MFT SETUP Square
- Thread starter Janmara1
- Start date
You can use any square as long as it is accurate. I use my carpenter square. I checked it by placing it along a straight edge, drawing a line. Then I flipped it opposite. The square matched the line which indicates a true 90 degrees.
Peter
Peter
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2007
- Messages
- 5,133
I have a really old, carpenters square that I inherited from my Dad. It's actually really square based on the same examination that Peter described.
It has several peen marks at the crook however...
Tom
It has several peen marks at the crook however...
Tom
Tom, those are the best. For those who don't know what we are talking about, to adjust a carpenter square ( rafter square) if the angle is greater ( wider ) than 90 you would take a pointed punch and strike the squard towards the outside point an srike it. It ill expand that metal in that area and start to close the angle. If too narrow doe the same atthe inside area.
Peter
Peter
I have heard the plastic drafting triangles are very accurate. Here's a 24" one for $37:
http://www.cutting-mats.net/2340.html?cmp=googleproducts&kw=2340&utm_source=2340&utm_medium=shopping%2Bengine&utm_campaign=googleproducts&gclid=CjgKEAjwtZucBRD77aiiq_v4xnASJABkAg8Juh3m4pwu1xdi34u98-oQK8YiAwHNMzJqe7A_x6zI5vD_BwE
Also, if you have an MFT, perhaps there's a way to get it square with parf dogs?
http://www.cutting-mats.net/2340.html?cmp=googleproducts&kw=2340&utm_source=2340&utm_medium=shopping%2Bengine&utm_campaign=googleproducts&gclid=CjgKEAjwtZucBRD77aiiq_v4xnASJABkAg8Juh3m4pwu1xdi34u98-oQK8YiAwHNMzJqe7A_x6zI5vD_BwE
Also, if you have an MFT, perhaps there's a way to get it square with parf dogs?
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2007
- Messages
- 5,133
I just use the dogs from the clamping elements. If they are from a matched set, which is how they are sold, I can't imagine that they differ significantly enough to be noticeable. Just don't put them in adjacent holes or anything near...
Tom
Tom
Just get a piece of 1/2" ply about 26" square and trim one edge on your MFT. Then turn it 90° anticlockwise and repeat four times. If the final trim is a wedge, you get a very good idea of how much to adjust the front rail clamp. Once you've got it spot on, keep the square as a reference. Cost: about $5.
Andrew
Andrew
I've used almost all of my possible squaring tools, including engineer's squares, plastic drafting triangles, combo squares, and a cheap aluminum triangle (which I guess is a rafter square or similar) and they all give the same result when I've compared them after squaring the guide rail to the MFT fence. I have begun to think it might not make that much difference ( although you can get an out of square tool no matter how much you pay or where you get it from). Maybe I'm just lucky.
Woodpeckers are the best. I have large Starrett squares, but still prefer my Woodpeckers. Hunt online and I'm sure you'll find someone who is willing to part with theirs. I bought a metric and an imperial 26" and 18" used, online. They are in like-new shape. They aren't cheap, but you only buy these once and use them for all types of machine setup and square references. Search and good luck.
Wonderwino
Member
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2008
- Messages
- 800
I likewise use the 12" Woodpeckers carpenters square and it works great. The only advantage of the 18" square is that it will measure a TINY error over a larger arc of the angle. If you are flushing both sides of the 12" square, you will be close enough for "Government Work." [big grin]
Sparktrician
Member
Wonderwino said:
I similarly use a 12" Swanson Speed Square in a pinch. It's dead-on square when compared to the Woodpeckers square which is often not the quickest way to get things done. For site work, the Swanson does just fine while the Woodpeckers square stays in its MDF mount in the shop.
There was a previous thread that discussed another plastic square that is available.
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/setting-up-the-guide-rail-and-fence-on-the-festool-mft/
I got involved and bought the square. I used it until Woodpecker came out with the large square again. The plastic square is still dead on. The only thing is you have to be much more careful with it than you do with the massive chunk of aluminum.
For those waiting for a 26" precision square to become available or are put off by the price, I think it is a viable alternative.
I also had the 1281 before either of the above and found that while it is also dead square, size does matter in setting up the MFT. Using the larger squares, I was able to eliminate a small but noticeable error.
Dick Perry
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/setting-up-the-guide-rail-and-fence-on-the-festool-mft/
I got involved and bought the square. I used it until Woodpecker came out with the large square again. The plastic square is still dead on. The only thing is you have to be much more careful with it than you do with the massive chunk of aluminum.
For those waiting for a 26" precision square to become available or are put off by the price, I think it is a viable alternative.
I also had the 1281 before either of the above and found that while it is also dead square, size does matter in setting up the MFT. Using the larger squares, I was able to eliminate a small but noticeable error.
Dick Perry
Birdhunter
Member
- Joined
- Jun 16, 2012
- Messages
- 4,144
Sometimes a call to Woodpeckers will result in obtaining a sold out item. I've gotten a couple of closed out One Time Only tools and a couple of sold out tools this way.
I think Highland Woodworking in Atlanta had some Woodpeckers squares a week ago.
I think Highland Woodworking in Atlanta had some Woodpeckers squares a week ago.
