MFT/Pinnacle Router Table

[Prater]

I decided to start a new thread since the one in the new members area was getting a bit off topic.

I recieved my Feestool MFT today.  As I had originally posted,  it was purchased to be a new precision router table that I had spotted at a Woodcraft store.  I work in acrylic and need very precise and smooth cuts for solvent welding.  I decided to order it as a kit instead of the table only in case I wanted to use it for clamping parts.  I did not realize how much I could actually do with the MFT until I found this site a few days ago.  I am a hobbiest so please forgive me if I do not know the correct woodworker lingo...

Here is the MFT, making sure this one was not damaged.

I removed the table top and replaced it with the Pinnacle router top.

I then assembled a Jessem Mast-R-Lift and Porter Cable 3 1/4HP Motor

Here I am setting the lift to be even with the table top

The lift is set and all hardware is installed to keep it from moving underneath the table, it also has stop pin included if I am using it for patern tracing.

Next is assembly of the fence wich was very minimal

And now here sets the Most Expensive Router table on the market according to some on the board 

 

[honeydoman]

yes you do probably have the most expensive router table. but it is the best,  how do you like the pinacle table.  I saw it at woodcraft, I already own 4 routertables. and had just bought the new sommerfeld table back on november at the woodworking show while I was in LA.  what a pain to bring that back on a plane trip back to charlotte.  plus 50 buck extra baggage.

however it is a greatable for the size and eas of use.  but the pinaccle top feels nice.  how do you like working with it?  is the fence easy to move out of the way to change blades?

 

[Bru]

Great looking router table. You work with acrylic could you possibly make an off set base for the Festool 1400 router? Like this one patwarner.com/offset_subbase.htmlHere I think a lot of Festool router owners might be interested.

 

[Prater]

I just finished setting this up tonight, it will probably be Sunday before I actually start getting dirty with it...

I dont think it would be too hard to make the offset base.  I just need to purchase the 1400 and see what bolt patern it has.  The hard part would be getting the right bushings set in place.

 

[Daviddubya]

Nice looking router table.  Please help me to understand what it is about the combination of the Festool MFT and the Pinnacle top that makes it a "precision" router table.  I understand the Jessum lift and PC router would give you lots of power and precision bit height adjustments.  What is it about the MFT/Pinnacle top that helps you to make precise and smooth cuts?  Thanks.

Regarding the Pat Warner offset base:  From some communication I had with with Pat, the key element in making a base is getting the hole precisely centered, so PC bushings can be used with the base.  Apparently Pat feels there is an insufficient market for Festool router users to warrant the expense of tooling to make a base for the OF1400 or other Festool routers.  I have Pat's bases for three other routers, and they are well made.

 

[Bru]

Steven I'm sure your going to have lots of fun with it. It's great using a quality tool. Let me know if you want to do some sub base. Thanks Bru  Enjoy that new toy.....wish mine was that nice (Tool Envy)

 

[Bru]

Dave thats why I ask Steven if he'd be interested in making them. I had read in the other post that he (Pat) didn't see a Festool market. Strange I would think if people are willing to spend big bucks on Festool, that would seem like a good market(just my thinking). Dave thanks for all your great idea's about the routers, I love your base idea's.  Steven I hope you enjoy that new table, let us know how you like it.

 

[fidelfs]

Just an small note. If you wanted precision you should have gone with the Incra LS Super system and the Jessem Mast R LIft.

But, hey! That's just my opinion...  ??? 

 

[Prater]

I may switch out a bit later for the incra fence system, thanks for letting me know about it...maybe precision was a bit much for words.  Basically I will be using it for more than just running patterns across the top.  I will be using my Incra 1000 Miter with the table for starts...

 

[Prater]

Looks like I just need the positioner from Incra.  I dont need the fence just the fine adjustment.  I was thinking of adding the Freud adjusters but I will see if i can get the Incra instead.

 

[Dan Clermont]

Very nice table you've created there. I am not sure why you needed to use a MFT though. I would have thought using a basic set of legs with stretchers and some track around the edge may have accomplished the same thing.

The good thing is you can always reassemble the MFT top and use it for its intended purpose down the road.

