MFT INFO

[Matthew Schenker]

  Bob , looks like you have two of the same thread going. Maybe Matthew can put them together?

Yes, I can...and did!
Matthew

 

[greg mann]

Well, at first blush I can't say that there is much to complain about, at least for me. Not being able to use the clamps in the top of the rail may be an issue but I will reserve judgement until I see what things I will be able to do with the "V" compatible accessories. I find it hard to believe that the engineers would design out useful capability without designing in something that is at least equal or enhanced capability and more likely enhanced verstility. Losing 2 inches in length will not make any difference if the table is considered too short already, and making it longer and lighter, and more rigid to boot at the same time, probably defies the laws of physics. The full 180 degree miter gauge looks more like an INCRA type design and that would be an improvement. Being able to miter both sides of 90 degrees will be nice. Hopefully, there will be a fine adjust feature that works really, really well. It appears that it registers off the new V-groove, meaning backward compatability to the present MFTs is questionable.

 

[Ned]

It appears that it registers off the new V-groove, meaning backward compatability to the present MFTs is questionable.

It looks like the fence is a close relative of the old LA650, which a number of people bought and adapted for their MFTs.

If the V-groove-engaging piece is separate, it should still be possible to adapt the fence easily to an older MFT.

I think the V-groove's main purpose is to allow the re-installation of fences and such, returning them to their previous alignment with much greater repeatability than the older MFT allowed.

 

[greg mann]

Good points, Ned.

 

[Daviddubya]

David, I totally missed that the fence is shorter?? How is the short fence going to affect your setup, why won't the shorter one work?

I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to do with the new miter 180 degree gauge and the extension it has to allow for some travel coming out the back. Not sure yet.

Brice - Here's a photo of the double MFT1080 I use.  The longer MFT1080 fence spans two MFT's on the short sides, and just reaches the left side for clamping the fence to the side extrusion.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Greg said;

"The full 180 degree miter gauge looks more like an INCRA type design and that would be an improvement. Being able to miter both sides of 90 degrees will be nice. Hopefully, there will be a fine adjust feature that works really, really well."

Ned replied;

"It looks like the fence is a close relative of the old LA650, which a number of people bought and adapted for their MFTs."

It does, and therefore the only fine adjustment comes from the careful positioning of the fence clamp (loose end), as on the original miter fence. The LA620 does pivot both ways but the detents for common angles are just about as approximate as the original miter head. The LA620 does add a lock for the miter head but you'll still need to lock down the loose end.

Instead of thinking of the new Midi MFT as less than the MFT 1080, think of it as an upgraded MFT 800, gaining height and work area without gaining a lot of weight. I try hard not to have to take the MFT 1080 to a job site because it is such a pain. The MFT3 just might be portable.

 

[fshanno]

The fact that they made it lighter is significant.  But that's not the direction I was hoping they would go, I was hoping it would be heavier and would have wheels.  Tilt up, fold and roll like a portable table saw or CMS stand, and when deployed stable enough to hand plane on.  It seems like TS/MTF community is very interested in a commercial solution for narrow rips with the guided saw.  I was looking for something big and strong with positive locking for angles and accurate positioning for narrow rips.  I don't see the basis for those capabilities in those photos.

That means it's up to the after market folks.  Come on Incra, it's time you joined the guided plunge saw party.  I'll help you out, here's copy for your first press release, "Incra Precision Tools introduces the new Incra PS-LS (Plunge Saw - Locator System) the only precision plunge saw joinery system in the world!  Simply mount your Festool, Makita or DeWalt guide rails to our PS-LS and off you go!  As accurate as a Powermatic, safer than a SawStop!"

I was also hoping for fixtures that would allow the MTF to compete with the Kreg clamping table.  But since they took off the top track on the sides I guess I can forget that.

 

[honeydoman]

fashino,

sounds like you need to build your own and buy the parts, as they do sell them.  and create one that is specifically for your needs.  who in the heck wants something heavier?  most of us are looking for easy portability to take to jobsites etc but yet be strong enough to handle task.  as far as the kreg clamping table you can also buy the tracks sep and make a top that fits into the mtf.

or due like i did and buy the kreg clamping table and set it on top of the mft and use it then take it off.  or route out for the kreg plates and add them to the mft table.

as far as the tilt up, like the bosch stand and wheels, good idea so it would be easy transport by one person and wheeled to the job site, but then the wheels take up space in the van or truck.

