in with the exact MM to the .00003 difference.  but I am close enough.