MFT 3 or MFT 1080

[Dan Clermont]

Well, we've now seen the new MFT 3 and have a price.

I am not in the market for either and maybe this should be a poll question but if you had the choice between the current MFT 1080 and the MFT 3 which would you choose?

Personally, I like the new MFT 3 for its smaller size (I have a smaller shop) , lighter weight and  also like the angle guage swivelling both ways which would help when cutting mouldings on a jobsite.

Don't know if I'd pay $575 for it though. Maybe I haven't warmed up to the price. For that reason alone I'd probably choose a MFT 1080 and put the money towards a miter saw rather then  the dual swivel angle guage.

Dan Clermont

 

[mysterium]

I'd add the option of the two Walko models that will be coming to the US to the poll.  Both models are lighter & have more functionality then the new MFT3 or my old MFT's. 

The new MFT3 doesn't give me the "bang for the buck" since I have a 1080 & a large MFT work bench.  If I am going to add something that doesn't connect/fit with my MFT's it better have a lot more function then "maybe a better miter gauge" for that kind of money!!!  If the MFT 3 & the Walko are dollar-for-dollar for me it's a "no brainer" where I'd spend my (falling in value) US Dollar.

jim

 

[Ned]

OK Jim, what do you know about Walko coming to the US?

Ned

 

[PeterK]

Having a hard time translating Nederlandese. The Walko looks interesting. Any translated info for these?

 

[Brice Burrell]

Here's the youtube video.

 

[Ned]

Having a hard time translating Nederlandese. The Walko looks interesting. Any translated info for these?

Dutch is tantalizing for English speakers, isn't it?  You can almost, but not quite, understand it.

I downloaded the Quick Start Guide, which has a number of pics showing different configurations.

It's a PDF, about 1.3 megs.  If you'd like, I'll email it to you.

Ned

 

[Michael Kellough]

The Walko is very interesting. I wonder what the system in the video costs and weighs?

Did you notice how much dust escaped when sawing the board without a sacrificial backer board?

 

[Ned]

From stumbling around in the Dutch price list, it looks something like 399 euros.  You can add accessories, of course.

Ned

 

[Carson]

The Walko professional set lists at 499 Euros vs. 562 Euros for the 1080.
Has anyone else noticed the smaller MFT3 variation on the German Festool site. it's referred to as the MFT USA Kapex (item 495565)?

 

[CharlesWilson]

I think we will soon discover what those new accessories for the MFT 3 will be, and this will make our choice so much easier, and justify the higher price. I have blocks under my MFT 1080 raising it up to the level of the MFT 3. They are not foolproof, and I have had a few exciting moments after bumping into the MFT a little too hard. The extra rigidity optionally available for the MFT 3 is certainly welcome. And, the easily removable (and exchangeable?) tops will make for a more versatile table.

My vote would be for the MFT 3.

As for accessories, maybe we will see:

1. Table top with interchangeable inserts for tabletop router, ?Kapex?, RO sander
2. Horizontal router adapter
3. Additional clamping options (using table rails to hold clamps)

I am sure they will surprise us.

Charles

 

[Dan Clark]

Having a hard time translating Nederlandese. The Walko looks interesting. Any translated info for these?

Peter,

It's not perfect, but:

1) Go to:http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/tr
2) Paste in the Walko site:http://www.walko.nl/
3) Select "Dutch to English" (It's below the "English to Spanish" option.)
4) Click the "Translate" button.
5) Enjoy.

Note that the text embedded in the images won't translate, but you can still get around pretty well.

Regards,

Dan.

 

[alg]

The MFT 1080 works well for my height (5' 9"). I have a narrow 1-car stall as my shop.
I bought the first 1080 with the package. Thought it was good but wanted more work area.
Adding the second MFT 1080 basic, really made the workspace better, allowing me to use the 45" width for crosscuts.
Then, I found a deal on a 3rd MFT1080 with hardware on Craigslist. Now, I'm set. I can keep a setup ready using the fence and swivel-brackets-bridge for ripping, huge workspace and lots of room underneath to store my systainer carts and miter saw and compressor....

I like the height and sturdiness of the 1080. And I'm glad I got them before they're gone.

 

[Brice Burrell]

The Walko professional set lists at 499 Euros vs. 562 Euros for the 1080.
Has anyone else noticed the smaller MFT3 variation on the German Festool site. it's referred to as the MFT USA Kapex (item 495565)?

Hey Jim how about a link to the smaller MFT/3, I'm having trouble navigating the German site.

 

[joraft]

... I like the height and sturdiness of the 1080. And I'm glad I got them before they're gone.

I feel the same way, Alg. I not going to even look at an MFT3. I bought four 1080s a few months ago and I'm very glad I did. No matter what new tables they may come out with, my 1080s are taking me into the sunset.

Of course I say that NOW. 

John

 

[Michael Kellough]

Having a hard time translating Nederlandese. The Walko looks interesting. Any translated info for these?

Peter,

It's not perfect, but:

1) Go to:http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/tr
2) Paste in the Walko site:http://www.walko.nl/
3) Select "Dutch to English" (It's below the "English to Spanish" option.)
4) Click the "Translate" button.
5) Enjoy.

Note that the text embedded in the images won't translate, but you can still get around pretty well.

Regards,

Dan.

Here is a friendly link to a Walko dealer who has an English name and a concise compilation of the major features as well as the video link.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Having a hard time translating Nederlandese. The Walko looks interesting. Any translated info for these?

Dutch is tantalizing for English speakers, isn't it?  You can almost, but not quite, understand it.

I downloaded the Quick Start Guide, which has a number of pics showing different configurations.

It's a PDF, about 1.3 megs.  If you'd like, I'll email it to you.

Ned

I was poking around in the Babblefish version of Schaap Tool and Parts (Sheep Tool and Parts after translation), a Walko dealer, and discovered that what we call an impact driver is translated as "battle propeller turner".

 

[Ned]

Here is a friendly link to a Walko dealer who has an English name and a concise compilation of the major features as well as the video link.

Babelfish is hilarious!  "Festool" is translated as " Economic Structure Enhancing Fund TOOL"!

Ned

 

[alg]

FOUR 1080s! Dang. You have serious work space.
For now, the three MFT 1080s are the centerpiece of my shop. Will try to get make do without a table saw.

As a fellow Festoolian, we always reserve the right to change our minds.

 

[Frank Pellow]

I have both an MFT 1080 and an MFT 800 and it is very unlikely that I will purchase an MFT.  However, should it become available, it is very likely that I would buy a Walko Proffesional.  Notice in the video, how many Festool tools that the demonstrator is using.  It's a great combination.

 

[Michael Kellough]

I have both an MFT 1080 and an MFT 800 and it is very unlikely that I will purchase an MFT3.  However, should it become available, it is very likely that I would buy a Walko Proffesional.  Notice in the video, how many Festool tools that the demonstrator is using.  It's a great combination.

Same here. Here is the best single photo I've seen.