MFT add-ons

[b_m_hart]

From looking at the Euro Festool sites, it appears that there are separate table saw and router table setups.  What I think would make far too much sense would be to have an add-on table that would connect to an existing MFT.  You could have a substantially smaller table (more narrow, barely large enough for the saw or router to fit into - maybe 12 - 18 inches wide) that would not necessarily be ideal on their own, but when coupled to an existing MFT would offer plenty of options.

For example, you could offer a table saw "MFT extension" that would allow you to change the orientation of the table saw.  This would allow you to rip very long pieces, and then turn it 90 degrees, and cut very wide pieces.  Of course you can do this with one of the existing saws, but for those that really want or need a table saw, this might do wonders.  Additionally, you could create all sorts of fence accessories that would leverage the existing table rails / hardware.

Same idea for the router table - just connect it to an existing table, and then you've got access to all of the toys on your MFT to use in conjunction with it.

You could also make a planer extension.  Imagine being able to leverage your MFTs this way.  Mill your lumber on your two MFT setup (with the planer connected in between the two).  Of the three "extensions", this is the one that you couldn't easily convert back to general purpose usage immediately after.  Maybe there would be some way to lower that portion, and put a MFT filler plate in over it.

When the saw or router weren't in use, they could be lowered, allowing for larger table work space afterward.

Here's a (very) simplistic overhead view of what it would conceptually look like:

[attachimg=1]

I'm sure someone else has thought of this, but I figured I'd dogpile on.

(sorry for the big image, dunno how to scale it down... running at 1920 x 1200 here)

 

[jonny round boy]

There is an MFT add-on, which takes the CMS modules (currently NAINA, but Festool are working on it);

This fits to the side of the MFT3;

Since the profile of the extension module is exactly the same as the MFT3, I don't see any reason why you couldn't connect the extensions to each other. And then a 2nd MFT3 could be added with the standard joining bars.

 

[b_m_hart]

Ah, cool.  It seems weird that there would be so much trouble getting something like this approved in the US... from what I saw on the UK site, it seemed like the table saw was a free-standing unit that wouldn't integrate into the MFT.  I completely missed that.

 

[Dave Ronyak]

You don't have to wait for Festool to introduce a new product.  You can make your own add-on module to be setup between a pair of MFTs.  Here's an example of how you might start.
Note the shopmade wooden members that join the two MFT 800s.  These are examples of Jerry Work's "Squaring Arms" as taught in his MFT Manual.

Here's a view from underneath showing my dust collection setup.  The throat of the black funnel is about 13 inches by 16 inches and is clamped to the underside of the MFT rails.  I plan on disassembling my MFTs to insert some square nuts into the bottom channels of the MFT rails so accessories such as this DC funnel can be more easily installed.  I don't want to have to use my Festool clamps for this purpose.

You could make a router table section to fit between the MFTs, the bottoms of the left and right edges of the shopmade table would be rabbeted so the top of the router table would sit flush with the MFT tops and be supported on the tops of the side rails.  The shopmade top could be made to be additionally connected to the wooden beam connectors to make a very sturdy, modular, portable router table setup.

Dave R.

 

[nickao]

I like that funnel. I have been meaning to do a similar set up so when I use my Foredom the chips and dust could be collected.

Nice!

Nick

 

[Dave Ronyak]

Nick,

That big funnel works pretty well with the CT 22, collecting much more debris than the hose connected to the DC outlet of the OF 1400 router, and I would expect it to work even better if I hooked it up to my 2 1/2 HP Oneida cyclone through a four inch hose.  The "Big Gulp" is molded with a 4 inch outlet.  I installed a reducer to enable use with my CT 22.

I made my earlier post for the benefit of those who don't have access to a Festool's NAINA CMS products and such and those who would rather save some money and make their own.  If I did not already own table saw with dedicated routers in its extension tables, I might make one for use with my MFTs.  I have an extra phenolic top, 17" W x 27" Deep with a router plate opening that I might try to set up just to see how it works.  I can especially imagine doing something like this if I ever get around to finishing the large basement room under my living room (the one with my newly finished Entertainment Center in it).  If I made another "bridging module" with its supporting top set enough below that of the adjacent pair of MFTs, I could mount my CMS on that bridge module when needed, and replace it with a flat panel of MDF or plywood when the CMS is not needed.  There is enough space in this lower room to set this up or outside on the concrete walkway.  Think of 3 MFTs in a row with a "bridging module" between each adjacent pair of MFTs and you got it.

I wish I could use SketchUp to illustrate such ideas so others could better understand them.

Dave R.