MFT/3 or Walko with accesories

[fso]

My next addition to the tool collection will be a portable workbench. I have a tiny workspace which would fit a MFT/3, and a large horse barn that I can use when working on larger projects. So portability (small distances is useful) and avoids the large cost of building a proper workshop in the barn. I was tending towards the MFT/3 mainly because of the cross cutting. The way I see the workflow the parallel guides would be good for ripping to a precise size and squaring could then be done on the MFT/3. With the benefit of using a story board and guide stops for accuracy and repeatability.

I assume that the MFT/3 as a cutting station is used 90% of the time as a 90 degree cross cutting station and that the Miter gage is not that useful. Which makes me think that a Walko 3 or 4, the Qwas square attachment to the guide rail and a set of parallel guides may be more useful than a MFT/3.

Since I can't afford both a MFT/3 and a Walko bench I would appreciate some comments to the advantages of each solution.

Regards,

Frank

 

[Wood_Junkie]

Whichever way you go, this post by Qwas might be helpful.  Specifically, the wheel attachment (turns the table into a "wheelbarrow" configuration).

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/some-mft-mods/msg16469/#msg16469

 

[peter halle]

My next addition to the tool collection will be a portable workbench. I have a tiny workspace which would fit a MFT/3, and a large horse barn that I can use when working on larger projects. So portability (small distances is useful) and avoids the large cost of building a proper workshop in the barn. I was tending towards the MFT/3 mainly because of the cross cutting. The way I see the workflow the parallel guides would be good for ripping to a precise size and squaring could then be done on the MFT/3. With the benefit of using a story board and guide stops for accuracy and repeatability.

I assume that the MFT/3 as a cutting station is used 90% of the time as a 90 degree cross cutting station and that the Miter gage is not that useful. Which makes me think that a Walko 3 or 4, the Qwas square attachment to the guide rail and a set of parallel guides may be more useful than a MFT/3.

Since I can't afford both a MFT/3 and a Walko bench I would appreciate some comments to the advantages of each solution.

Regards,

Frank

In woodworking the majority of cuts are done at 90 degrees.  Your understanding of the Festool system and workflow using the Parallel guides is correct.  The thing about the MFT is that it can cut and adjust to to angles  that can not be accomplished using the holes and guides that rely on the holes.

Good luck in your decision!

Peter

 

[score0matic]

If it were me.  this is what i would do... I would build a "cutting table" in the barn for less than 100 (what ever money is used...lol)    Then, If i still wanted a portable work surface [smile] Do you have a table, push-pull, or miter saw?  [smile] If yes then go with the Walko if no then the MFT. 
Craig

 

[fso]

If it were me.  this is what i would do... I would build a "cutting table" in the barn for less than 100 (what ever money is used...lol)    Then, If i still wanted a portable work surface [smile] Do you have a table, push-pull, or miter saw?  [smile] If yes then go with the Walko if no then the MFT. 
Craig

Just finished making a storage rack using french cleats. A typical table saw application, tried on my small kity table saw, but handing 1.2 m panels proved inaccurate. Actually got better results using manual marking the parts and cutting with the TS55 and rail. So bought the MFT and are selling the Kity table saw. What I find is that it would take considerable effort to tune the table saw, get the same quality blade as my festool saw, get a fixed dust extraction setup instead of moving the vac back and forth and more importantly build the required infeed/sidefeed/outfeed support.

BTW the guy where I bought the MFT also had a Walko4 for his own use. Man do I like that bench. Afraid that longer term I might still end up with both.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[score0matic]

Sorry on reading my post is is a bit vague  by cutting table I am refering to something like this

I have  and use a Walko that is a bit enhanced

The reason i mentioned other saws is for short work that the Walko in  the sheet cutting setup is difficult to process small pieces
Craig

 

[fso]

I can see that it is slightly enhanced (the standard walko that is). Nice table, gives me some ideas for a future project.

Frank

Sorry on reading my post is is a bit vague  by cutting table I am refering to something like this

I have  and use a Walko that is a bit enhanced

The reason i mentioned other saws is for short work that the Walko in  the sheet cutting setup is difficult to process small pieces
Craig