MFT Extensions

[rmwarren]

This started with me staring at the V-grooves on the MFT extrusion whilst enjoying a cigar and beer - I kept thinking there must be lots of uses for them. The first one came to me while I was trying to hold a plywood panel with my knee so I could clamp it vertically to be Domino'ed.

I started by making about 2' of the v-groove profile out of hard maple, cut it into 3" sections and added the uprights and then the t-track. Final addition was the little brackets to support the bottom of the panel.

Each one just drops into the groove and rests over the cross brace between the legs. I think I am going to add a t-bolt that will slip into the t-slot on the extrusion, which should lock it all down tight.

The Festool clamps fit into the t-slot track on the brackets or can be used in the MFT slots to hod the panel in place.

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Next I plan to make some 90 degree brackets perhaps 18" long, something that I can attach to the t-slot track and extend horizontally out from the MFT.  I can screw a top on and extend the MFT working surface, or even use them to support a router table top.

Comments and suggestions are welcome.

 

[jmbfestool]

I like it!    Trying to think how to make it work with a door!  As the MFT is not wide enough for a door on it's side to use clamps like you have don't to hold the ply. 

Jmb

 

[rmwarren]

I have a couple ideas regarding that using 8020 extrusions. This is actually an experiment/prototype I am using to work out some kinks before making the next version with 8020.

Are you thinking of basically holding an entry door for planing/hinge routing?

 

[jmbfestool]

I have a couple ideas regarding that using 8020 extrusions. This is actually an experiment/prototype I am using to work out some kinks before making the next version with 8020.

Are you thinking of basically holding an entry door for planing/hinge routing?

Yes!  That's it!  Well that looks  pretty much as good as a final product dude.

I have the mft3 and so something like that looks good to use for many things aswell as doors as long as I could clamp the door some how.

Jmb

 

[rmwarren]

How about instead of the small block at the bottom you use a block a little wider than the door and add a second arm outside that extends up perhaps 1/2 the height of the door. you could use a wedge between the outside arm and the door or even get fancy and build a screw clamp into the arm.

Something like this:
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[jmbfestool]

Umm yes!

So you could have accessories for your design basically.

Cheers!

Jmb

 

[Alan Smith]

RMW,

I love your idea.  I mounted my old "Gripmaster" vise to an "L" shaped fence with simple bolts in the track so the fence can ride up and down to adjust the height. I decided not to use the V shaped track so I could lower the fence when not in use, but I think your idea has many benefits to help fight downward pressure.
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Thanks for the idea!

 

[jmbfestool]

Cnt see pictures Big Al [eek]

 

[Alan Smith]

I posted them full size after resizing for the forum.  I can see them on this end, but I wonder if I should repost them as thumbnails?

 

[jmbfestool]

You should b able to post them full size cus I always do that my self

All I can see now is ? In a blue box

Jmb

 

[semenza]

I posted them full size after resizing for the forum.  I can see them on this end, but I wonder if I should repost them as thumbnails?

Thumb nails that can be enlarged ...OK.

Full / big ........ Good.

Really huge .... not good.  Makes some people have to scroll left right up down just to see it all.

Seth

 

[jmbfestool]

You should b able to post them full size cus I always do that my self

All I can see now is ? In a blue box

Jmb

 

[Corwin]

You photos look perfect from my viewpoint.  [big grin]

 

[terrystouf]

staring at the V-grooves on the MFT extrusion

I just got an MFT and have been staring at the grooves too.I need a way to clamp long sheetgood pieces to the side extrusions(some longer than the table:80"x24") for edging.I am still thinking, seems the MFT is limited in that way??? Thanks for the good idea's...I am going back to staring at the extrusions.

"Somebody do something"

 

[LostInTheWood]

staring at the V-grooves on the MFT extrusion

I just got an MFT and have been staring at the grooves too.I need a way to clamp long sheetgood pieces to the side extrusions(some longer than the table:80"x24") for edging.I am still thinking, seems the MFT is limited in that way??? Thanks for the good idea's...I am going back to staring at the extrusions.

"Somebody do something"

That's a good size run.    Sounds like a door.....?      I don't like to upstage somebody including other peoples' threads( my apologies RMW), but here is an alternative  http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/mft-leg-pegs/

Not self promoting either. Just want to contribute to get some ideas rolling for all of us who want a similar ability out of the MFT. 

BTW RMW, I like your design.  And it wouldn't be too hard to modify it to go on the long side of the MFT for use with longer stock.  It's a great shop accessory for heavy use.  I designed mine for being on the run.

 

[rmwarren]

Thanks for the tip on the bike seat posts, that never occurred to me. Simple and elegant.

I have recently become somewhat fixated on attachments to the MFT, I am afraid it has become a "solution in search of a problem" sort of syndrome. I just received a load of 8020 extrusions and hardware I bought off eBay and I am working on a couple of ideas I will post as soon as I have pictures.

 

[NuggyBuggy]

RMW - I saw this thread before but only just now really looked at what you had done.  That is awesome !

I just hope it doesn't end up like the cutting table thread that got everyone excited (one person enough to get him to make a Sketchup model of it) before the OP, I assume, decided to have it locked.

 

[LostInTheWood]

Thanks for the tip on the bike seat posts, that never occurred to me. Simple and elegant.

I have recently become somewhat fixated on attachments to the MFT, I am afraid it has become a "solution in search of a problem" sort of syndrome. I just received a load of 8020 extrusions and hardware I bought off eBay and I am working on a couple of ideas I will post as soon as I have pictures.

Haha!  I know exactly what you're talking about...I do it too.....to almost everything..  ;D        8020 is a great resource. I can't wait to see what you come up with.  [big grin]

 

[NuggyBuggy]

How much weight do you guys think the MFT extrusions can support, say at a single point ?

 

[rmwarren]

Not sure. Are you thinking of a single point-load hanging from the V-groove or t-track? Using the extensions I pictured below I would not be concerned about attaching a solid core door (for example) or something similar, call it 50  -75# and perhaps a lot more. Part of the load is transfered to the cross brace on the legs.

If I was only only attaching something to the outside of the extrusion with a clamp (w/o the gizmos I made) I think the major stress would come from twisting the extrusion and I think it would support a lot less weight.