MFT Mini

[skids]

Considering getting this to mount my Kapex to..Anyone out there who has this table or has opinions on it would be interested in hearing your experiences since there aren't alot of reviews online of this table. Makes me think it's not a big seller for Festool.

I am slightly concerned it will be too short for me, and was thinking I could just mount up the saw on a regular MFT3 since I can adjust my homemade wings at any height I want. Anyone use the MFT 3 for the Kapex? Is it too high?

I like the MFT mini because I don't move my saw around a ton and it gives me the ability to clamp etc..But concerned it may be short.
Any opinions will help. thx!

 

[tbellemare]

One of our members has a shorter employee and likes the MFT/3 Kapex for on sight work for him. Work table and bathroom vanity sort of heights are very personal.

If you already have an MFT/3, the height of the MFT/3 Kapex is designed such that the MFT/3's can be used as infeed/outfeed/extensions for the Kapex.

Tom

 

[skids]

One of our members has a shorter employee and likes the MFT/3 Kapex for on sight work for him. Work table and bathroom vanity sort of heights are very personal.

If you already have an MFT/3, the height of the MFT/3 Kapex is designed such that the MFT/3's can be used as infeed/outfeed/extensions for the Kapex.

Tom

This is an excellent point Tom.  [smile]

 

[batcave]

I bought the kapex mft before they had the cart available. My Kapex has almost never left the mft. I just bought it to give the saw it's own home, yet it is still portable. I used to use my mft/3 as extensions for the kapex, but I have since added the newer wings. I have a dedicated ct26 under the table. To me, I don't think the table is a real game changer. It is just a useful accessory if you have some extra cash.

Kevin

 

[skids]

I bought the kapex mft before they had the cart available. My Kapex has almost never left the mft. I just bought it to give the saw it's own home, yet it is still portable. I used to use my mft/3 as extensions for the kapex, but I have since added the newer wings. I have a dedicated ct26 under the table. To me, I don't think the table is a real game changer. It is just a useful accessory if you have some extra cash.

Kevin

Thanks...Have you ever mounted your Kapex on the full size MFT 3?

 

[jeh]

I bought the kapex mft before they had the cart available. My Kapex has almost never left the mft. I just bought it to give the saw it's own home, yet it is still portable. I used to use my mft/3 as extensions for the kapex, but I have since added the newer wings. I have a dedicated ct26 under the table. To me, I don't think the table is a real game changer. It is just a useful accessory if you have some extra cash.

Kevin

Thanks...Have you ever mounted your Kapex on the full size MFT 3?

I have mine on the full size MFT and it is right height for me. The height of the MFT3/Kapex and UG cart are too low for me. I wish the extension legs for the UB/MFT3 Kapex were the right height for someone like me who is taller. Does not seem like it would be a big deal to have an adjustable leg. I just hate the idea of buying the MFT3/Kapex and it being a different height.

 

[dltflt]

I have mine mounted on the MFT/Kapex and it is a nice setup because I use my MFT as an extension table. I'm 6' 4" and it may be a bit low but does not bother me. It definitely is not a game changer as Kevin has already mentioned.

 

[skids]

I bought the kapex mft before they had the cart available. My Kapex has almost never left the mft. I just bought it to give the saw it's own home, yet it is still portable. I used to use my mft/3 as extensions for the kapex, but I have since added the newer wings. I have a dedicated ct26 under the table. To me, I don't think the table is a real game changer. It is just a useful accessory if you have some extra cash.

Kevin

Thanks...Have you ever mounted your Kapex on the full size MFT 3?

I have mine on the full size MFT and it is right height for me. The height of the MFT3/Kapex and UG cart are too low for me. I wish the extension legs for the UB/MFT3 Kapex were the right height for someone like me who is taller. Does not seem like it would be a big deal to have an adjustable leg. I just hate the idea of buying the MFT3/Kapex and it being a different height.

How tall are you?

I am 5'11" and I have the saw mounted on a Ryobi stand now, which is about 960mm from ground to top of table..If I go with the MFT Kapex it lowers that by about 2/14 inches and if I go MFt3 it raises it about 2 1/4 inches. I really need to be able to try both to decide I think, like Tom said, its a very personal thing.

