mft question

[zapdafish]

Hi,

Can you guys tell me the difference between a MFT 1080 and the new MFT/3?

thanks

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Welcome to the forum!

The MFT/3 had the following improvements versus the MFT 1080:

Features At A Glance

    * Greatly Improved 180? Angle Unit & Fence
    * 3" Additional Cross-Cut Capacity Over Previous Models
    * Improved Stability and Anti-Skid Feet
    * 35½" Work Surface Height (900mm)
    * New V-Groove Profile For Adapting Future Accessories
    * Lighter Weight For Improved Portability, 11 Lbs. Less Than MFT 1080
    * Optional Support Cross Members For Additional Stability

 

[Forrest Anderson]

Can you guys tell me the difference between a MFT 1080 and the new MFT/3?

I see that this is your first post, so welcome to the Festool Owners Group!

I see that Shane has nicely summarised the differences for you. For some in-depth descriptions and photos (a picture is worth a thousand words etc!), you might like to read some previous posts on the subject. Here's how to track them down...

Towards the top of the screen you'll see a menu bar, and one of the choices there is "Search". This will enable you to search nearly 100,000 posts by members over the three-and-a-bit years the Festool Owners Groups has been running.

For example, if you search for the two words "MFT" and "differences", you'll come up with a nice selection of posts where members have asked the same question before, done reviews of their own MFTs, or chimed in with comments.

To get you started, here are three discussions which might be useful to you:

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/mft-3-vs-older-version-1080/
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-reviews/mft3-for-the-finish-carpenter/
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/difference-between-mft1080-and-mft3/

Forrest

 

[zapdafish]

Thanks,

I'm not an owner yet, still in the research phase of what I plan to get. Will be heading out to Woodcraft later to check out the 55 vs the 75

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Just a note, in case you aren't aware.... Festool is currently running a promotion and you can receive a 10% discount on the TS 55 and TS 75 and select related accessories.  The promo runs through the end of May.  If there are any other questions, please feel free to ask.  We have a great group of members who are eager to help you out and offer advice.

Shane

 

[zapdafish]

yup, just saw the promotion last weekend. Only tool I had heard much of was the Domino and I thought the plunge saws had to cost more than the Domino so never looked into them. I was quite suprised that they cost less.

 

[Wood_Junkie]

If you are thinking of the MFT, I believe the 10% off promotion also applies to the "combination packages".  Festool offers a package with the TSxx saw and MFT for a slightly reduced rate.  The 10% off the saw is then also applied.  Through a dealer you *might* also be able to get a different rail with each for the difference in cost.  Make sure you think about your needs and ask the dealer you use.

With that said, I just received my second MFT, bought via Uncle Bob and the closeout inventory.  Since my MFT is not going to be transported much, weight is not a worry, and I like the larger table size.  I'm 6'1", and the MFT1080 sits a little low for some activities, but I have the option of raising it on some simple risers.  When I am working on something taller, I am finding I appreciate the low stance.  For example, last night I was attaching the rear slats on some adirondack chairs, and the 1080 puts the chair back just at the right height.

So, another option for you is a TSxx, with 10% off, and a MFT 1080 for only $414 ($161 cheaper than the MFT3).  The only drawback I know of is that the future accessories and what-not are made for the MFT3 profile (but most of those are NAINA anyway!), and the MFT3 has a cross-bar accessory for firming up the frame. 

 

[tbellemare]

Wood Junkie makes a good point...

If you buy one of the saws with a table or a Dust Extractor, you get 10% off the whole deal.

The normal packages give you 10% off either the MFT or the Dust Extractor. For the next two months, you get 10% off the saw also. So, effectively, you get the entire deal for 90% of normal cost.

Tom

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

...and the MFT3 has a cross-bar accessory for firming up the frame. 

Just a note, the cross members work on the 1080.

 

[Wood_Junkie]

...and the MFT3 has a cross-bar accessory for firming up the frame. 

Just a note, the cross members work on the 1080.

That's great to know!

Add this to the web-site things to update/change?

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[PaulMarcel]

...and the MFT3 has a cross-bar accessory for firming up the frame. 

Just a note, the cross members work on the 1080.

Sa-weet!  Didn't know that; I read, too, that it was just compatible with the MFT/3s.  I absolutely would be bought some before, but now I have the MFT with legs folded on a table to put it at the same level as everything else...

 

[Tom Ryan]

Does the cross bar work on the MFT800 (lengthwise)?

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Does the cross bar work on the MFT800 (lengthwise)?

Tom, I'm not completely sure and I don't have an 800 handy to test it out on.  Technically, it should but because of the 800's smaller size you would probably be forced to put one on the front side of the table and one on the back side.

By the way, here's a link to a previous thread where I talk about using the cross members with the 1080.  Please note that it's a little hard to install these on the 1080 because the t-track is not easily accessible as it is on the MFT/3.

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/mft3-festool-seeking-member-questions/msg37068/#msg37068

 

[clintholeman]

A couple of these with an MDF overlay would work pretty well, it seems to me...

http://www.woodcraft.com/Catalog/ProductPage.aspx?prodid=28615&ss=620261e6-5a0c-473c-aa62-3f1e69e49af9

Anyone using these??