MFT Fence Extension

[Daviddubya]

I find that I need support beyond the fence on the MFT at times.  I created a rather simple fence extension extension.  I borrowed Jerry Work's method of bolting to the MFT using threaded rod links from Ace Hardware.  The photo shows the fence before it was cut using the saw.  I have two MFT's attached together - you can see the corner of the second MFT in the upper right of the photo.  The bolt and "nut" shown are Jerry's attachment method for the MFT hole.  The extension material is 1/2" MDF, the same thickness as the MFT fence.

 

[Ned]

Nicely done and nicely photographed.

Why did you decide to do this?

Does it improve dust collection?

Ned

 

[Daviddubya]

...Why did you decide to do this?...Ned

Ned - Sometimes most of the material being cut is to the right of the MFT fence and rail.  This extension provides support and keeps the material square to the fence throughout the cut.

 

[John Stevens]

This is a somewhat more elaborate auxiliary fence.  It can be used for support on the other side of the guide rail, or can be used as an aid to clamping, like Jerry Work shows with his MFT manual.  These pics had been posted on the old site in the text I wrote about design considerations for the large MFT, but I never moved the text and pics onto this site.

The first pic shows the basic construction--slots are bored at 96mm centers to match the grid of holes on the MFT table top.  The slots are a little longer than 96mm in order to give a little more flexibility when putting them into position.  The width of the slots is chosen to accommodate the size of the t- bolt that will be used to fasten the fence to the table.  The top of the slot is a little wider, in order to seat the head of the t-bolt and keep it from turning.

The second pic shows that the auxiliary fence may be mounted on the side rails of the MFT by use of spacers made of 12mm (1/2") MDF.  The "bolts" were shop-made from a hardwood dowel with a threaded insert, but store-bought star nuts would work as well or better, IMO.

For those who want to use Incra fences, it would probably be pretty easy to mount one on one of these auxiliary fences.

Hope this is helpful to someone.

Regards,

John

 

[Tom Ryan]

Daviddubya --

I like your fence extension, and printed off your writeup and photo.  On coming back to it, I have a couple of questions.

The photo "shows the fence before it was cut using the saw."  What happens when you use the saw?  It looks to me as if the fence would be cut in half, with each half only attached at one point.  What am I missing here?

I'm tempted to move the aluminum fence to just a whisker shy of the blade path, and start the auxiliary fence a whisker beyond the blade path.  (Of course, I'd need to move the aluminum fence back if I want to cut at a significant angle, but that's not too hard and I don't do that very often.)

Comments?

Thanks.
Tom Ryan in Central PA.