MFT 3 or MFT 1080

[Paul Perry]

Well, you know the Dutch.  I bet the even speak and write in Dutch! (The nerve!  ;D )

Dan.

Actually, as you many of you perhaps know, the Dutch, being (historically) such preeminent traders, speak english more easily than any other nationality here on the continent... so contacting dealers here shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Dan Clark]

When I was in the Air Force, my best friend's family was Dutch.    His mother and father spoke fluent English before they came to America.

Dan.

 

[tallgrass]

is there any distributor of them in the US .... shipping just would be horrific!

 

[Brice Burrell]

is there any distributor of them in the US .... shipping just would be horrific!

For the Walko, no not yet.

 

[tallgrass]

why can't i find anything like this made by an american co. so i do not have to live with the NINA syndrome.........its killing me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[KevinColo]

Hi Folfs, new to the group.

I am building my small shop around festool, so I definately want a MFT.  I cuuently have one of the last MFT 1080 on hold at local woodcraft store.  I would actually like the more robust table , even if it weighs a bit more.  I was ready to pounce on the 1080 when I saw some threads about the slipping or instability miter system on the 1080.  Is that an issue?  Do you think the new one corrected it?  What about this V-groove reference for future features? Any advice?

Currently have the ts55, the 1400 router, two 5' sanders, and th 22Hepa vac.

Nice to join

Thanks,  Kevin in Colorado

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Hi Folfs, new to the group.

I am building my small shop around festool, so I definately want a MFT.  I cuuently have one of the last MFT 1080 on hold at local woodcraft store.  I would actually like the more robust table , even if it weighs a bit more.  I was ready to pounce on the 1080 when I saw some threads about the slipping or instability miter system on the 1080.  Is that an issue?  Do you think the new one corrected it?  What about this V-groove reference for future features? Any advice?

Currently have the ts55, the 1400 router, two 5' sanders, and th 22Hepa vac.

Nice to join

Thanks,  Kevin in Colorado

Kevin, the group will surely have more to add but...  The MFT/3 actually weighs less than the 1080 by 11lbs.  The MFT/3 has newly designed rubber feet -- the new feet are significantly more slip-resistant due to a softer rubber.  Some of the group here has already speculated over possible uses for the V-groove.  Needless to say, it will help with the integration of new, currently not available in the U.S. add-ons.  I think most people would be well served to get the MFT/3 vs. the gen 2 MFT unless they have existing MFTs.

 

[KevinColo]

OK,  thanks Shane.  Has the miter/guide section of the MFT/3 redesigned? I thought I heard about someone needing to make a small lockdown block or something to hold the mft/2 miter bar more rigid.   

thanks for the reply

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

OK,  thanks Shane.  Has the miter/guide section of the MFT/3 redesigned? I thought I heard about someone needing to make a small lockdown block or something to hold the mft/2 miter bar more rigid.   

thanks for the reply

Kevin,

Yes, the angle unit on the MFT/3 is much more robust.  Easily seen in a side-by-side comparison.  If you haven't already seen it, visithttp://mft3.festoolusa.com which details the features of the MFT/3.  The V-Groove also vastly improves the ability to remove and re-attach the angle unit without having to re-align it.

 

[nickao]

Hi Folfs, new to the group.

I am building my small shop around festool, so I definitely want a MFT.  I currently have one of the last MFT 1080 on hold at local woodcraft store.  I would actually like the more robust table , even if it weighs a bit more.  I was ready to pounce on the 1080 when I saw some threads about the slipping or instability miter system on the 1080.  Is that an issue?  Do you think the new one corrected it?  What about this V-groove reference for future features? Any advice?

Currently have the ts55, the 1400 router, two 5' sanders, and th 22Hepa vac.

Nice to join

Thanks,  Kevin in Colorado

Kevin, the group will surely have more to add but...  The MFT/3 actually weighs less than the 1080 by 11lbs.  The MFT/3 has newly designed rubber feet -- the new feet are significantly more slip-resistant due to a softer rubber.  Some of the group here has already speculated over possible uses for the V-groove.  Needless to say, it will help with the integration of new, currently not available in the U.S. add-ons.  I think most people would be well served to get the MFT/3 vs. the gen 2 MFT unless they have existing MFTs.

Sorry Shane but I totally disagree unless you are hauling the thing around.

Well I love the 1080 as is at least the t-slot part.

What Festool needs to do is design a "shop mft" that is for shop use not everyone wants to carry the MFT to work!

For the shop I want:

1) HEAVIER - not lighter!

2) Ten times more robust legs and added support for stability so I can hand plane out of the box!

3) I want the T-slots.  - Festool is the only one I know using the V-grooves. The T slots are so universal I can use Rockler, Woodcraft, Woodhaven, Incra and just about a jig or fixture from any other company out there with a t-slot. I can go to any hardware store and get what I need for the T slot.

