MFT/3 or...??

[bigfella]

Hi Guys,

Just getting started and trying to find a good setup so I can do some small woodworking projects at home. I am a bit space constrained (single garage) and need to be able to pack everything away and the end of the day. I have been working off the floor which is very uncomfortable so looking to get a portable bench.

I was thinking about an MFT/3 so I could cut small panels, etc (I already have an TS55), but then started to read about things like the Paulk bench and MFslab. Is it worth the time and effort to build something myself, or should I just go with the MFT/3?

I have seen some mods where people have installed a table router in the MFT. Is that a decent solution for occasional use?

Eventually, I would like to get a more permanent setup with a proper assembly bench, mitre stand, router table, but unfortunately I don't have the space at the moment.

Thanks.

 

[them700project]

I dont own either yet but my plan is, once I own a garage in the next couple months, to buy the mft multifunction table and build a larger bench for takedown of larger items. The other option is to pick up the mft and make extentions for it. The second way will be more portable but i dont plan on moving around much

 

[ElCabong]

I don't own an MFT/3 but have fabricated my own quasi-work bench ala- MFT, Paulk, etc. and find it has served me well for the past year in my small garage but as my skills have improved, I am in serious need of consistent accuracy. Although I've been able to make repeat cuts with my TS-55 I find the occasional off-cut that drives me nuts so I am finally biting the bullet and getting one before the price goes up in April. Finally.....

 

[JBag09]

I have a two car garage, but the way I have the setup, my wife's car can basically stay in the garage as I work on projects in the other half. Only need the rest of it for the planer, jointer and router table.
I use the MFT/3 because of the accuracy and all the clamping options. I have a second homemade MFT table next to the other that just makes the surface bigger and I mainly use that for assembly of "normal size" kitchen cabinets. If it comes to a pantry, the tables are to high for me, the way I assemble anyway. Those I will do on the floor.
Then I have this bench right behind me that I cut all my sheet goods and rout and also use for some assembly, if need be I just throw scrap pieces on to keep the stuff on top.http://www.woodsmith.com/files/issues/185/knock-down-cutting-table.pdf
I have considered building a Paulk workbench, but I just don't wanna build something that nice and then cut up the entire top when cutting parts up. Could I lay down a piece of foam board, sure, but then you loose the ability to use the holes for various things. Still may just build it and then replace the top when I have to.

 

[AIPDX]

I have similar space constraints, but the good thing about MFT/3 is that it folds down into a reasonably flat package. One can store it in a vertical position along a wall.  It feels rather small when it comes to cutting using TS-55, but it is very convenient for cutting smaller pieces (especially at pre-defined angles) as well as for anything that requires clamping. Surprisingly, its size is much less of a concern for me (storage-wise) than that of the dust extractors.

 

[Stone Message]

I am lucky enough to have a decent amount of space but the MFT3 is still an excellent bench for me. It provides a mobile solution for work off site. I can move it around despite my bad back. It folds away when not required. It is the perfect base for sawing and jig work. It holds its value.

If you try and make a bench, given the constraints that you face, it will never be possible to get it out of the way when needed. The MFT3 folds flat in seconds and is light enough to store on hooks above the car.

Peter

 

[benbound]

I'm in a similar position, I do  bit in my single garage but also work on remote sites, sometime with a generator. I use an MFT slab on Stanley Fatmax sawhorses, it works for me and takes up very little space, just ordered some rail dogs so I have most of the functionality of the MFT as well. Like so many things it depends on what you use it for. 99% of my cuts are at 90 degree, so I dont need a mitre guage.

Naturally I would love an MFT but personally can't justify the expense compared to my current set up.

 

[Birdhunter]

I have enough space for 2 MFT3 tables and wouldn't swap them for any other work bench especially with the TS55 saw and rail.

 

[SS Teach]

I bought an MFT top from Bob Marino and made my own table. Having used it I am thinking OF 1400, a track, Festool Jigsaw, maybe a Domino. The table really expands your thinking, and probably lessens your liquidity. Oh well that's our lot in life when we start down the slippery slope.

 

[eddomak]

I was thinking about an MFT/3 so I could cut small panels, etc (I already have an TS55), but then started to read about things like the Paulk bench and MFslab. Is it worth the time and effort to build something myself, or should I just go with the MFT/3?

Welcome to another FOGger from Down Under!

I have a full MFT3 that sits (folded up) on top of a home made base. But if you are getting it out and putting it away all the time, then I would use an MFT top (only) on some easy-to-deploy base (trestles, saw horses etc) with some Precision/Parf/QWAS dogs and rail dogs. For quite a few tasks I got a Keter Workbench from Masters for $90 and it is wonderful.

If you happen to be near Sydney and look into getting a CNC MFT top or MFT Slab made, please do let me know (PM) as I would be interested in 2, and could share some costs.

 

[bigfella]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I think I will bite the bullet and purchase an MFT/3. I like the idea of the compact/portable design and the ability to make accurate cuts. I am planning on build some ply start shelves/cupboards for the garage so it will come in handy for that.

I may also make up a secondary bench that can sit on top of a few SpaceCase boxes I keep my gear in. They are nice and stable and I will make the top so it sits at the same hight as the MFT.

Will post photos shortly.

 

[bigfella]

If you happen to be near Sydney and look into getting a CNC MFT top or MFT Slab made, please do let me know (PM) as I would be interested in 2, and could share some costs.

Sorry mate. I am in Melbourne.

 

[sancho57]

I am using  one side of a UK 2 car garage. I have 2 MFTs.  Very seldom do I  set them both up at the same time, because I also have a CMS .its usually set up all the time for swapping of modules.

With that being said , there are a couple of options for you.  A Festool MFT, Ron Paulks you can customise the size of it, buy / a top, and create your own possibly using saw horses etc.
Tim Tool has some nice plans for a Multifunction Work Table. One Fogger came to my BBQ last year and showed his. It is brilliant.
But to give you direction, no one really can its all personal preference. But these are the options IMO

 

[eddomak]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I think I will bite the bullet and purchase an MFT/3.

Just noticed someone is making CNC versions of the MFT top for $AUD159 ono,  see eBay adhere. Pickup from Strathmore.

Also since you are in Australia, try and get one before 1st April 2015 as from that point onwards Festool is legally permitted to fix their prices to the RRP and prevent dealers from discounting. (There's another thread on that in the FOG).

 

[bigfella]

Also since you are in Australia, try and get one before 1st April 2015 as from that point onwards Festool is legally permitted to fix their prices to the RRP and prevent dealers from discounting. (There's another thread on that in the FOG).

I was surprised when I heard about the ACCC ruling. I live in South Melbourne and Just Tools is around the corner. They offer both great prices and excellent service. I also have Total Tools nearby. They sell Festool at RRP and have very limited knowledge and very seldom have stock.

I appreciate that there is a higher cost of sale on Festool products, but i would expect most people would do a fair bit of their own research before turning up at the dealer.

 

[Turnamere]

I've not used an MFT/3 but I don't doubt its quality.  I have a 1 and a bit car garage so fairly short of space, I built a variation of the Ron Paulk Mk1 2 or 3 years back and it had proven to be a hugely useful and flexible tool.  I have 6 festoll clamps, a Veritas Wonder Pup and a selection of dogs which allow for clamping pretty much anything.  I made it slightly shorter than the ceiling height so it stores on end and takes up just 1ft by 2ft of floor space.  I retained the ply offcuts and these are placed under any goods that I set up to cut with the TS55.  I can't rely on my holes being exactly spaced or at a perfect 90deg but since there are a few MFT alike tops available a Ron Paulk bench with MFT top would be a great start at a fraction of the cost.