MFT/3 Fence Cap

[Bob D.]

Not long ago the length of the MFT fence was discussed and that the fence overhangs the end of the MFT. For me this creates a condition where I have more than once caught the end of the fence in the kidney or in one case ripped a t-shirt because it snagged on the sharp fence corners.  [crying]

Well today I brought that UNSAT condition to an end for me. How? I designed and printed a protective cap that slips over the end of the fence. It's bright color and soft edges will hopefully keep me from banging into it again. And if I do the impact should be minimal. At the least it won't cost me a t-shirt.  [smile]

No fasteners required. It's designed to be a snug fit. It won't fall off if you bump it or even when you remove the fence from the MFT.

1-19-22 Edit: This version is not a good design. Scroll down to see version 2
                    which I believe solves all the issues with this first iteration.

 

[Bob D.]

And I woke up this morning and realized my first blunder in designing this.

While it fits the rail just fine it wraps all around and covers every face of the rail. So a long workpiece can no longer be placed flush against the face of the fence.

Back to the drawing board.  [big grin]

Stand by for Rev 2.

 

[Sparktrician]

I have had a similar issue with the fence trying to grab my clothing or poke me in annoying places.  To take the bite out, I've cut into a tennis ball to make it fit over the end of the fence.

 

[Bob D.]

I think this version is a keeper. Covers all the sharp edges but leaves both faces unobstructed so if you are using the fence in the short or tall position the cap does not interfere. The cap is not flush with the faces, it's back 0.1mm from the face. It slips on snugly and will not fall off.

Now that I have the bugs worked out it's time to print one in FT green.

 

[Bob D.]

Working on a version to fit the ends of the t-track on my WP Drill Press Table Fence.

I think that will need some WP red filament but I don't have that so as Henry Ford
once said: "you can have any color you want as long as its black"  [big grin]

 

[Mortiser]

That's a great design [member=60461]Bob D.[/member] I don't have a 3D printer and I know you don't want to go into the business but...

----
Rich

 

[Bob D.]

Yes, not looking for a full time job printing stuff but PM me.

 

[Bob D.]

Here is the fence cap for the WP T-track used on their drill press table and elsewhere.

Slips in snugly with no tools required and stays put.

 

[Birdhunter]

My MFT rail came with an end cap.

 

[Bob D.]

I bought my MFT/3 with the fence and track as a kit.
There was no cap included for the end of the fence.

The end of the 1080 rail has a cap over it to guide the
hose and keep it from snagging. Is that what you are
referring to?

 

[Rob Z]

Bob, that's pretty slick. If I still had my MFTs I would donate to the cause and ask you to make some for me.  I also used to get snagged and scraped but wasn't as fancy as Sparky [big grin] with the tennis ball. I usually just hung an old rag on the end and that would make it visible enough to avoid it.

 

[Bob D.]

Thanks Rob,

My left side of the MFT and the DP and situated close to each other. End result is the space between them has a fence on each side hanging out there ready to grab me. It's a small corner of the basement and a little cramped. Ideally I'd have more space between them but can't be helped.

 

[Bob D.]

I put the end caps up on Thingiverse with a non-commercial, personal use license if you want one and have a printer.