MFT Outfeed?

[Stevec717]

So I'm working on updating / rearranging my basement shop. It's approx 12x22 plus a couple alcoves. I have a contractors tabelsaw as the center with 30" uni-fence and Outfeed table. I have done my cross cutting for 10 years on that tabelsaw with a sled. Long pieces (anything over 6') were a problem with side wall clearance. Sheet goods I broke down ahead of time with a circ saw and straightedge. It worked.

Now I've finally gotten a miter saw (Kapex) which is going along a wall in a bench station. I've got a TS55 and MFT which is the way to go for sheet goods now. I can't see myself getting rid of the tabelsaw even though it takes up too much real estate. But I a thinking of moving it to the side since theoretically I won't need it for long sticks or big sheets. Any thoughts on that? Anyone done this and am I overlooking anything.

And second, since I love the functionality of the MFT, I'd love to have more but again - the space. So I'm thinking of making my Outfeed table from an MFT slab. I wouldn't think the holes could impede  push through (like catch an end) - has anyone used MFT as an Outfeed table? I'd try to level this with the MFT cut off table as an extension of that for bigger sheets.

Steve

 

[Wooden Skye]

I am thinking of doing the same, having the outfeed be an MFT style.  I don't think you will have an issue with pieces being caught in the holes.  You could always make it 1/16" lower than the top of the saw.  My table saw is pushed up against a wall.

 

[grbmds]

I just recently bought a jobsite saw which is about an inch taller than the MFT and am planning to build a home for the MFT which has drawers underneath and retractable casters at the same height as the jobsite table saw for just this purpose. When I want the MFT out of the way I can move it on the wheels. I can't imagine that the holes would be a problem. Anyway I'd plan to build the MFT cabinet so the MFT is just very slightly lower than the table saw. Since my basement workshop floor is concrete, I'm sure there are high and low spots.

 

[Alphonse]

I recently mated a MFT3 to a PM66 table saw.  I was able to match the elevations of the MFT and saw.  The attachment of the MFT is rock solid and stabilized the MFT.  This arrangement not only provides a very functional outfeed for the table saw but also provides the large adjacent surface of the table saw as support for the MFT.  This arrangement works very well and it takes about 2 minutes to disconnect the MFT from the saw using the quick connect arrangement that I came up with using turnbuckles.  I do not leave the track/hinge on the MFT.  It comes out and on the MFT3 as needed.

Attachment adapter made from aluminum flat bar, tapped for socket head machine screw:
[attachimg=1]

Turnbuckle arrangement (uses the adapter from photo above) connected to the Biesemeyer fence support.  Turnbuckle mounted on fence support by drilling and tapping for socket head screw.  Used this arrangement on both sides of the MFT with Stanley stainless steel turnbuckles.
[attachimg=2]

I did not extend miter gauge slots from the table saw into the MFT for the time being.  I will do that in future if needed.  But I rarely use a miter gauge or sled on the saw since I have other tools that negate the need for that.  Transition from saw to MFT as outfeed:
[attachimg=3]

 

[guyswoodshop]

Steve,

  I did make a custom outfeed table using and MFT 1081 top. Here is a link to my post on the FOG: http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/custom-mfttable-saw-extension-table/ . If you watch the video I posted, and read some of the comments, it will show exactly how this was accomplished. If you look at any of my video on my channel after I made that, you will see that I sue that extension table as my main work area now, and rarely use my bench anymore. It was one of the best addition I made to my shop.

 

[Stevec717]

Great stuff! Exactly what I was looking for (and more). I was thinking about a basic MFT Outfeed, but what I've seen done here is a "linked" complete MFT system, and a beautiful custom made MFT table with full functionality (maybe better than FT?)

More than I was looking for but I think I will steal one of these ideas.

Great- thanks!

 

[ear3]

With the number of posts you wouldn't think this is the most viewed topic ever on the FOG, but it is, and by over a factor of 2.  Must be some google algorithm that directs both specific MFT outfeed and general table saw outfeed table searches.

 

[blaszcsj]

I like this idea, but my unisaw is lower than the mft height. I really do not want to cut the legs down on the mft as i like the height. Making the unisaw taller is also equally as difficult. Maybe the difference is the mobile base height.

 

[Pete Connor]

Yes MFT for the Dewalt Unisaw.  I want that!

 

[leakyroof]

One thought on the worry of the holes. One could always cut a 1/4" Masonite piece to lay on top of the MFT table, and glue a couple pieces of stubby 3/4" dowel stock to act as simple retainers on the under side of that Masonite piece, aligning with some of the MFT top holes.
Wax the Masonite 'mini' top, and all your off cuts will glide right along ...
Just a thought if your MFT is lower in height than your table saw ...