hi new to fog. Im thinking of getting a mft-3 but im not sure if im wasting my time, heard good and bad things about them. i work on a lot of refurb jobs and new builds. i do every thing from 1st fix, 2nd fix, kitchens and a lot of bespoke items . please help [eek], thanks
mft-3. are they suitable for new build and refurb work?
- Thread starter luke1984
- Start date
builderbob
Member
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2007
- Messages
- 1,374
I install a lot of kitchens and do a lot of site custom work and my MFT is always used. I integrated a Kreg clamp plate on one of my MFT's. I'm a bit on the short side (5'8") & have 3 1080's and 2 800's...the MFT/3 is a bit taller than the older MFT's and the new style fence is wicked nice! Hope this helps with your decision!!
Bob
Bob
Guy Ashley
Member
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2010
- Messages
- 662
Hi Luke
[welcome] to the FOG, another member of the UK Midlands FOG mafia [tongue]
I am 70% workshop based, 30% site work and tend to do bespoke/2nd fix. In the workshop I have benches and have not yet got a MFT and to determine whether they are a worthwhile investment I have knocked up a simple MFT style top like this
[attachthumb=#]
I have been taking this out to refurbs, kitchen fits etc and it is supported on saw horses. With the MFT clamps I can say it is invaluable, so it wont be long before I take the plunge on one.
A lot of guys here with a lot of use experience will say go for it, and you wont regret it.
You could always knock up a mock up like I did and try it out for a couple of weeks and see how it works for you. Dont forget the real McCoy has a lot more functionality that my lump of butchered MDF with the guide rail etc.
As a matter of interest whats the bad reports you have heard.
[welcome] to the FOG, another member of the UK Midlands FOG mafia [tongue]
I am 70% workshop based, 30% site work and tend to do bespoke/2nd fix. In the workshop I have benches and have not yet got a MFT and to determine whether they are a worthwhile investment I have knocked up a simple MFT style top like this
[attachthumb=#]
I have been taking this out to refurbs, kitchen fits etc and it is supported on saw horses. With the MFT clamps I can say it is invaluable, so it wont be long before I take the plunge on one.
A lot of guys here with a lot of use experience will say go for it, and you wont regret it.
You could always knock up a mock up like I did and try it out for a couple of weeks and see how it works for you. Dont forget the real McCoy has a lot more functionality that my lump of butchered MDF with the guide rail etc.
As a matter of interest whats the bad reports you have heard.
jonny round boy
Member
- Joined
- Jul 21, 2007
- Messages
- 3,227
A lot depends on the size of the rooms you tend to work in, and whether you have the space to set it up & work around it. If you have, then it will be a real asset.
Like I told you the other day, it's probably top of my wish list...
Like I told you the other day, it's probably top of my wish list...
jonny round boy
Member
- Joined
- Jul 21, 2007
- Messages
- 3,227
GPowers said:
We don't have the 30-day return policy here in the UK - or at least, we didn't...
There was a post a while back (can't remember who, possibly JMB) that suggested it may be coming to the UK shortly, but I've not seen anything from Festool UK to confirm it...
Edit: here it is.
Hi Luke and welcome to FOG
I am quite new myself and still learning
I work on only bespoke stuff on site, most of my work is with Oak
I bought an MFT/3 in October so far I have used it to make bespoke bedroom cabinets and used it extensively making a Elm staircase
In my opinion it's the nuts it's sturdy it's square it's great for clamping stuff and I'm still learning how to use it
If you want my advise buy it you won't look back
I am quite new myself and still learning
I work on only bespoke stuff on site, most of my work is with Oak
I bought an MFT/3 in October so far I have used it to make bespoke bedroom cabinets and used it extensively making a Elm staircase
In my opinion it's the nuts it's sturdy it's square it's great for clamping stuff and I'm still learning how to use it
If you want my advise buy it you won't look back
Theshipstore
Member
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2010
- Messages
- 1,376
I have a pair of MFT 3's that I use in my cabinet making. One I use strictly for cutting sheet goods and other materials I need
and the other I use as a work platformm with qwas dogs and some 8020 rails and Walko Dogs (E Bay)to maintain square cabinet door assembly.
I am really thinking of a third for my shop. I have found them to be awesome for my needs
and the other I use as a work platformm with qwas dogs and some 8020 rails and Walko Dogs (E Bay)to maintain square cabinet door assembly.
I am really thinking of a third for my shop. I have found them to be awesome for my needs
I think that is means "custom made" or "made to an owners' specification."
Holzhacker
Member
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2009
- Messages
- 1,192
Buy the MFT3. I can't imagine you'll regret it. It's solid enough for the shop, light enough for hauling to jobs. I don't haul mine much so carrying it isn't a problem. If I were hauling it daily, I'd probably set up a dolly for it.
With an MFT you'll work safer, more efficiently, and better. Quality control will also improve. It may seem like a glorified overpriced work bench but it really isn't. I choked typing in my plastic number when I bought it but don't regret it one bit.
Once you get it and start using on jobsites my guess is you'll want to do some customizing. There are a number of threads on the FOG about add-ons to hold tools. You'll be able to create a complete and efficient work station.
With an MFT you'll work safer, more efficiently, and better. Quality control will also improve. It may seem like a glorified overpriced work bench but it really isn't. I choked typing in my plastic number when I bought it but don't regret it one bit.
Once you get it and start using on jobsites my guess is you'll want to do some customizing. There are a number of threads on the FOG about add-ons to hold tools. You'll be able to create a complete and efficient work station.
LostInTheWood
Member
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2011
- Messages
- 131
I'd agree with everyone here. Regardless of the varying types of work you do I would still evaluate the way you work. Though you could use it, you won't need the MFT for every job. For example I won't bring the MFT on a deck or framing job. Also won't bother to set it up for a fast small job like casing a single door or window. But if you get into a lot of 2nd fix and thereafter and custom fitting, then it's worth setting up for those jobs every time.
I used to travel with a pair of sawhorses, a portable table saw, two extension stands, and a SCMS with a dedicated stand. Then I bought the MFT/3. Then I added the MFT/3 to the traveling equipment. Through a few weeks of usage I decided to change. I now travel with the MFT/3, and two extension stands. Stopped carrying the table saw, and replace the old miter saw with a Kapex. Saves a lot of space. I don't mind the Kapex being higher up on the MFT/3, and I can accomplish anything that I need with that setup. Carrying the MFT/3 isn't too bad, although I personally prefer to hoist it up on my elbow to shoulder versus carrying it down low to the ground.
This also allows me the usage of the MFT for clamping, squaring, and cutting of flat stock in larger widths than the Kapex with accuracy if I just take the Kapex off. If handling plywood, I can get by with the addition of a sheet of 2" foam as a cutting base. Much sheet work makes me add the saw horses and a couple of 2 x 4's to put under the foam.
This also allows me the usage of the MFT for clamping, squaring, and cutting of flat stock in larger widths than the Kapex with accuracy if I just take the Kapex off. If handling plywood, I can get by with the addition of a sheet of 2" foam as a cutting base. Much sheet work makes me add the saw horses and a couple of 2 x 4's to put under the foam.
Similar threads