I have an advantage because I can use my wings with either table.

 

[batcave]

I bought the kapex mft before they had the cart available. My Kapex has almost never left the mft. I just bought it to give the saw it's own home, yet it is still portable. I used to use my mft/3 as extensions for the kapex, but I have since added the newer wings. I have a dedicated ct26 under the table. To me, I don't think the table is a real game changer. It is just a useful accessory if you have some extra cash.

Kevin

Thanks...Have you ever mounted your Kapex on the MFT 3?

No I have not. I used it on the extension of a table saw before I bought the mini mft. That is the same height as a mft/3.  I guess it would be alright. The extension wings would not work with it though. I know you have your own now, but things may change down the road where you may want them. The wings also work with the mft and cms, which is nice for routing molding and such. They are really easy to move and set up.

It is a tough call. If I did it over again, I would probably consider the mobile cart with extensions and plug the new midi under it. I like my kapex accessible at all times. It is also a extremely portable setup.

Kevin

 

[nclemmons]

I have the MFT/Kapex and like it.  Bought it when the Kapex came out and before the rolling cart was available from Festool.

- very sturdy - actually sturdier than the MFT/3
- positions the Kapex table to be at the same height as the MFT/3 top
- it coincidentally also positions the Kapex to be the same height as my Walko 3 with tables at the top setting
- Kapex drops into the holes and you have the option of bolts and knobs to attach it if desired
- I did make a shelf to go across the lower braces - similar to what I did on my MFT/3.  It does add useful storage and stability.
- I am 6 feet tall and have no issue with the Kapex on the MFT/Kapex.  I think it would be too high on the MFT/3 for me.

It is heavier and more of a challenge to move than you'd see with the UG stand.  But I only move my Kapex perhaps once or twice a year otherwise it's in my basement shop.

I did make extension wings for my Kapex using the crown extensions and plywood.  They work great and I use them on the CMS and my MFT as well.  The extensions with the UG stand were too long for my space.

I have used the table alone for a smaller and more portable work table when doing projects around the house.  Lighter than the MFT/3 and lighter than my Walko/3.

neil

 

[semenza]

    I have the MFT/Kapex and UG wings. I am 5' 11" At first it felt low because I wasn't used to having lasers to align my cuts so I found  myself bending to look closely when I didn't really need to do so. But now I don't notice it.   It is handy to be able to use a regular MFT for an extension (see picture). I have not used the Kapex on the regular MFT but I did set it up on it once the handle felt high.  On the too low too high situation .....................  If the saw is too high then the handle feels high. If the  saw is too low then the saw bed feels too low. I'd rather have the saw bed feel a bit low. As mentioned above  it is a personal preference. The MFT/Kapex also makes a handy smaller  work bench MFT when not in use for the saw. Useful in tight quarters and easier to move in  / out when you don't need the regular one.

  The camera angle makes it look like there is more space than there really is. And makes the MFT look too high for the Kapex saw table. But they line up perfectly. There is about 24" between the tables.  I didn't have room for a full Kapex set up and the MFT set up so combining worked well.

[attachimg=#]

Seth

 

[skids]

I have the MFT/Kapex and UG wings. I am 5' 11" At first it felt low because I wasn't used to having lasers to align my cuts so I found myself bending to look closely when I didn't really need to do so. But now I don't notice it. It is handy to be able to use a regular MFT for an extension (see picture). I have not used the Kapex on the regular MFT but I did set it up on it once the handle felt high. On the too low too high situation ..................... If the saw is too high then the handle feels high. If the saw is too low then the saw bed feels too low. I'd rather have the saw bed feel a bit low. As mentioned above it is a personal preference. The MFT/Kapex also makes a handy smaller work bench MFT when not in use for the saw. Useful in tight quarters and easier to move in / out when you don't need the regular one.

The camera angle makes it look like there is more space than there really is. And makes the MFT look too high for the Kapex saw table. But they line up perfectly. There is about 24" between the tables. I didn't have room for a full Kapex set up and the MFT set up so combining worked well.

