MFT support bracket(s) solution needed

[bevans]

I received my MFT/3 and TS 55 Friday and ran into some difficulty with the table setup. I probably am making a newby beginner mistake somewhere but I cannot slide the support brackets in the side rails to the stops. I can (with a lot difficulty) get the rail support brackets into the slot but it is extremely difficult to slide the support bracket along the rail to the stop. I was able to get both brackets to the stop using a lot of force but I am afraid the clip that attaches to the fram under the V rail will eventually dig into the aluminum side rail.  I tried putting them (bracket plates) on the edge rails of the MFT to see if there was more space in the groove on the edge rails but it is just as difficult to slide on the edge rail. My supplier indicated he has not run across this before and is also researching the possible cause.

Anyone else ever have a problem sliding on the rail supports on their tables? If so, how did you fix it?

Thanks in advance

Bruce

 

[harry_]

were the levers all the way up/open?

 

[bevans]

I have tried it with levers up and down and in the middle. Seems as though it was a little easier with them up.

 

[btracey1]

Have you made sure that the locking knobs (black) are backed out (loosened) and that the levers are in the up (out) position?

 

[Brice Burrell]

Bruce, check out this video on the the MFT.  At 1:35 or so into the video Steve starts to talk about the adjusting the support brackets.

Festool MFT/3 Setup Part I - Guide Rail

 

[bevans]

I have tried adjusting as many screws and nuts as I can locate but it still does not slide on as shown on the video. I have tried adjusting the set screws on the bottom of the black plastic glide and it helped a little but it is still a chore to slide the plates on and off. Not at all like examples I have seen in the setup videos. I don't get it! The temperature in my shop is cold (about 45 degrees) but that should not effect the expansion/contraction enough to make it that hard to slide.

Thanks for the advice it is appreciated.

Bruce

 

[tbellemare]

Where are you, Bruce?

Tom

 

[bevans]

I am located east of KC, Missouri. About 50 miles from the closest Festool shop.

I have asked to have the black plastic portion of the supports sent to me so I can swap them out. Bob M has been very helpful and supportive. I was hoping that someone here has had this issue and was able to resolve it but it seems to be rare. I hope that swapping out the plastic rail that slides in the channel does the trick.

 

[peter halle]

Bruce,

I think I know what the problem is.  I have lost several of the knobs that attach to the brackets.  I now tighten them a lot to keep them tight.  Loosen the knob and then use a screwdriver to spread the plastic pieces.  My guess is that will help.

Peter

 

[bevans]

Well....that didn't do it either. I think that you referred to tightening the rotary knob. If that isn't the knob, and I think that's the only knob on the bracket support, I was able to separate the plastic lip a litle bit but it didn't make a difference. Besides, on the front side of the table the knob is the last section that slides into the channel. It is already too tight before that part even starts to slide into the channel. Thanks for the advice anyway, Peter. Let me know if you think of anything else.

Bruce

 

[peter halle]

Yes, I was talking about the rotary knobs.  Next suggestion would be to take the brackets while they are not in the fence and clamp the lever down.  Does it go all the way down fairly easily?  If not, lift the lever up.  Look thru the lever and you will see an allen head bolt.  Loosen that counter clockwise a little bit and then try that with you fence.  If not easier, try again.  

Those are my suggestions.

Peter

 

[bevans]

Hi All,

As a final follow-up, thanks to the folks who responded to my request for a solution and to Bob Marino who has worked patiently to help resolve my issue. This is not a flame or complaint against Festool.

Unfortunately, the issue still exists and if anyone has a solution down the road and would like to share it. I would be appreciative. I will live with the tightness of the support plates as once I do get the guide rail plates and guide rail on the table there is no adverse effect to the function

The issue, I believe, is at the point where the black plastic “finger” slides along the aluminum channel. It is not with the “finger” but rather the neck that attaches the finger to the plat and, the metal hook that slides above the groove above the channel. It sounds like fingers on a chalkboard when I try to remove or slide the rail support plate back out. I attached an image that combines two pictures and Photoshopped circles where I think the problem lies.

I have tried grinding down the hook with marginal improvement, applying wax has no appreciable effect the nuts and bolts that hold the tightening lever have been loosened as much as possible without the nuts falling out, we have tried new plates with no difference…..it’s just very difficult to slide the plates on and harder to slide them off.

Bruce

 

[Brice Burrell]

Bruce, this just doesn't sound right, your Mft should work better than this.  Have you called Festool's service department?  I would think Festool would make this right if you call them.

 

[Corwin]

Bruce, this just doesn't sound right, your Mft should work better than this.  Have you called Festool's service department?  I would think Festool would make this right if you call them.

I agree.  You better give them a call.

 

[bevans]

I have talked with the service department. I have a situation that has not surfaced before. Each time I talk with someone I get a few more ideas to try. Festool has not abondened me and I feel confident that my issue will be resolved and ultimately to my satisfaction.

 

[BTDT]

Bruce, check out this video on the the MFT.  At 1:35 or so into the video Steve starts to talk about the adjusting the support brackets.

Brice,

Just wanted to say thanks for posting the video! I recently received an MFT/3 and wondered what some of the "leftover" parts were after I assembled it with the instructions from the manual. I knew where they needed to be but not quite sure on how to put them into place.

For anyone else, there are several videos on Youtube from Festool classes and they are a treat to watch. The videos are not professionally shot and edited but the content is top shelf.

Brad

 

[BigHonu]

Do they slide (or in this case not slide) the same on all the rails?  Maybe something is wrong with the rail on your MFT.