MFT dowels/fence

John2532

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Before I purchased the MFT/3 I was somewhat taken by the Kreg Klamp table. Here is my attempt to get the bulk of the Kreg's benefits on the MFT. 
I used the 80/20 extrusions (metric 25xx series) and machined the dowels from aluminum. The T-bolts are standard toilet-bowl hold down bolts from the hardware store. Instead of using the supplied nuts, I turned some knurled knobs.
The dowels slide into the MFT holes and aren't secured from the bottom. I thought of addressing this and using clamps mounted in the top of the rail like the Kreg, but decided it was just as easy to clamp over the extrusion if I needed to secure whatever I was working on at the time.
Another benefit is that the dowels will also work with the original MFT/3 fence, I just have to modify (narrow) the head of the bolt somewhat. Since I have the guide rail oriented square with the MFT holes this might come in handy.
I will probably use this system mainly when I'm using pocket-hole joinery. It has worked great for glue-ups but I'm still looking for some sort of a plastic/paper insert to put under the work so my doors don't end up glued to the table.
 
Good job! I did close to the same thing, except my steel dowels fit in the bottom (underneath) slot of the 8020 extrusion.

I switch out my dowels and use the 25-5013, 25-2525, or 25-2550 extrusions depending on the job on hand. I use mine to replace the MFT fence.

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For glueing, I use butcher paper. You can buy a whole roll of it on eBay and the roll will last through hundreds of glue-ups. Set up your extrusions, slide the paper under or around the extrusions and have at it.
 
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