MFT INFO

[Michael Kellough]

Lot's of people have wished for a taller MFT, and now that it is on the horizon (other?) people are sharpening their pipe cutters. 

I often use both 800 and 1080 MFTs on the same job for different operations. It is often best to keep them far apart because they are the same height. A jig set up on one MFT would interfere with the board sitting on the second MFT. When space was tight I've had to jack the right hand MFT up higher so the board would clear the left hand rig.

Putting the MFT3 on the right of a two MFT setup would still allow the left hand MFT to act as a support table with the addition of a simple 2" shim block and still allow the left hand MFT to be configured for other operations. For example, the left hand MFT could be clamping up a small frame and still allow long boards to pass over the rig while being trimmed on the MFT 3.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Great point Michael.

 

[Michael Kellough]

...I get more accurate 45* miters with ts55 than with my dewalt 12"scms. This is my first time using my 1080 for mitering.

Not to mention 1/20th the amount of dust in the air. I use my MFT 800 more and more as a chop saw station with a Festool circular saw because there is so little dust escaping. With the extension table it is easy to rig up an auxiliary fence and length stops.

If I have a lot of narrow stuff to cut (in a situation that won't allow a chop saw) I move the fence to the middle of the table so I don't have to reach as far, so bigger isn't always better.

 

[Michael Kellough]

...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. 

jim

Mounting fixtures in T-track is easy if the track is empty. If you already have two fixtures mounted in the track and you need another in between them you are out of luck unless you had the foresite to position an extra T bolt or nut in the track. With the new V groove fixtures can be dropped directly into position.

I can't wait to see what imaginative devices you guys come up with for attaching to the V groove!

 

[Corwin]

    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.

If I end up purchasing any of the new MFT3s, I certainly will not be ordering additional Festool leveling feet.  These are not the best levelers.  The ramp within the leveler is simply too steep to retain its position very well -- a typical screw type leveler is far superior to the Festool leveler.  Just try moving your MFT around your shop -- if the leveler is adjusted to a high setting (extended) it will distort when slid across the floor.  A standard leveler will not do this.  And a standard leveler offers a finer adjustment due to the finer thread.

Changing out the feet on a MFT has been done by many here.  One issue in doing such is dealing with the shorter leg (where the single leveler was installed).  I sure wish Festool would abandon this design of leveling foot!

Corwin

 

[bowcow]

Any guesses on what the price will be?  Do you think it will be packaged with the other tools in the beginning?  I was about to get TS55 and 1080 table package but now may wait...what do you think?

 

[tallgrass]

it is already gone. only what is in stock,,,,it is going fast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Toolpig]

Bob, will there be any adjustability in the height of the table? 

TP

  Here's some info regading the new MFT. Quite nice!

Bob

Coming Spring 2008 - The New MFT3.
We wanted to give you a glimpse of the new Multi-Function Table 3 which is expected to be introduced in Spring of 2008. We have redesigned the MFT to include several new features which will promote expandability and compatibility with feature accessories.

Versatility. Portability. Durability. 1 table - 1000 possibilities. The MFT 3 stands alone as the ideal work surface. It is flat, portable, stable, and fully integrated with the Festool system. The unique grid-hole pattern and Festool clamps allow for multiple clamping options for sanding, routing, sawing, and doing glue-ups. Combined with the Festool guide rail system, angle unit, and fence system, the MFT 3 can be used with Festool plunge saws or routers for accurate and repeatable cuts. Festool MFT 3 is the ultimate multi-function work surface that helps you work Faster, Easier, and Smarter.

What Are The New Features?
35?" Work Surface Height (900mm)
New V-Groove Profile For Adapting Future Accessories
Lighter Weight For Improved Portability, 11 Lbs. Less Than MFT 1080
Optional Support Cross Members For Additional Stability
87% More Work Surface Than The MFT 800
16% Lighter Than The MFT 1080

What Features Have Not Changed?
Compatible With All Existing MFT Clamps, Accessories and Connectors
Bore Size and Offset On Perforated Top Match MFT 800/1080

Specifications Comparison

   MFT3  MFT 800  MFT 1080 
Dimensions  45" x 30"  31" x 26"  48" x 31" 
Work Surface  43" x 28"  28" x 23"  45" x 28" 
Weight  61 Lbs.  44 Lbs.  73 Lbs. 

More information about the MFT3 will be released including pricing and availability as it becomes available. Information and specifications are subject to change.

Photo Gallery
1 2 3

 

[wresh]

Hello

I recently re-read this thread and noticed that no one mentioned that the new angle unit
would make a very nice rip fence. I will buy probably buy an MF3 on the strength of this
improvement alone even though I already have a long-rail MFT.

Regards
W.

 

[Corwin]

One little item we haven't discussed on the new MFT3 is the apparent change in how the legs mount to the corner castings.  The current MFTs have two mounting holes in the corners to accept the legs -- one leg set mounted in the upper holes and the other leg set mounted in the lower allowed the legs to fold without interfering with each other, the new MFT3 looks as though this has changed...  The next MFTs look to have same sized leg sets rather that one long and one short.  

