MFT/3 packaging size?

[Vaskerville]

Hello

I realize it's a bit of an odd question but I'm hoping, on my trip to Europe next week, to pick up an MFT/3 table and bring it home with me. What I'm curious about though, does anybody know the exact dimensions of the box (or boxes) that it's shipped in? I want to call the airline and get some kind of idea about the extra expense.

Oh yeah, I plan to buy the model that comes with the guides - the deluxe version I guess you would call it.

Thanks

 

[Steve R]

I'll interested what the airline wants to charge you. You might be able to buy two of them here for less. [poke]

You might want to also check out FedEx and other international shippers as they may be a lot cheaper, more reliable and easier to deal with.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[BobKovacs]

While I don't have exact dimensions, I do remember how mine was packed. Based on the dimensions of the MFT, I'm thinking the box was right about 36" x 60" x 9".

Stupid question, but why would you buy an MFT in Europe and pay the customs charges and shipping on the airline when they're readily available in The US?

 

[jmbfestool]

where in europe?

I remember mine not being alot bigger than the MFT table its self and I got the ''Deluxe version'' but  I had ordered many other things with the table at the time so I cant remember if it was just one box with everything in or it came with a separate one as well with the ''Deluxe extras''.    I think it was all in one box though.    Im always ordering stuff! Sorry cnt really help!  Call the dealer you think your going to buy the MFT off you can also make sure he has it in stock so when you go over its ready for you to pick up cus I dont know how long your staying over in europe but you dont wanna waist time looking around to see if dealers have any in stock

Is it cheaper in Europe?  Whats the reason to get the MFT in europe?

JMB

 

[Steve R]

I think it is three boxes. One for the table, one for the 1080 rail and the third for the the rest of the clamps and stuff.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[Vaskerville]

I've just updated my profile...I live in Africa these days. NYC is just my home when I'm not here. So, buying in Europe is my option. And, shipping it to this country...is very risky.

I see some probably good dimensions but if anybody has exact dimensions that would be great.

Thanks

 

[fatroman]

The table itself is roughly 31" x 46" x 8.5"

You could fly it without any trouble if you have a hard-shell bicycle case like this. The table, rail and fence would fit in this just fine. US based airlines usually charge $80 to check a bike box. I've flown all around the world with mine and the bike (provided you pack it correctly) arrives with no damage at all.

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1102803_-1_20000__400174

You might be able to find something similar in Europe so you don't have to fly an empty box there.

 

[jmbfestool]

The table itself is roughly 31" x 46" x 8.5"

You could fly it without any trouble if you have a hard-shell bicycle case like this. The table, rail and fence would fit in this just fine. US based airlines usually charge $80 to check a bike box. I've flown all around the world with mine and the bike (provided you pack it correctly) arrives with no damage at all.

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1102803_-1_20000__400174

You might be able to find something similar in Europe so you don't have to fly an empty box there.

The price of the bicycle case  is going to make the MFT more expensive.

Vaskerville where in europe?

JMB

 

[fatroman]

The price of the bicycle case  is going to make the MFT more expensive.

No doubt. But it will certainly make it to Africa in one piece.

 

[jmbfestool]

The price of the bicycle case  is going to make the MFT more expensive.

No doubt. But it will certainly make it to Africa in one piece.

true!

 

[BobKovacs]

While the MFT may fit in that bicycle case, it weighs 4-5 times what the typical racing bike weighs, so I doubt the airlines would only charge $80 to ship it.

 

[Steve R]

The table itself is roughly 31" x 46" x 8.5"

You could fly it without any trouble if you have a hard-shell bicycle case like this. The table, rail and fence would fit in this just fine. US based airlines usually charge $80 to check a bike box. I've flown all around the world with mine and the bike (provided you pack it correctly) arrives with no damage at all.

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1102803_-1_20000__400174

You might be able to find something similar in Europe so you don't have to fly an empty box there.

The price of the bicycle case  is going to make the MFT more expensive.

Vaskerville where in europe?

JMB

As a former pro cyclist.  I can tell you putting a MTF in a bike box will not fly...so to say... a heavy bike is 20 lbs.... the airline rate is based not just based on it being a bike box. It must be a bike and weigh like a bike! When the counter agent tries to pick up the bike box with a MFT/3 and more in it you will be busted after they blow their back out. When they make you open it to prove you have a bike in it you will face at least two issues. One misrepresenting something as bike so the bike rate will not be honored  (also I have not put a bike on plane in  years as it is cheaper and safer to FedEx the bike box to the locations I go to I'm not sure it is still $80).  The Second issue is then the Big $$$$ they will want to ship it as you don't have bike you have freight in it.

I'm with JMB a bike box is costly, my old Trico Sports Iron Case bike box is was about $400.

As Fatroman said the MFT will be well protected in a hard bike box, a cardboard bike boxes will not hold up with the weight of the MFT.

Now knowing that Vaskerville wants to take to Africa not to the US... the original boxes from Festool would work fine. Just be ready for a a large cost as it is very heavy.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[jmbfestool]

What I would do if it was ME to remove weight and to make it slightly smaller!  Not much smaller because unfortunately the legs are welded together so your still stuck to a certain size but it will be slighty smaller.

