MFT/3 Clamp Storage - Idea/Solutions?

[BTDT]

I recently found an MFT/3 in my shop and am extremely happy to get it assembled. (It was in a package marked To: BTDT, From BTDT at Christmas.)

Regarding the clamping elements and assorted clamps, how does everyone store them? I am assuming the majority would say that they store them in systainers or on the table itself. This is great when the table is not being used or they are not needed. However, when I am using the table it would be great to have them within reach yet off of the surface.

I had an idea that it would be neat to have a bag/container that was able to hang off of the side v groove. That way they would be close to the table and the table top would be free to collect other clutter.  [tongue]

Anyone have any suggestions how I could get make something to fit into the v groove to keep me organized?

Cheers,

Brad

 

[Alan m]

I recently found an MFT/3 in my shop

wow you must have a very cluttered shop or a very bad memory [big grin].
i would love to be able to find things like that in my shop.
as for the storage problem, there are threads on here about people putting those little boxs that hang on the wall in the v groove

 

[cnewport]

I built a small box to hang on the side and store both the clamps and the 'clamping elements':

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/mft3-reinforcement!-how-to-turn-the-mft-into-a-heavy-duty-workbench!/msg102207/#msg102207

 

[Wood_Junkie]

I store them in a drawer Systainer, size IV.  It has two large drawers and can hold a pretty good mess of clamps and clamping elements.

For temporary stowing when doing assembly, I got some metal mesh organizer things that someone else (Qwas, IIRC) posted.  They sell them at Walmart for about $2 (I couldn't find a link).
Put a bolt and feather key through them, hook ‘em over the MFT lip, and (Tony the Tiger voice)  they’re grrrrreat !!

The longer of these organizers is the perfect length of the ~11” long F-clamps.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

I store them in a drawer Systainer, size IV.  It has two large drawers and can hold a pretty good mess of clamps and clamping elements.

For temporary stowing when doing assembly, I got some metal mesh organizer things that someone else (Qwas, IIRC) posted.  They sell them at Walmart for about $2 (I couldn't find a link).
Put a bolt and feather key through them, hook ‘em over the MFT lip, and (Tony the Tiger voice)  they’re grrrrreat !!

The longer of these organizers is the perfect length of the ~11” long F-clamps.

I think Shane should add audio just for such occasions.  [thumbs up]

 

[Qwas]

I store them in a drawer Systainer, size IV.  It has two large drawers and can hold a pretty good mess of clamps and clamping elements.

For temporary stowing when doing assembly, I got some metal mesh organizer things that someone else (Qwas, IIRC) posted.  They sell them at Walmart for about $2 (I couldn't find a link).
Put a bolt and feather key through them, hook ‘em over the MFT lip, and (Tony the Tiger voice)   they’re grrrrreat !!

The longer of these organizers is the perfect length of the ~11” long F-clamps.

I have posted about it but the idea came from a member called Benchdog. The tray comes with a lip on one top edge that allows it to slip right on the MFT/3. For my older MFT-1080 I used the lip to fit in the slot on top of the extrusion and added a bolt to help secure it to the table.

I couldn't find the link but the tray came from the kitchen/cooking section of Walmart and there were a couple different sizes that all work.

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[GPowers]

I have gone to Walmat several time to buy these. I got ONE the first time but they have never re-stocked. They are available on Amazon but are more expensive. On amazon they are called "Rubbermaid  Interlocking Mesh Drawer Organizer" available in 3 x 6 and 6 x 9. of you can get a set. The set contains 1 - 3-Inch by 3-Inch, 1 - 3-Inch by 12-Inch, 1 - 3-Inch by 15-Inch and 1 - 6-Inch by 15-Inch.

http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-FG1F7600-Interlocking-Drawer-Organizer/dp/B000FCEPZY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1295395632&sr=8-4

http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-FG1F8800-Interlocking-Organizer-4-Piece/dp/B000F5M062/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1295395962&sr=8-5

 

[BTDT]

Thanks everyone! I should have realized that the FOG collective has encounterd this and come up with some solutions! I got a kick out of the Pimp my MFT!

Regarding those metal bins... I had several but they were lost/thrown out in our move last summer. I should be able to find something to hold my evergrowing list of MFT accessories: clamps, clamping elements, QWAS dogs, Veritas/LV pups etc...

I think I need something to add some bling to the MFT though!

Brad