MFT/3 Reinforcement! How to turn the MFT into a heavy duty workbench!

[festoller]

Of course you need a wall to make this work and one side will be blocked, therefore it's probably only helpfull for some of you.

There are many ways to make this reinforcement and maybe this has been posted before, but it's just my simple and fast solution if I need to reinforce the MFT for hand planing or other operations! I have to admit once I attched (takes only seconds) the MFT it's a completly different feeling, even for simple cuts, sanding or other works.

Using slots on the wall piece helps to level the attachment with the MFT and of course the Domino was helpfull too. Sometime I'll try another one with some 8020 extrusion, so that it looks like part of the MFT. You should consider making the wall part longer so that the MFT can be moved to the side, I'll exchange mine later.

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[alanz]

Very nice!

 

[bonesbr549]

Nice use of the french cleat!

 

[cnewport]

Inspired by the little toolbox I noticed here I decided to build one.  I found that 1/2" stock can be used with the V-groove of the MFT sides to make a french cleat - this way the box can be removed and placed on a different side easily.

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[GPowers]

Nice, i like the clamp storage. Keep the box free for the smaller stuff.

 

[RONWEN]

Inspired by the little toolbox I noticed here I decided to build one.  I found that 1/2" stock can be used with the V-groove of the MFT sides to make a french cleat - this way the box can be removed and placed on a different side easily.
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I can't quite tell -- are the top edges of the box below/level with the MFT work surface?

 

[cnewport]

I can't quite tell -- are the top edges of the box below/level with the MFT work surface?

The box sits a little below the top...but with a little more planning it could easily be level

 

[NoBreyner]

I won't get my MFT/3 until the end of this coming week, but I have been inspired!  ;D  The french cleat system works perfectly with the v-groove on the edges and seeing the box hanging from the side gave me an idea that I want to try.  I have built wood magazine's bench top router table and then later built a dedicated stand for the table.  My problem is that we have a two car garage and the second half is actually used to park a car!  I built a cart that's 4' x 3' and the top has a lathe on the "back half" and a benchtop drill press bolted down to the "front half".  I need the cart, so I'll need to make some space another way.  I have a work bench that I'm going to disassemble when I get the MFT/3 and keep the MFT/3 folded and sitting upright when not in use.  I have a tablesaw that I can take off it's collapsible stand, so I can within reason put it away somewhat close.

Back to my original intention of this post.  To make more room I think I'm going to remove the router table's top and add a v-block to the edge of the table to connect one side to the MFT, and add legs to the free side on hinges making it fold-able.  The legs will stop at 90 degrees via two stop blocks.  I will add threaded inserts in the legs and use knobs to secure the legs to the stop blocks.  Not only will I be able to recover space with a collapsible bench I'll do the same with a collapsible router table.  I'll try to get pics up here when I get it done.

Edit:  I think I'll go one step further with the V-block to connect to the MFT I'll also add a way to use the side t-slot to bolt it securely.

 

[peter halle]

Hopefully I will be able to upload some images of an experiment I will be trying today that could give you some additional ideas.

Peter

 

[ART at WORK]

Keep going guys, I think your developing some great ideas.
I would also like to attach my Router to my MFT so I have a longer feed in table.

Look forward to some photos. 

 

[jtwood]

The box idea is great.  I spend half my time moving stuff off of the table top so I have room to work.  Hanging the clamps is terrific.

Thanks for the ideas.

 

[peter halle]

Here are some images of a quick way to add a table.  Made of scraps.  Outboard leg(s) required of course.

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Peter

 

[builderbob]

Here's a mod of an MFT 800...I removed the mdf table top and cut down a phenolic top to fit!  I didn't have to take too much off to size it properly.

The nice thing is that I can attach it to any of my other MFT 1080's or 800's or as you can see I can also use the MFT extension!

Bob

 

[peter halle]

Bob.  [thumbs up] [thumbs up]

 

[Gerald OAS]

Hi Festoller,

I have a question regarding your idea of reinforcement via french cleats. I wonder about the stability of the MFT if you're working parallel to the wall.
Is the friction strong enough to prevent the MFT moving along the wall?

Gerald

 

[ART at WORK]

Here's a mod of an MFT 800...I removed the mdf table top and cut down a phenolic top to fit!  I didn't have to take too much off to size it properly.

The nice thing is that I can attach it to any of my other MFT 1080's or 800's or as you can see I can also use the MFT extension!

Bob

I like your idea very much, I have been playing with the idea of a router table set up. Putting it in the 800 frame was a brilliant idea.
Thanks for sharing.
If you have time to make and post some more photos a few details would be appreciated.

 

[builderbob]

Thanks for the kind words Art!  I have to confess that I sold that contraption to assist in the funding of my CMS!  I really wanted the size and portability of the CMS over that setup. The phenolic is very heavy. The Woodpeckers fence was very nice!  I'm much happier with the CMS for my needs!  Here's a few more photos that I had taken of that setup!  If you have any other questions regarding any details, I'd be happy to answer!

Bob

 

[BUTTER]

I am LOVING the ideas in this thread!

I have been thinking for a long time about making my own MFT-inspired bench that would also function as an outfeed for my little Dewalt DW745 tablesaw, but am now thinking I should just make something to attach the tablesaw to my MFT!!