I would remove the MFT MDF top  try and sell it or cut your losses and give it away! (You can make your own when you get back home)    Then I would then completely dismantle the MFT which is dead easy to do!  

You can then take all the Nuts and bolts and but them into your luggage with you thus also reducing the weight of the MFT also any parts you think you can carry in your luggage like the corner brackets.   So all you would be left with to SHIP would be the 2small rails 2 large rails and the leg frames which  would be no heavier than a Bike!  

JMB

 

[Steve R]

What I would do if it was ME to remove weight and to make it slightly smaller!  Not much smaller because unfortunately the legs are welded together so your still stuck to a certain size but it will be slighty smaller.

I would remove the MFT MDF top  try and sell it or cut your losses and give it away! (You can make your own when you get back home)    Then I would then completely dismantle the MFT which is dead easy to do!  

You can then take all the Nuts and bolts and but them into your luggage with you thus also reducing the weight of the MFT also any parts you think you can carry in your luggage like the corner brackets.   So all you would be left with to SHIP would be the 2small rails 2 large rails and the leg frames which  would be no heavier than a Bike!  

JMB

Having worked internationally for a several years, I understand Vaskerville's issue. You can't buy it there so you need to bring it with you, at whatever the cost is. depending on where he is going in Africa MDF could be a thousand or more miles away. 

The MFT/3 is 62 lbs. the MDF top is at most half the weight.  30 pounds will still be an issue. The current bikes area at most 15 - 18 lbs.  As someone that that has traveled in the past with a bike on a plane, almost every time the airline required me to open  the box to be make sure it was a bike.  I asked them why they want to see it. They told me people try to pass off things as bike that are over sized and we make more money on over sized items than we do on bikes so we almost always check so we can increase revenue. That was back when they gave you a meal.....and now.... luggage has to be payed for and it is weighted.

It is going to be 6 of one half dozen of another  so just fly it.

Also if Vaskerville puts much value on his time. It will just be cheaper to pay the airline like he said he wants to do.

I really think us in the US are over thinking this, due to his first post that made it seem like he was going to buy in Europe and bring it back to NY, USA. But in a later post he corrected that and said buy in Europe and take it to Africa.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[jmbfestool]

What I would do if it was ME to remove weight and to make it slightly smaller!  Not much smaller because unfortunately the legs are welded together so your still stuck to a certain size but it will be slighty smaller.

I would remove the MFT MDF top  try and sell it or cut your losses and give it away! (You can make your own when you get back home)    Then I would then completely dismantle the MFT which is dead easy to do!  

You can then take all the Nuts and bolts and but them into your luggage with you thus also reducing the weight of the MFT also any parts you think you can carry in your luggage like the corner brackets.   So all you would be left with to SHIP would be the 2small rails 2 large rails and the leg frames which  would be no heavier than a Bike!  

JMB

Having worked internationally for a several years, I understand Vaskerville's issue. You can't buy it there so you need to bring it with you, at whatever the cost is. depending on where he is going in Africa MDF could be a thousand or more miles away. 

The MFT/3 is 62 lbs. the MDF top is at most half the weight.  30 pounds will still be an issue. The current bikes area at most 15 - 18 lbs.  As someone that that has traveled in the past with a bike on a plane, almost every time the airline required me to open  the box to be make sure it was a bike.  I asked them why they want to see it. They told me people try to pass off things as bike that are over sized and we make more money on over sized items than we do on bikes so we almost always check so we can increase revenue. That was back when they gave you a meal.....and now.... luggage has to be payed for and it is weighted.

It is going to be 6 of one half dozen of another  so just fly it.

Also if Vaskerville puts much value on his time. It will just be cheaper to pay the airline like he said he wants to do.

I really think us in the US are over thinking this, due to his first post that made it seem like he was going to buy in Europe and bring it back to NY, USA. But in a later post he corrected that and said buy in Europe and take it to Africa.

Cheers,
Steve

YEah I get ya!  I dont know you see never took a bike with me on a plane only by boat in my car lol!    I was just giving my opinion on what I thought would reduce the weight and everything.  I dont know what his situation is in Africa.  lol From his other thread and this thread I dont think I would ever go out and work in africa.  I want to get the latest festool and tools NOW lol So wont be my cup tea! lol

I would just pay the airline then like you said. Keep it simples! 

JMB

 

[Vaskerville]

Travelling in this part of the world is not like travelling in the US. When you are going to Africa you will notice people arriving at the airport with with huge boxes, tons of plastic bags, IKEA bags, duffle bags and suitcases. It's really crazy...and a good laugh...

I've seen people show up with multiple large flatscreen tv's!

I think I have enough information to go with - general idea for the boxes.

JMB - on this trip I'll be in Brussels and Glasgow (doing some speaking about my work luckily).

 

[Cort]

I just received a new MFT/3 from Festool USA.  The MFT/3 with its fences are shipped all in one parcel.  It is double boxed and measures 50.5" x 11" x 34.5".  It is a huge box.  Subtract 1" from these dimensions for the inner box.

 

[GPowers]

I just received a new MFT/3 from Festool USA.  The MFT/3 with its fences are shipped all in one parcel.  It is double boxed and measures 50.5" x 11" x 34.5".  It is a huge box.  Subtract 1" from these dimensions for the inner box.

That is the same way the MFT/3 was delivered buy my local Festool dealer.