Festool is just making there items exclusive with this V groove, turning a universal system into a proprietary system. This is a business and it's for there gain not mine! Yes you can rig things to work with it why?  A simple t-slot is the most universal way to go.

I could make a piece that fits in top the t-slot that incorporates the V groove as an add on if you want the fence quick release.

It is common knowledge the only reason it was discontinued in the first place was the tooling dies broke, not because it was a leap forward in technology. Anything a V groove can accomplish a t-bolt set up accomplish including quick release, but the opposite is not true. I am sure you can think of things yourself.

The new currently unavailable items that work with the V groove may not come here to the USA until the next revision of the table is out, if ever. If EVERYTHING was introduced at once it would have been MUCH BETTER! Unavailable items are no reason to go with the V groove.

Go head and disagree guys I am sticking to my guns on this.  I will change my mind when every other maker of jigs and fixtures uses this V groove instead of the T-slot design. My opinion will not change on this, if I am in the minority, fine. The universal attributes of a t-slot in general far outweigh the benefits TO ME, maybe not to you.

4) A big size as least 3 top long out of the box, not a bunch of extra's to have to order to make it.

5) Either make a good fence/miter gauge or offer me the  large table version with no fence at all

I would pay top dollar for a table like this. I thought of these in in five minutes I actually have plenty more, like designing it in a cabinet form  that can hold systainers, the vac and the like.

So in my opinion jump on that existing 1080 forget the mft3. You can always  build upon the universal system.

Nickao

Okay guys you can hammer me now.

 

[Woodenfish]

1) HEAVIER - not lighter!

2) Ten times more robust legs and added support for stability so I can hand plane out of the box!

Okay guys you can hammer me now.[/quote

Your forgetting a key point, Festool manufactures PORTABLE POWER TOOLS, not hand tools. Hand planes are not part of the system.

 

[nickao]

1) HEAVIER - not lighter!

2) Ten times more robust legs and added support for stability so I can hand plane out of the box!

Okay guys you can hammer me now.[/quote

Your forgetting a key point, Festool manufactures PORTABLE POWER TOOLS, not hand tools. Hand planes are not part of the system.

Point taken, but I would say  MOST guys I know use Festools in their shop and I personally have never seen Festools on site here in the USA and when I asked why the guys don't bring their Festools they tell me I am crazy, they would never take them to a site job.

I totally disagree with them(I would bring my festools out), but the fact remains in America most people with Festools are afraid top bring them out. Hopefully over time that changes. Festool is missing the boat if they don't start catering to the In Shop guys., I thought Pro tool was their builders line.

there was another thread going over this difference in attitudes of the Americans who purchase Festools. Even a thread with someone wondering if the Festools should be brought to a site at all.

Fire away guys, that's one for woodenfish!

Nickao

 

[Dave Ronyak]

Nickao,

I have 3 old style MFTs, one 1080 complete (the first one I bought), and the other two are 800 basic (no mitre fence or guide rail), and I have a hold on another 1080 at a dealer.  I scrambled to buy my second 800 as stock dwindled (there were 5 units left when I ordered).  So, in large part, I hold similar views to you.

However, I disagree with some of points that you made.  Even if it is true that the dies for the corners broke or wore out, if Festool thought the previous design could not be improved, they would have simply acquired a new set of dies and continued production of the old MFT style we have.  My strong hunch is that Festool saw limitations in the old MFT design that prevented implementation of the improvements / additional features they had among their design goals for a next generation.  Like improving the fence/mitre gauge so it could be quickly removed and replaced without need of realigning it.

Weight - a lot of people wanted a lighter table than the 1080 (myself included since I am 5' 8" and weigh 155 lb and not young), and a larger work surface than the 800.  Festool achieved that goal in my opinion.

You wanted a larger MFT?  Buy the extra long side rail extrusions and extend the length of your MFT to approximately 2 1/2 times that of a 1080.  That lrge MFT will also weigh at lot more.

I agree that the old MFTs are not good for hand planing due to their legs.  But if you connect an 800 to an end of your 1080 with their legs at right angles to one another, the assembly is noticeably stiffer against cyclic side loads.  If you add a second 800 at the other end of your 1080, its even better.

If you want your MFT to be both heavier and resistant to racking, you can build a base cabinet and set your MFT on it.  Their are several user created several designs shown and dscribed on FOG.  You can build one to fit within the Festool folding legs when open, e.g. with a bottom that rests on the cross bars of the Festool legs, or one on which the MFT sits with the Festool legs folded or removed.  When you build your own base, you can also eliminate the racking, while adding weight and storage space.

So, although I plan to stay with the old MFT design, I laud Festool for introducing a new design which enables quick and accurate connection with other Festool products (modules).  Its not likely I will be buying any of those because I have a traditional table saw with router table, band saw and jointer/planer. 

