MFT: Anyone cover the table with hardboard and template route the holes?

[Corwin]

Mike, I think your option #2 sounds good.  You might check out the current issue of Shop Notes Magazine (www.ShopNotes.com) where they have an article for a table saw outfeed support.  Something like that could then connect with an MFT for additional capacity.

Good Luck,
Corwin

 

[bgray43050]

Here's my MFT.
http://www.briangray.net/projectdetail.cfm?ProjectID=32

Now I DO cover my MFT with a sacrificial hardboard, and I'll explain why.

1.)  My MFT top is integral to the torsion box construction.

2.)  There are small nails in the MDF attaching it to the torsion struts which my saw might hit.

So because my top is integral, it cannot be replaced.  Due to the nails, I would hate to hit them.

One thing that I didn't see mentioned here (although I skimmed the thread), is related to the Festool clamps.  The 90 deg angle of the Festool clamps are designed to fit into 3/4" thick MDF.  When you add the extra thickness of the hardboard, the Festool clamps become a snug fit to get them past the 90 deg angle.  They work, but they are snug.

All this being said, I would not bother with a sacrificial top if it were not for the specifics of my custom MFT.  If I had a standard MFT, I would use the bondo, and then eventually replace it.

 

[Lou Miller]

Brian,

That's a great looking MFT you got there. Thanks for posting that.

You guys are really making me want to go and break ground on a new shop to fit one of these in. I'm wondering if my customers would be upset with me if I didn't show up to work for about a month...

 

[Tezzer]

Brian that is just fantastic. Im blown away with what you have come up with and i would love to build one. It realy is superb  ;D ;D ;D

The extrusions, are they the standard festool ones and easly available?

And i love the ribbon speakers on your web site ;D

Again fantastic work  ;D

 

[bgray43050]

Brian that is just fantastic. Im blown away with what you have come up with and i would love to build one. It realy is superb  ;D ;D ;D

The extrusions, are they the standard festool ones and easly available?

And i love the ribbon speakers on your web site ;D

Again fantastic work  ;D

The rails are available from Festool.http://www.festoolusa.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProdID=488555&ID=9

Thanks for the comments.