MFT/3 Square Issues

[ThisVeteranVlog]

[member=75102]H532P[/member], I would double check that the narrow stock you're using is in fact square. Also, it's rather hard to keep such a narrow stock held firmly against the stop ruler and have it remain square through a cut (the more reference contact the better). I have many videos on my YouTube channel on how to square the MFT/3. I would encourage you to look up Festool USA's method for squaring just the stop ruler and miter to the guide rail (opposite of my method, and might be better in correcting your error).

[member=73012]BenMarshallDesigns[/member] Thank you very much for the reply! I have watched your videos and I really enjoy them. I have not tried your technique using the TS55 as the “square” because I am initially hesitant to mess up the factory placed stops. Perhaps I should try it at this point...

Also, isnt the point of cutting on the MFT to square the stock itself?

Thank you for the reply and help, I appreciate it very much. Keep up the helpful videos! I’m a subscriber!

[member=73012]BenMarshallDesigns[/member] Are you really able to cut perfectly square cuts with no issues on thin stock (think 2 inches wide) and 20+ inches long? You’re not seeing any cuts that are 1mm off at that length?

Yes, I get really good results with my MFT/3. Took me a while to dial it in, but I've got it super accurate now. I've got a video on my channel on how to rip thin stock with the MFT/3

 

[Andrew Wilkerson]

Like you guys I was hesitant to move my guide rail on the MFT.  The presets get it close, but when you are counting on the cut to be a reference edge of other cuts, close is not good enough.  Like many of you, I would square it up using a Woodpecker's square and Sedges paper trick. Then I wouldn't move it because I didn't want to go through the hassle of squaring it back up. 

I got fed up one day and created the MFT Insta-Square.  It locks into the top grove on the MFT guide rail and squares it to the track.  Takes about 5 seconds to square up (video link) so I never worry about moving my MFT fence now.  [big grin]

Shameless product plug image!




Grab one here. 

Andy Wilkerson
Black Raptor Tools

 

[sancho57]

Im not going to get into the ins and outs of squaring a. MFT, Festool Live on you tube did a complete episode on the MFT w extensive demonstration and explanation on squaring it.

Only thing I would add to the festool live demo, is something I learned from Allan Kensley recently.

When tightening up the guide rail brackets (what holds the guide rail to the MFT) Push it against the stops when tightening them.

It ensures repeatability as they will move slightly when tightening the brackets the rail.

Same with raising and lowering the rail it will ensure repeatability.

To cut thin stock adj the fence by rotating it 180 for thick material and use a sacrificial piece of material under the thin stock.

And the fence stop does have some flex in it.

which is why I mentioned the flexing of the stop when you place the material against the stop ensure it isnt flexing.

Not the stop itself moving but the metal L piece of the stop does flex and will flex so pay attention to it when setting the material against it.

OH when using your square against the fence when squaring, take some business cards or post its (same thickness) and butt them up to the fence inbetween your square and fence. you  dont need business cards / post its between the rail and square.

Hope this helps.