To change out the Festool adjustable leg on the MFT3, one might choose to buy an additional non-adjustable leg set to eliminate the one shorter leg situation.  That would be nice.  Now if Festool would only offer a more typical leveler that will fit these legs -- make it an accessory, but offer something (think ALL FOUR here) for those who want to connect tables together and have them on the same playing field.

 

[Programmergeek]

My bigest issue withthe mft is the grove once you have stops in it (that you don't want to move) or two tables joined you can not use the groves for clamps where the stuff is mounted.  I was really hoping for two groves, hopefully this v grove thing there will be several accessories and clamps for.  It's nice that it is lighter but please put some wheels to roll it around with or make an accessory.  I rathor roll a 80lb table than carry a 40 lb table. 

 

[Jesse Cloud]

Lot's of people have wished for a taller MFT, and now that it is on the horizon (other?) people are sharpening their pipe cutters. 

I often use both 800 and 1080 MFTs on the same job for different operations. It is often best to keep them far apart because they are the same height. A jig set up on one MFT would interfere with the board sitting on the second MFT. When space was tight I've had to jack the right hand MFT up higher so the board would clear the left hand rig.

Putting the MFT3 on the right of a two MFT setup would still allow the left hand MFT to act as a support table with the addition of a simple 2" shim block and still allow the left hand MFT to be configured for other operations. For example, the left hand MFT could be clamping up a small frame and still allow long boards to pass over the rig while being trimmed on the MFT 3.

Hmmm... interesting idea.... with the slope in my garage, I could put the new tall one downhill from the older shorter one and they would probably be just about level.

 

[Tinker]

Lot's of people have wished for a taller MFT, and now that it is on the horizon (other?) people are sharpening their pipe cutters. 

I often use both 800 and 1080 MFTs on the same job for different operations. It is often best to keep them far apart because they are the same height. A jig set up on one MFT would interfere with the board sitting on the second MFT. When space was tight I've had to jack the right hand MFT up higher so the board would clear the left hand rig.

Putting the MFT3 on the right of a two MFT setup would still allow the left hand MFT to act as a support table with the addition of a simple 2" shim block and still allow the left hand MFT to be configured for other operations. For example, the left hand MFT could be clamping up a small frame and still allow long boards to pass over the rig while being trimmed on the MFT 3.

Hmmm... interesting idea.... with the slope in my garage, I could put the new tall one downhill from the older shorter one and they would probably be just about level.

Simple solution:  leave the tables set to pitch of the garage floor (probably 18" t0 1/4" per foot) and then take you HL 850 and plane level (scrap pieces, not your MFT tops).  you end up with a batch of wedges that can be used to match up any way you like. : ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Tinker

 

[greg mann]

Lot's of people have wished for a taller MFT, and now that it is on the horizon (other?) people are sharpening their pipe cutters. 

"Brevity is the soul of wit."
Mark Twain

 

[Dave Ronyak]

If a Kapex is set on an old MFT and new higher MFTs are set beside the Kapex, will the difference in height of the table tops of the new and old style MFTs correspond to that required to support work extending beyond the table/fence of the Kapex?

Those wanting to donate their old MFTs can send them to me.  I have both an MFT 1080 and 800.  I find it very useful to position the 800 to support longer work.  I use one of the "squaring sticks" I mada as taught in Jerry Work's manual on the MFT to hold one edge of the tables in alignment.  Another of either size would be great!  Because I am only 5'8", I don't need a higher table top.

Dave R.

 

[Forrest Anderson]

For interest, here is a photo of the profile of the side-rails found on the CMS (taken from the official printed CMS brochure):

And here is the photo (taken from Brice's post) of the new MFT3 profile:

Note the v-groove running along the top of both.

Lastly, here is the profile of a current-model MTF1080:

Forrest

 

[Corwin]

Very nice Forrest!  This provides a clear view of the CMS and new MFT3 profiles -- both in how they are alike and how they differ.  Certainly answers a few questions.  Great job!

 

[Jesse Cloud]

Thanks Forrest.  Very useful info. 

I'll be interested to learn more, but right now I'm a little disappointed.  Many of the MFT improvements found in this forum make use of the "T-track" on the top of the old MFT rail.  Won't work with the V-groove.

 

[Anthony]

  So Anthony, does the CMS fence miter both ways? What other accessories to you think might fit the MFT3 that fit the CMS, existences maybe?  And it doesn't look to like the MDF is thiner, but it is hard to tell.

Yes.

 

[nickao]

The more I see the new one the more I like my existing setup.  It will take something really special to make me rework jigs I have that work in the existing slot. Plenty of my jigs will not even work with the v groove at all.  Even if Festool has some cool new stuff it will be useless for a lot of my existing or newly designed jigs. That V groove will take a new approach in making certain jigs.

I am open minded though.

nickao