MFT/3 Front of Table Extension = Flush Guide Rail

[Woodwork Wizard]

This front of table extension is 2 pieces of MDF glued and pinned then fixed to the MFT with 3 t-bolts. It makes the guide rail flush with the front of the workbench so you can't bump it out of square or catch loose clothing on it. There's a block of wood that makes a very snug fit when the guide rail is pressed down and again this will prevent clothing getting snagged on the rail. I have grazed my MFT profile when using a jigsaw - this can not happen now. The whole thing goes on and comes off very quickly and gives a bit of extra worktable that overhangs the MFT profile.

 

[sancho57]

Nice I was just thinking about making a extension like that

 

[Woodwork Wizard]

Hello Ron,

I'm glad the idea has some appeal to someone...

 

[tdwilli1]

What was the tape measure that you attached to the fence? Brand and size?

 

[Woodwork Wizard]

The tape measure that's on the fence is a UJK and was purchased from Axminster and cost about 8 and a half £'s. It is a brilliant addition to the MFT.

Here's the link.

http://www.axminster.co.uk/ujk-technology-self-adhesive-measuring-tape-3m

 

[tjbnwi]

I use the Kapex crown moulding support to extend the MFT. I purchase them used so the price is not that bad.

Tom

 

[Kev]

If that setup gets any bigger it's going to need its own bathroom!

What are you processing regularly that needs that much surface?

 

[Woodwork Wizard]

What are you processing regularly that needs that much surface?

Fitted furniture such as bookcases, cupboards, shelving units - anything up to 8' tall. Mostly the joinery method used is dado and rabbets hence the many flag stops that makes it very quick, straightforward and accurate to do multiples.

 

[Woodwork Wizard]

I use the Kapex crown moulding support to extend the MFT. I purchase them used so the price is not that bad.

Tom
(quote)

I've tried the Kapex UG stand extensions as an MFT/3 table extension, it's okay, but these shop made extensions attach far easier than the UG - the locking knob doesn't tighten fully as it hits the MFT profile. Also they're not very wide as they were designed for use with a mitre saw where as this set up is for sheet goods.
Dirt cheap to make, easy to install and remove, very stable in use (though these are bolted to a substantial and heavy trolley) very easy to get flush with the MFT surface and they increase lengthwise capacity to as much as you'll ever need...

 

[tjbnwi]

I use the Kapex crown moulding support to extend the MFT. I purchase them used so the price is not that bad.

Tom
(quote)

I've tried the Kapex UG stand extensions as an MFT/3 table extension, it's okay, but these shop made extensions attach far easier than the UG - the locking knob doesn't tighten fully as it hits the MFT profile. Also they're not very wide as they were designed for use with a mitre saw where as this set up is for sheet goods.
Dirt cheap to make, easy to install and remove, very stable in use (though these are bolted to a substantial and heavy trolley) very easy to get flush with the MFT surface and they increase lengthwise capacity to as much as you'll ever need...

No argument from me. I make various "accessories" for the MFT. Currently I have the paper dereeler on 3 of my MFT 3's. This allows me to easily cover the tables and move the "dirty" area out of the way.

Tom

 

[Patrick Cox]

This front of table extension is 2 pieces of MDF glued and pinned then fixed to the MFT with 3 t-bolts. It makes the guide rail flush with the front of the workbench so you can't bump it out of square or catch loose clothing on it. There's a block of wood that makes a very snug fit when the guide rail is pressed down and again this will prevent clothing getting snagged on the rail. I have grazed my MFT profile when using a jigsaw - this can not happen now. The whole thing goes on and comes off very quickly and gives a bit of extra worktable that overhangs the MFT profile.

All of this came about because I wanted to put a handle on the front of my MFT cart so I can move it easier as this thing weighs a ton...

Hi,
I am working on my own MFT3 table extension.  Do you buy the T Bolts from Festool or just from a hardware store?  Any specific specifications?  Do the knobs come with them?  (Sorry for my ignorance.  I am new to woodworking.)  :-[

Thanks!

 

[Woodwork Wizard]

The t-bolts I used were from Axminster in the UK and came as a 40 piece set, but anything similar will do.

 

[skamin]

Hi thanks for sharing.

Did you connect the two MFT's together?  if so did you just use Festool MFT connectors (484455)? or another method?

thanks

Stan

 

[Woodwork Wizard]

The MFT/3s do have the Festool connectors on them as they do a good job of aligning the tables. There's also a hardwood block inside each foot that's screwed to the MFT through the hole the original legs were bolted through to keep it all locked down and solid.

The MFT/3 (or 2) is brilliant when it's on a very stable base. Cuts stay square. It's also very easy to modify to make as big as you'll ever need with the t-track in the side profiles. I love them...