MFT/3 problem

[bespokecampers]

Hi

I have an MFT/3 workbench setup permanently to run a conturo edgebander. The MDF top has sagged in the middle to the point where it is no longer possible to edgeband accurately. This shouldn't really be a surprise as it is only 18mm mdf with no support in the middle so with the weight of the conturo, pretty much bound to happen in time. Festool maintain they have never seen this happen before and as a result are being less than helpful in sending me a replacement mdf top under warranty, even though I have volunteered to reinforce the table myself once I have received a replacement. Really not impressed given the price of what is basically a folding table, I should have just adapted my own workbench!

Has anyone else experienced sagging worktop syndrome?

thanks

Andy

 

[Tinker]

I have my shop in the basement of my house. It gets very humid in summer but quite cool.  I seldom work in there during my outdoor work season. The first couple of years had my MFT 1060 I clamped a couple of 2x's across the top to keep it from sagging thru the summer. I have since gotten a MFT/3 and no longer clamp anything across the top. I have some eye problems and have not been to the shop since last spring. I knew I might be taking a break so set my SCMS on one side of the top to see if it would cause a sag. The last time I checked about mid winter, there was no noticeable sag. I will check over the weekend and wll try to get back with pics and results.
Tinker

 

[Michael Kellough]

If I were Festool I'd be reluctant to provide a free top too since the photo shows the rail of the MFT has the same wave, just not quite as photoshoppy.

 

[bespokecampers]

Amusing but unhelpful.

 

[Gregor]

Couldn't you just flip the top over?

 

[bespokecampers]

Couldn't you just flip the top over?

I guess you could but you would have to wait and hope it sagged in a similar fashion, not really what you expect from a brand like festool.

 

[bespokecampers]

Just had a positive response from festool at last. Have been promised a new top is being sent out

 

[Tinker]

If I were Festool I'd be reluctant to provide a free top too since the photo shows the rail of the MFT has the same wave, just not quite as photoshoppy.

I think the wave in the frame mightiest be from he camera angle.  I also think the sag is ob expected.  The MDF is subject to soaking up moisture from humidity. I have three MFT's (three different sizes) and all of them I have treated both surfaces with wipe on poly urethane a couple of coats and then, periodically rub in carnauba wax. That prevents much moisture. I think if I ever replace either top,I will use 3/4 ply wood, even tho i have not been bothered with sagging.
Tinker

 

[sancho57]

I have 3MFTs and one Kapex MFTs. 2 of the MFT and the kapex MFT were with me in England for 4 years, kept out side in a uninsulated garage shop. I havent had any problems with my tops. I do have one extra top lying about bc I was going to replace one that was really well used and decided to use it as the one I cut into the top.

Ive just not had the problem of the top sagging.

 

[grbmds]

I've owned my MFT for over 3 years and it is installed permanently in my basement shop. I do control humidity with dehumidifiers and, as far as I can tell, the top has not sagged. Could constant weight of the Conturo on the top have caused? Don't know. Glad Festool has given a positive response. Since they have never seen this before, it would seem that that product may have been slightly bowed to begin with and just got worse over time.

 

[Corwin]

When I got my first MFT1080 I was very impressed with how flat the top was -- flat enough to be used as a reference surface. Yet, after nine or ten months I noticed that the top had sagged -- if memory serves, just over 1/32" in the center. I never left items on the table when not in use, and still don't. When I joined this board, this was the first topic I asked about, and I wasn't the only one that had experienced this. The most common response was to flip the top over, but this 'solution' didn't impress me in the least as a crowning top would only be worse, and then it would once again sag. A brace seems like the only real solution. I find it odd that Festool would claim that they hadn't heard of this before since this has been discussed many times here and they do read this forum.

 

[Michael Kellough]

I don't doubt that a piece of MDF will sag when supported only by the perimeter.

I just don't trust the veracity of that photograph. Look at the computer display from the side and you see a wave that affects not only the MDF but the bottom of the level and the aluminum frame of the MFT.

Looking at it again just now I see that the edge of the board behind the level and the edge of the white board have the same wave but inverted. That camera lens is really very distorted.

 

[Corwin]

I don't doubt that a piece of MDF will sag when supported only by the perimeter.

I just don't trust the veracity of that photograph. Look at the computer display from the side and you see a wave that affects not only the MDF but the bottom of the level and the aluminum frame of the MFT.

Looking at it again just now I see that the edge of the board behind the level and the edge of the white board have the same wave but inverted. That camera lens is really very distorted.

Yes, I also notice that there is a lot of distortion in that photograph. However, distortion will not account for the obvious gap below the level that is placed across the table top. There is a gap that goes from nothing on the outer edges to what you see in the middle. Not a distortion issue, but rather [somewhat] clear evidence of a sagging table top.