 

[fshanno]

honeydoman,

Point well taken.  They shouldn't do what I suggest to the MFT.  It would be too heavy and too fragile.  I'm really looking for something that is pretty far from anything that's been realized to date so it's basically pie in the sky.

Back on topic, I wonder if those braces will work on the 1080.

 

[Michael Kellough]

fashino,

...or due like i did and buy the kreg clamping table and set it on top of the mft and use it then take it off.  or route out for the kreg plates and add them to the mft table.

Is that what I see in the lower left corner of your photo of the MFT in the dining room? Whatever it is has some impressive looking extrusions.

 

[mysterium]

My take on the new MFT from what I see the new MFT is a marginal improvement over the inherent functionality of the older MFT.  Maybe the new rail will hold the tracks & gigs more securely, maybe..... but you loose the easy mounting of jigs to the top rail with bolts. 

When it was announced about a replacement for the current MFT I was hope for something that was a major boost in functionality likehttp://www.walko.nl  I am way more interested in getting one of these when it comes to the US then adding a new MFT that doesn't mate to either my 1080 MFT or my Jumbo MFT.

jim

 

[Brice Burrell]

  Jim, I'm waiting to see what Festool offers as new accessories before I judge the MFT3. The rest of the world will get the most benefit, the CMS will likely be able to be attached to the MFT3. Or at lease be able to be butted up to each other, acting as an extension or out feed table. I really hope the CMS makes its way here (USA).

 

[James Metcalf]

One good aspect about MFT3 will be for the use of the KAPEX. It will give more room than the MFT800 and less weight than MFT1080.

 

[semenza]

Hi,

  Size wise , I am probably destined to build my own. But I am really looking forward to seeing what acessories and other currently  NAINA items will become available in the US.

Seth

 

[Corwin]

One good aspect about MFT3 will be for the use of the KAPEX. It will give more room than the MFT800 and less weight than MFT1080.

But might require a step ladder for some...  Really, I do not see the new MFT3 as being good at all for mounting the KAPEX -- well, not mounted on top, that is.

 

[semenza]

Hi,

  On the miss matched height thing.  The MFT3 will be taller. So I can't imagine it would be that hard to just cut the legs off to match the old ones height. Or  lower it to what ever is comfortable for the user. In the pic it appears to have one adjustable leg. And it seems that this could probably be removed and just put back into the shortened leg.
    It would be nice though if all four were adjustable.  Maybe adjusters for appliances or the like could be added.

Seth

 

[Tom Wales]

At 5'18" I have my MFT1080 on 6x6's to make it more comtortable.  I'll be adjusting heights no matter what. I'm working on shadow box for a friend. I get more accurate 45* miters with ts55 than with my dewalt 12"scms. This is my first time using my 1080 for mitering. Now I need another table for glue ups. I told my wife what I was up to. She said "Yeah, you just are looking to get that new chop saw." I couldn't deny it. Tom

 

[Eli]

    It would be nice though if all four were adjustable.  Maybe adjusters for appliances or the like could be added.

Seth

Maybe you could buy the leg adjustment parts as a replacement part three more times and still cut the legs. Who wants to pull one off their MFT and see? I bet that mechanism didn't change anything except the color. I betcha a tape measure, a pipecutter, and three more levelers would end the height conversation.

At 5'18" I have my MFT1080 on 6x6's to make it more comtortable.  Tom

5'18"= 6'6"? Sorry I'm slow and my math sucks, as DD will attest.

 

[semenza]

At 5'18" I have my MFT1080 on 6x6's to make it more comtortable.  I'll be adjusting heights no matter what. I'm working on shadow box for a friend. I get more accurate 45* miters with ts55 than with my dewalt 12"scms. This is my first time using my 1080 for mitering. Now I need another table for glue ups. I told my wife what I was up to. She said "Yeah, you just are looking to get that new chop saw." I couldn't deny it. Tom

  Dude we are all ready using metric and imperial  , we don't need a third system to have to think in!   

Seth

 

[bill-e]

It will be interesting to see reports on how portable the MFT3 really is.  I like the new angle fence and the ability to easily position it closer to you without having to reach under and remove/install those knobs.