MFT Accessories Question

[breetz]

OK, Someone warned me about the Slippery Green Slope, and I'm starting to slide. Now that I've gotten and used my first Festool (TS-55), I can see how nice a MFT would be. I've been checking out the MFT video and making a list of all the accessories I'll need to make room for in my workshop. I noticed that the fully equipped MFT 1080 comes with the Hardware Kit that includes a 42" Guide Rail and a Swivel Unit along with some other goodies. When I bought my saw, I got an additional 75" Guide Rail along with the standard 55" Rail. So I thought I could save some money and just buy the Basic Table and attach my 55" Rail to the MFT. But, I don't see a Part Number for the Swivel Unit that comes with the hardware kit. And the Hardware Kit comes with a Guide Rail I don't need. Can I just buy the Swivel Unit (Rail Support Unit Back Pivot)? And what is the Rail Support Unit Front? That too has no Part Number. Is that a necessity or just nice to have? I can see right now these damn Green tools are going to be delaying my retirement.

 

[bruegf]

I'd go with the regular 1080 MFT instead of the basic.  I did and I've not regretted it.  You'll want the fence and protractor head and the you'll need clamp provide to make sure the fence doesn't move on you.  The front support is used to hold the front of the guide rail at the same height as the back of the rail to keep the rail parallel to the table surface.  Both front and rear supports allow height adjustment for different material thickenesses.  I still need to get a longer guide rail so I don't need to remove the one that came with the MFT - its too much fiddling around to get the guide rail back in the right place to ensure that cuts are still square.  I've removed it once and regretted it.  From now on it stays on the MFT!

Fred

 

[Dan Lyke]

I have the rail that came with the saw and the joiners, which I use with the rail that came with the MFT1080 for cutting full length sheet goods, but I've never had a problem re-aligning the rail on the MFT: Just leave the set screws which hold the rail to the hinge loose, lay the rail back down on the support (that's square on the upper side), tighten the set screws.

If it's not square after that operation it's still within the limits of how the rail rests on that pin in the rail support, and if I think I can get it more square than that I'm fooling myself.

 

[The Dude]

Mr. Breetz, you can indeed order the parts that you are inquiring about.  However, as Bruegf suggests, bit the bullet and go with the full meal deal.  The MFT 1080 Complete.  Perhaps, and yes only perhaps, if you got your 55 recently the place you purchased your 55 from would consider adjusting the price to make it a package?  Just a suggestion, and by no means a sure thing.

If you do just want to go with parts, here is the page for the schematics and part numbers for your MFT and all Festool breakdowns. 

FestoolUSA parts diagrams

The MFT 1080 is all the way at the bottom of the page.

Peace Dude,

Timmy C

 

[breetz]

I want my....I want my....I want my MFT

Woo Hoo, Thanks for the tip Timmy C. You were right. My retailer, that starts with a Mc and ends with a eelys, honored the package deal, saving me $69 since I just recently got the TS-55. I did get the "full meal deal" and even supersized it with some clamps. I see in Jerry Works pdf publication, he's got clamps everywhere. Good Christmas Gift. Can't go wrong with clamps. Thanks again. Woo Hoo

 

[The Dude]

That is awesome dude!  Sometimes you just have to ask for something in this world.  Glad the Mc thing made that happen; a positive rant indeed!

Timmy C

 

[bill-e]

breetz,

Take a look at my top side hold down clamps, they're save your back and a few bucks.
http://nhwoodworker.com/temp/diy_mft_hold_down.html

 

[CharlesWilson]

When I bought my MFT and Saw, I bought an additional rail, not realizing that both the Saw and MFT each came with a rail.

There was temporary buyers remorse (for the extra rail), until I discovered that three rails made some of the tasks that I was trying to perform somewhat easier.

Now that I think of it, a fourth rail would be really nice to have when ....

Charles

 

[mysterium]

I agree with Charles on never having too many rails... (and connectors)  And as Charles said the extra rails make task & set ups easier/faster.

I now am up to 10 rails & plan on adding only one additional rail, the 800 mm or 32" rail for short cross cuts.

jim

 

[bill-e]

But what does one do with an extra angle fence?  I'm not using the one from my outfeed table and would love a clever suggestion.  ;D