MFT kerf repair

[mouppe]

I had some leftover epoxy putty from a door crack repair so I decided to use it on my MFT. Normally I don't baby my MFT but the groove where the tracksaw runs along the rail had become quite wide due to some bevel cuts etc. and was affecting my cut quality. I know some people use Bondo and other products, and others including myself don't use anything, but I can recommend this particular product for filling grooves in your MFT.

http://www.amazon.com/PC-Products-PC-Lumber-Moldable-Epoxy/dp/B000AB0SX8

The putty is a two-part epoxy that comes in a small tube. You roll it together until the two colours are blended and then simply push it into the crack. I used a scraper after a few minutes to level the excess.

Five minute job, but my MFT is back at peak performance.

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[Bob Wolfe]

Bondo autobody filler is quicker and easier to work with, sands better also, have used it on radial arm tables for years and on my mft

 

[sancho57]

I used bondo to. fast and works great. Now I cut a 3/8 deep about 2.5 " wide groove in my MFT top , dovetail the sides and use a sacreficial piece of wood of whatever I have lieing around the shop. plane it down cut o size use it till it isnt not good anymore the re-place.

Hold it secure by a few scews that I make sure are out of the cutting area.

 

[GarryMartin]

Does that not compromise the strength of the MFT top?

The Festool manual says a maximum depth of cut of 5mm into the MFT top, and 3/8" is over 9.5mm.

 

[sancho57]

Does that not compromise the strength of the MFT top?

The Festool manual says a maximum depth of cut of 5mm into the MFT top, and 3/8" is over 9.5mm.

Garry,

If you question was to me,  

I havent had any issues with the top. All I do is just plane down another piece cut to width and insert it into the groove, screw to attach it and carry on.

In the states I would have 2 or 3 pre made pieces made to just replace as needed.

Im considering routing another groove at 90 to form a L to be able to cut length wise and replace the piece as needed.

Havent done it yet. Still thinking about it.

edited to ad:

I just use whatever scrap piece I have, oak, alder, popular etc, I have a poplar piece in it right now.

If you are near huntingdon / cams you are more then welcome to stop by and check it out.

Ill have a hot cup of tea or coffee waiting for you.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

Richard -- it looks like you got a new top or is this a new MFT?  I remember one of your other tops was well loved.

Scot

 

[mouppe]

Richard -- it looks like you got a new top or is this a new MFT?  I remember one of your other tops was well loved.

Scot

Scot, it's the same top, I finally gave in and flipped it over. Should be good for another few years yet!

 

[MrToolJunkie]

LOL...love it.  You are the poster child for service life on a top...I think Kreg had a post on here a few years ago with several tops that had been well used too.

Scot