MFT/3 beat up top

[mhoy]

Picked up a MFT/3 + two clamping elements (#488-030) from Craigslist for $400!!!      I'm a happy guy tonight.  This thing is heavier than I expected (a good thing). 

The top was used for numerous cuts from various angles. I figured I can coat it in shellac (because that's what I have lying around) to prevent moisture issues on both sides as I flip the top over. 

Thoughts?

Mark

 

[clev1066]

I'm on my second MFT, the first being a 1080 that I still have and get great use out of. I too got about the same deal in my local Craig's. My top wasn't cut, but it had some swelling from oil and a few beer cans I guess.

I would suggest against shellac. I've had outstanding results with several coats of Johnson's paste wax. I also use Durham's mix putty to fill the kerf lines and scrape and sand them flat. I have some pix of my 1080 top in the "Classifieds" section with the kerf filled and who knows how many coats of wax. The best thing for me about using the paste wax is that glue never sticks to the MDF top, and I can recoat it easily. Also, I always have the paste wax around as I use it for my cast iron tool tops as well.

IMHO, coating the MDF top with paste wax is the cheapest and best insurance one can have to ensure the long-life of the top.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

You guys put a lot of effort into keeping a consumable part looking like new.

 

[clev1066]

You guys put a lot of effort into keeping a consumable part looking like new.

Perhaps. I really use my mft more for clamping and assembly than I do for cutting though. Also, I'm only a hobby woodworker; so I don't have to worry about taking my tools to a job site. In that regard, I make most of my critical cuts on a table saw. I also use a different platform for cutting down sheet goods, as the mft isn't quite large enough for large panels. As far as waxing the table; I wax all of the work tops in my shop. It helps with moving materials on the surface as well as rust on cast iron. It has proven to be extremely useful on the mft with glue not sticking.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Wax on iron tools is always a good thing.

My MFT/3 is used more for clamping, sanding and a general work table. 

I am trying to ween myself from needing to drag a portable table saw with me every where.

The top has quite a bit of gunk on it, ranging from grease, glue, stain, and a few spots of a certain kids drink!!

 

[mhoy]

I certainly don't care about it looking new (hence the Craigslist buy), I won't be filling any saw marks, that's for sure. I would like to prevent warping, glue sticking and water damage.  Wax sure seems like a simple way to go.

Mark