[attachimg=#]

Seth

Thanks Seth, appreciate the response makes a lot of sense. As with everything festool there is always a compromise somewhere unless you buy the next piece in the system.

I think your point about the handle being too high is a good one - I was noticing that last night on my current set up actually. I can't even see the laser button I have to feel for it. So there is an advantage of being lower. Kapex handle is just higher than most miter saws. I will probably give it a shot and see how it goes.. I really want the clamping capabilities and like the cnc'd top as well so will find a lot if happiness in those features I am sure and I will get used to the height I suppose.

 

[semenza]

Even if you end up not liking it for the Kapex you will have a very handy easily portable bench.  Do you have something in mind for using it for additional clamping when in use with the Kapex?

Seth

 

[skids]

Even if you end up not liking it for the Kapex you will have a very handy easily portable bench.  Do you have something in mind for using it for additional clamping when in use with the Kapex?

Seth

Would be nice to have a solid place to clamp for coping, maybe cleaning up an edge here and there..And I like the CNC'd top for gluing up outside corners of crown etc. You think I am going to get frustrated with pulling the saw off it all the time?

 

[semenza]

Even if you end up not liking it for the Kapex you will have a very handy easily portable bench.  Do you have something in mind for using it for additional clamping when in use with the Kapex?

Seth

Would be nice to have a solid place to clamp for coping, maybe cleaning up an edge here and there..And I like the CNC'd top for gluing up outside corners of crown etc. You think I am going to get frustrated with pulling the saw off it all the time?

    Hmmmmm, maybe? Wasn't thinking of moving Kapex on/ off all the time throughout a work day. That will get to be a nuisance. Guess it depends how often and whether or not the extensions are attached.

    If you want to do that type of set up the regular table will work better if you don't mind the height. The regular MFT is big enough in the short direction to mount the saw along the short side. Leaving the back side open for other work. That set up will mean leaving an access path around the saw extensions and also away from a wall in order to facilitate working from both sides of the table.  Plus taller extension legs. And the Kapex hose will need to be a bit longer than the minimal five feet ish for more normal stand arrangements.

Seth

 

[WPeters]

Here is how we use the MFT Mini and Kapex on site work.  I really like how sturdy it is and that you can adjust it so it won't wobble on uneven surfaces.  I feel that saws attached to mobile carts such as the UG stand tend to get beat up more in transit than if you carry the saw yourself.

[attachimg=#]

The last half of this video in this thread shows us setting up the MFT mini with the Kapex.  http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/efficient-mobile-kapex/

Good Luck!

 

[skids]

Thanks Gents...I pulled the trigger and I set it up tonight, putting it on a job next week..I actually think I just need to get used to the working height..I made a bunch of cuts already and there are actually things I like about looking down, I feel like the line of sight is a bit better actually-maybe it's in my head. Either way, I think it's a keeper for me, and good addition to the arsenal.

 

[skids]

Here is how we use the MFT Mini and Kapex on site work.  I really like how sturdy it is and that you can adjust it so it won't wobble on uneven surfaces.  I feel that saws attached to mobile carts such as the UG stand tend to get beat up more in transit than if you carry the saw yourself.

[attachimg=#]

The last half of this video in this thread shows us setting up the MFT mini with the Kapex.  http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/efficient-mobile-kapex/

Good Luck!

Thanks! I actually have that Kreg set up in your other bench in the video. My wings are similar in design, but those kreg stops drove me bonkers because you can't extend the fence of the Kapex due to the required height of the Kreg stop system. I also felt like they have slop in them..Not that it makes a difference for me, since I am not making cabinets. I like having stops so I ripped em off my wings, put T track on there and ordered the Woodpeckers Aluminum flip stops. This set up allows the Kapex fence to extend without interference.

Love your set up though, that Bench is pure genius!! Thanks for the vid!

 

[gdjenkins10]

I am 6'4 and have mine on the UG cart. It is acceptable height for my use so far. I use 1 of my MFT/3s on one side and UG extension on other.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

I opted for this with my Kapex and find it to be a great combination.  I actually use my smaller MFT for lots of other things too in addition to supporting the Kapex in the shop.  It is handy to have a smaller MFT at my disposal.

Scot