I'd be interested in an offset base if they were ever made for the OF1400.

Dan Clermont

 

[Daviddubya]

I may switch out a bit later for the incra fence system, thanks for letting me know about it...maybe precision was a bit much for words.  Basically I will be using it for more than just running patterns across the top.  I will be using my Incra 1000 Miter with the table for starts...

If you decide to use an Incra fence, be sure to check out the requirements for the dimensions of the top before you choose a specific Incra model.  Some of the Incra fences need a deep top to support the fence mounting mechanism, and the top on your table might not be deep enough.  There are some Incra models with a smaller depth capacity that would likely work.  Adding a rear extension to your table might be a challenge because of the MFT rails.

I have an older Incra fence on my router table, and it works really well.  Not only does the fence allow micro-adjustments, but the repeatability of positioning is dead on as well.  The combination of a good lift and an Incra fence results in micro-adjust capability in two directions.  Jointech also makes excellent micro-adjust fences.

One added feature of the Incra fence is a sled that rides on the fence, replacing a miter gauge for those operations.

 

[Prater]

I purchased the MFT so I can switch tops while working.  I am going to make a quick release for the tops instead of using the screws.

 

[lawhoo]

One of the concerns I had about the Pinnacle router table--and others on this forum mentioned it in earlier threads--is the stability of the top.  With such a wide expanse and only the table itself and the side rails for support, will the table be prone to sag, especially with the weight of that massive router/lift?

 

[Prater]

The table has angle iron supports on the bottom to keep it from sagging.

 

[Corwin]

Hey, those Pinnacle 90 brackets for the fence look to be a slight improvement over those sold under the Woodpecker name -- the difference being the two bolts instead of one to mount the bracket to the fence.  I have the Woodpecker fence (in addition to a 25" LS) and find the single mounting bolt to be somewhat insufficient.

The Incra LS Positioner is typically mounted to an offset router table -- one that has enough depth, as David pointed out.  You could, however, mount their smaller 17" unit on the Pinnacle top -- just might not have its' full capacity.  And I would recommend getting the LS with the fence and sled as opposed to just purchasing the Positioner -- (that is if you still have any funds left ;D)

 

[woodshopdemos]

I have quite a few tables and quite a few Incra fences. When I look at a table, I often wish the router were offset to give me more room to hang the Incra positioner stuff. But in reality, I don't leave the Incra on and only attach it when I need to do Incra type operations. I have found that it doesn't take much clamping room t secure the Incra base.
  Here is one of favorite assemblies...

Here is all that is needed:

 

[Mahogany Man]

Prater,
Any chance you could take a photo of the underside of the router table top?
Thanks
John

 

[Prater]

To help switch tops from the MFT to the Router table I installed some brass inserts and a screw knob on both tops.

Took about 5 minutes on each top to drill and set the brass insert.

Here is the MFT installed using a twist knob instead of the supplied screws

Here is the underside of the Router table with the angle braces and inserts installed.

Now its back to some outdoor projects before the weather turns cold again...

 

[spikfot]

Prater,
    Nice pics, I'm jealous of your jessem.

To the Forum,
  I agree the mft is tempting as a nice portable router table, stressing portible. the ability to break it down into three pieces (motor/insert, tabletop/fence, mft) makes it easy for one person to move.  After reading a few recent comparisons of thumbscrew-anchored type fences to the Incra ls system, I felt I should chime in. 
  With any basic, thumbscrew type fence system, one is obliged to re-square the fence after every adjustment, or at least re-center the fence to the axis after every adj.
  The Incra ls (I will speak for the ls super system) is much more than a fence because the user can:
      1. shift between perfectly repeatable cuts with 1000th. inch accuracy in seconds.
      2. move between functions such as edge planing, pattern cutting without ever re-squaring the fence.
      3. save much the time wasted with squares, tapes, calipers, gauges etc. during most adjustments.
      4. do a ton of other crap that i'm too tired to write now, but check for yourself on their website- 3w incra.com     
  It is understood that not everyone is looking to do all this extra golbeltygook with a router table, but if you want to make double dovetails, it sure makes life easy.

              Just my opinion.