MFT Protractor Head Alternative

[Petey83]

Since getting my CMS and sliding table (i have the TS and OF inserts) I have though that using the MFT3 protractor head with some INCA T-Track saves me needing to by the mitre fence from Festool at a cost of cira £115 in the UK.

Now i do want to use the MFT3 fence and flag stopbut have no need for the mitre functionality the protractor heads provides so wondered if buying a second "additional clamp MFT"http://www.powertool-supplies.co.uk/festool-additional-clamp-mft-3-zk.html and using both clamps on the back of the table to hold the fence would work and still allow me to get it square with the guide rail.

Thoughts?

 

[scgwhite]

Pete,

I very rarely use the protractor function of my MFT - indeed, the whole fence is rather surplus to my current requirements as 99% of my longer cuts are at 90 degrees, and any angle cuts I have done on the Kapex.

You can get great square cuts using dogs in the MFT holes, and the rail squared to the dogs - it is what I use most of the time...

Simon

 

[Kev]

I always pause when people talk about the cost of a tool or accessory and not explain the cost/effort of what they're trying to achieve ... it makes it a little hard to provide objective input. I've often observed people avoiding a meagre spend, only to endure many hours of personal effort (and if they enjoy it - all power to them).

MFT/3 rails and dogs, etc give you great 900 and 450 options, if your tasks go beyond this you will need a protractor of some sort. A regularly cut angle will benefit from a custom angle "wedge", but if you're playing with fine adjustment of degrees you will want some sort of adjustable gadget.

I have no problem with the Festool protractor doodads, but I do like the Incra kit too. Plan your workflow and the better option should become apparent.

 

[GarryMartin]

Now i do want to use the MFT3 fence and flag stopbut have no need for the mitre functionality the protractor heads provides so wondered if buying a second "additional clamp MFT"http://www.powertool-supplies.co.uk/festool-additional-clamp-mft-3-zk.html and using both clamps on the back of the table to hold the fence would work and still allow me to get it square with the guide rail.

Yes it will work. You just need to be a little careful that the fence doesn't "lift" and fall out of 90 degree alignment to the table.

I first saw this method on the Paul-Marcel MFT/3 videos - look them up on YouTube for inspiration.