Dave R.

 

[nickao]

Nickao,

I have 3 old style MFTs, one 1080 complete (the first one I bought), and the other two are 800 basic (no mitre fence or guide rail), and I have a hold on another 1080 at a dealer.  I scrambled to buy my second 800 as stock dwindled (there were 5 units left when I ordered).  So, in large part, I hold similar views to you.

However, I disagree with some of points that you made.  Even if it is true that the dies for the corners broke or wore out, if Festool thought the previous design could not be improved, they would have simply acquired a new set of dies and continued production of the old MFT style we have.  My strong hunch is that Festool saw limitations in the old MFT design that prevented implementation of the improvements / additional features they had among their design goals for a next generation.  Like improving the fence/mitre gauge so it could be quickly removed and replaced without need of realigning it.

Weight - a lot of people wanted a lighter table than the 1080 (myself included since I am 5' 8" and weigh 155 lb and not young), and a larger work surface than the 800.  Festool achieved that goal in my opinion.

You wanted a larger MFT?  Buy the extra long side rail extrusions and extend the length of your MFT to approximately 2 1/2 times that of a 1080.  That large MFT will also weigh at lot more.

I agree that the old MFTs are not good for hand planing due to their legs.  But if you connect an 800 to an end of your 1080 with their legs at right angles to one another, the assembly is noticeably stiffer against cyclic side loads.  If you add a second 800 at the other end of your 1080, its even better.

If you want your MFT to be both heavier and resistant to racking, you can build a base cabinet and set your MFT on it.  Their are several user created several designs shown and dscribed on FOG.  You can build one to fit within the Festool folding legs when open, e.g. with a bottom that rests on the cross bars of the Festool legs, or one on which the MFT sits with the Festool legs folded or removed.  When you build your own base, you can also eliminate the racking, while adding weight and storage space.

So, although I plan to stay with the old MFT design, I laud Festool for introducing a new design which enables quick and accurate connection with other Festool products (modules).  Its not likely I will be buying any of those because I have a traditional table saw with router table, band saw and jointer/planer. 

Dave R.

Dave I have two - three top setups already. It is still awfully light.

My point is that I would like to open the box and be done with it. Not having to add weight, buy extra long rails or make my own cabinet base, everything I have already done. Obviously an MFT designed for the shop from the ground up would be better than modifying something designed for transport.

I get your points, but I do not agree "if Festool thought the previous design could not be improved, they would have simply acquired a new set of dies and continued production of the old MFT style we have". They improved it for their profit margin. Why not stay with a universal system. It's so we come back and purchase their accessories that they make the MOST profit on.

I appreciate your comments and thought a lot of guys were happy with the old style, thanks for confirming I am not a lone wolf.

Nickao

 

[mhch]

Hi Folfs, new to the group.

I am building my small shop around festool, so I definately want a MFT.  I cuuently have one of the last MFT 1080 on hold at local woodcraft store.  I would actually like the more robust table , even if it weighs a bit more.  I was ready to pounce on the 1080 when I saw some threads about the slipping or instability miter system on the 1080.  Is that an issue?  Do you think the new one corrected it?  What about this V-groove reference for future features? Any advice?

Thanks,  Kevin in Colorado

http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=2757.0  discusses various ways to
work around the instability of the MFT miter, mostly for 90, 60, 45, 30 degree cuts,
by using the hole pattern instead of the fence.

 

[mhch]

Well, you know the Dutch.  I bet the even speak and write in Dutch! (The nerve!  ;D )

Dan.

Actually, as you many of you perhaps know, the Dutch, being (historically) such preeminent traders, speak english more easily than any other nationality here on the continent... so contacting dealers here shouldn't be a problem.

Quite diverting the thread, but ... the Danish are even better at languages. I know several ones
who speak English, German, and French with NO accent. They say it is due to the range of
sounds the Danish language has which makes it easy for them.

 

[tallgrass]

still want a walko. did anything come of the group buy?i would be interested. i want one really bad!

 

[KevinColo]

Thanks Mhch,

After reading the 7 pages at that link on miter support I am starting to think I need a table saw after all  ;-)

Kevin

 

[mhch]

Thanks Mhch,

After reading the 7 pages at that link on miter support I am starting to think I need a table saw after all  ;-)

Kevin

you might also like reading thread MFT vs table saw in: http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=41.0

 

[Texastutt]

the MFT3 looks interesting, but I have a 1080 and my trailer is full, and I fill up a job site pretty quick. the Watco looks nice, but I need other tools before another workbench.

A comment was made about Festool being power tool orientated, not hand tool.... Its German, Euros still know how to use hand planes and hand saws, and sometimes, if you know how to work with wood, hand tools are faster, easier, better... (I should coin that phrase  .

That's my two cents worth...