I'm curious to know if anyone actually cuts right into the top of the MFT/3 without using sacrificial protection? I've been meticulously using sacrificial stock to protect the top. I've had my table for a few months now. I'm wondering what circumstances, cutting challenges would warrant cutting into the top? Thanks for your comments.
MFT/3 top. Sacrificial protection
- Thread starter Gerry0611
- Start date
I cut my top in all directions. I have had my MFT/3 for about 4 years and flipped my top about two years ago. For full sheets I use 2" foam.
I tried for a brief time protecting my top but went back to cutting into it. I just found that for me the extra step was distracting.
Peter
I tried for a brief time protecting my top but went back to cutting into it. I just found that for me the extra step was distracting.
Peter
barnowl
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I use my MFT as a clamping station for sanding etc, and an all around work bench.
I've got the Festool clamping elements and a small assortment of Qwas dogs.
In fact, I took the rails and protractor off, and hung them on a wall. They're there when I need them.
I'll seldom make cuts on it, but when I do, if is isn't with the rail/protractor, I'll use my 2" styrofoam sheets, spanning the MFT and 4' x 6' assembly bench.
For protection when not used for woodworking, I've cut some plexi to keep the top protected.
I've got the Festool clamping elements and a small assortment of Qwas dogs.
In fact, I took the rails and protractor off, and hung them on a wall. They're there when I need them.
I'll seldom make cuts on it, but when I do, if is isn't with the rail/protractor, I'll use my 2" styrofoam sheets, spanning the MFT and 4' x 6' assembly bench.
For protection when not used for woodworking, I've cut some plexi to keep the top protected.
WarnerConstCo.
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I cut the crap out of it. I have not even flipped the top yet and I have had it for almost 3 years.
Protecting the top is inconvenient and slow, I got stuff to do.
Protecting the top is inconvenient and slow, I got stuff to do.
jonathan-m
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WarnerConstCo. said:
LOL, I agree. And with that last sentence, you sir, just made my day
Probably the majority of owners routinely make saw cuts into the MFT surface because that is the way it was designed to be used.
Having said that, I much prefer not cutting mine so I always have a nice surface to work on. I use a 2'x4' piece of 1/4" hardboard as my sacrificial surface. It just takes a couple of seconds to throw it under the work piece. My MFT's (used daily) are ~5 years old with no saw kerfs.
Having said that, I much prefer not cutting mine so I always have a nice surface to work on. I use a 2'x4' piece of 1/4" hardboard as my sacrificial surface. It just takes a couple of seconds to throw it under the work piece. My MFT's (used daily) are ~5 years old with no saw kerfs.
erock
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I'm a hobbyist and cut into mine. It's only in one direction because I mostly use the MFT/3 for cross cuts. If I get a bug up my butt I sometimes
use wood filler and fill the top. It only takes a half hour. Fill the cut line and sand it smooth.
When I first started using the MFT/3 I thought about making a sacrificial top, I tried it twice. After the second cut it wasn't worth the time and
effort to save a piece of MDF [embarassed]. I have a MFT1080 and MFT 800 that I use for workstations for sanding and routing. So cutting into
the MFT/3 is no big deal.
Cut into it and forget about it. You'll get over it after a while.....just stop thinking about how much the table cost and why you bought it and
intend on using it for. That's what I did.
Eric
use wood filler and fill the top. It only takes a half hour. Fill the cut line and sand it smooth.
When I first started using the MFT/3 I thought about making a sacrificial top, I tried it twice. After the second cut it wasn't worth the time and
effort to save a piece of MDF [embarassed]. I have a MFT1080 and MFT 800 that I use for workstations for sanding and routing. So cutting into
the MFT/3 is no big deal.
Cut into it and forget about it. You'll get over it after a while.....just stop thinking about how much the table cost and why you bought it and
intend on using it for. That's what I did.
Eric
Debug
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Hobbyist here also and cut into mine. Find it is easiest and that is the way it is designed to be used. When I first got the MFT/3, my first thought was "seriously, I have to cut into the top after spending all that money?" Haven't thought about it since. Can always flip the top over or replace it.
Corwin
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Why do people state that cutting into the top is "the way it was designed to be used?" Who says? Actually, the MFT guide-rail brackets have more vertical travel than the saws have in depth of cut, so why not conclude that they were designed to be used with sacrificial material between material and table top? [huh]
As I see it, this is strictly a preference thing -- there are no "correct" answers here. My preference is to not cut into the top, and I haven't with my MFTs. Your preferences may vary. [big grin]
As I see it, this is strictly a preference thing -- there are no "correct" answers here. My preference is to not cut into the top, and I haven't with my MFTs. Your preferences may vary. [big grin]
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If you use the Parf dogs, you can set the cut just above the table
MrToolJunkie
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I liberated myself and make all kinds of cuts into the top...I find that I enjoy not worrying about what the top looks like -- it is a tool and a surface and I have all kinds of stain, dirt, grease, cuts and you name it on my top. Still works great and I will just buy or make a new one when the time comes to replace it. They really do last a long, long, long time, even with heavy use. I think that Shane or someone at Festool had posted that the tops in the training center had been in use for several years and not flipped yet -- this was awhile ago and they might have been flipped at this point.
Scot
Scot
I once read about folks who buy new vehicles and then drive on the McKenzie Highway (gravel) and start out by smacking their windshields with the expressed purpose of putting a crack in them, as it is inevitably going to happen in short order. I cut my table partially because I know I will eventually do it without intent. To me, it is like giving up a lead-off hit. "there goes my no-hitter." [wink]
I made my first cuts length wise in the top today and quickly regretted it [sad]. The next couple rip cuts that I made were on insulation foam, which I normally do. I will hopefully have the courage to make more cuts in across the length in the future. I may have to be on 12 step program in order to follow through with it again [big grin]
James
James
MrToolJunkie
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Jmaichel said:
The first cut is the hardest...each one is a little easier. [big grin]
Scot
I'm in Darcy's camp on this. My top has all sorts of cuts in it
Quick question: can the mft top be rotated 180°? My top is getting pretty haggard from doing rips (lengthwise) on the near side and I find myself eyeing the near-pristine far side when I'm using it to assemble window casings, etc. I'm sure I could find this out quickly but I'm mostly constricted to browsing on my phone right now...
Quick question: can the mft top be rotated 180°? My top is getting pretty haggard from doing rips (lengthwise) on the near side and I find myself eyeing the near-pristine far side when I'm using it to assemble window casings, etc. I'm sure I could find this out quickly but I'm mostly constricted to browsing on my phone right now...
MrToolJunkie
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epicxt said:
Yes -- you can rotate it 180 degrees and flip it over -- in essence you get four "fresh" sides.
Scot
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