MFT Fence Replacement

[NYC Tiny Shop]

I just realized that my MFT fence is cupped and twisted. Does anyone know of an after-market cast iron fence that would replace my new piece of aluminum scrap? Or, has anyone figured out another more robust fence that will work with the rail dogs and the MFT table? I need to come up with something before first thing Monday, and now is Thursday night.   [doh]

I may have to come up with some kind of homemade jig having two flip stops, just to get the job done.  Any thoughts, suggestions, or answers to any part of this is much appreciated!

(Below is a pic showing how I have been using it with my Kapex, because of space limitations.)

 

[peter halle]

Is the pictured application what you need to continue doing on Monday, or do you need to use the MFT and the fence with a track saw or router?

Peter

 

[MahalaHomecraft]

i feel like i say this everyday, but qwas rail dogs.

…would be less than ideal for this one situation cause it looks like you'd want that fence height.

oh well.  They're great for everything else.  and if you do in fact just want something for using the track saw on your  mft, then yeah.  qwas rail dogs.

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Peter, yes, this is the application for Monday. I have to cross-cut groups of four different lengths from 16cm wide boards that are of 8/4 red oak. I had planned to cut two lengths first and then the second set second. Thanks.

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Yes, Mahala. Of course, I agree. I should have been more clear. I was thinking of, perhaps, a fence that has a T-slot on the under-side inorder to fasten and align square to the  MFT table.

 

[MahalaHomecraft]

I'm sure you can find something from incra or kreg… you'd probably be getting more aluminum though

 

[Wooden Skye]

Have you looked at 80/20 extrusion?  I know there are threads on here using, and I plan on using for miter station.  You may have to go direct instead of eBay to see about faster shipping.

 

[peter halle]

Ok,  this advice is from a guy who named his dog MacGyver and who loves Festool green duct tape.

Because your MFT/Kapex and your MFT/3 aren't connected, you can slide you MFT backwards.

Use a rail turned so that the non splinter guard side serves as you fence.  You can clamp it easily, or screw it down (use a holy rail?)

For stop block ideas skip to about 1:50 for some ideas.  (Not pimping my video, in fact I forgot I had done this one)



Peter

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Peter, that's a great idea! I like the way you used those triangle blocks to build a bridge with the rail and then used the board underneath as almost a story stick. This will definitely get me through Monday! Once I build the bridge, the job may go even faster! Thanks! I owe you a beer.

 

[peter halle]

Thanks for the offer, but internet beer has no taste.  [ban]  Let us know how it works out.

Good luck Monday!

Peter

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

LOL...but, I have had internet wine. Every two weeks.  [big grin]
Thanks, Peter, for the help.  Hey, I think that if Festool made a cast iron fence maybe a bunch of us would buy it. I would.  Do you?  Or, is this another thread?

 

[tbellemare]

How did your fence get damaged?

Tom

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Tom,
I wish I knew. I assume from use.  It is only aluminum.

 

[Slappy]

80/20 extrusion  & a few Qwas rail dogs  the "10" series   u can use a 1/4 carriage bole that will self center to the 80/20 & Qwas rail dog
80/20 1 x3 or   2 x 4 or 2 x 2 rails would make a inexpensive fence , stops can be made from carriage bolts & wood blocks , the 80/20 linear  slide bearings & a break will add fine  tuning stop
sliding nuts & a bolt going in work as well

 

[sancho57]

The old style Kapex extensions will work. I think its the right hand side you want. it will give you over a 8' length of support.

It will slide right onto the angle unit that your current fence attaches to.

http://www.festoolusa.com/power-tool-accessories/miter-saws/general-accessories/kapex-extension-set-left-right-p00107 .

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

The 80/20 could work...more aluminum.

Jobsworth, I need the left side...but would rather find a way to use the MFT top.  Spending another $700 for more aluminum.  [tongue]...I would rather just ekat-replace the bent fence and go with my system which was working.

 

[sancho57]

True nuff.

You could call festool service and they'll send ya one.

I ordered things from them before and they got them to me in a few days.

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Thanks, Jobsworth. I called my dealer yesterday to find out if it was still covered under the warranty. He's getting back to me. This morning,  I had the realization that if  I place my homemade parallel guides in tandem,  they will work as a guide fence with two stops. This will get me thru Monday.

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

This is what I ended up doing, which worked like a charm.

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Update on the fence...I contacted Peter James at Tool Nut, last Thursday, inquiring if this fence was still covered under warranty. Peter just emailed the tracking number.  This is why I love Tool Nut and Festool USA! You cannot find better customer care anywhere!