MFT Syle Table

[geoffmclarty]

I just started diving into the Festool world and really enjoy the quality of products. I was reluctant to purchase an MFT table because of the size and price. So instead, I decided to build my own using the UJK Parf Guide System from Axminister and Peter Parffit. Here's a quick video reviewing this system and using it.
=416s

 

[Mario Turcot]

Welcome to the FOG!

The UJK Parf Guide is on top of my wish list.

I watched about 10 different videos about the Parf guide and people often call it a tool. But is it really a tool or perhaps an accessory. Only [member=11196]Peter Parfitt[/member] can tell us  [wink]

Mario

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Geof

Your first post and it was so good  [smile]  Welcome to the FOG.

The PGS is a tool designed to allow anyone to make an accurate array of 20 mm holes in their bench top or as part of a track saw cutting station.

I appreciate your comments and suggestions towards the end. Let me address them...

The system is made to tight tolerances and I agree that the 3 mm pins can be tricky to get out if they have been pushed all the way in. The advice on that is to only push the pins in about 6 mm into the bench top as their job of registration happens at the surface where either the Parf Sticks (ruler) or 20 mm Guide Block meets the bench. However, I have fed this back to Axminster and they will look at this carefully. Remember to always use either two 3 mm Pins or two dogs to register the 20 mm Guide Block before drilling.

In order to make the kit "complete" the PGS is now supplied with a pair of "Locator Dogs" which are used to position the 20 mm Guide Block using 20 mm holes that have already been drilled. This means that a complete custom bench top can be created with just the PGS kit alone. Many people have their own Veritas Parf Dogs and so supplying them with the kit would not suit everyone and would certainly increase the price. The only bench dogs that Axminster recommend for use with PGS created tops are either the Veritas short and tall Parf Dogs and the standard and tall UJK Parf Super Dogs.

So, great job Geof and many thanks for making the effort to create your excellent video.

Peter

 

[geoffmclarty]

Mario,
As Peter said, I would call this a tool, but an accessory isn't a bad name for it as well. Either way, it is fantastic and really made drilling those holes and ensuring everything was square easy. Definitely money well spent!

 

[geoffmclarty]

Peter

Wow, thank you for your explanations!

First, I want to say thanks for creating such a great tool. Many of us are running "shops" on tight budgets, so having a way to make multiple versions of the MFT bench is extremely handy. So good on you for your great design and execution.

As for the pins, I believe making these pins with a ridged grip on the sides of the pin heads would help, even when only pushing the pins partially down into the rulers or guide block. I live in an area that has a dry climate during the winter. As such, when I'm working in the shop I always tend to have dry hands, which makes them slick. So grabbing a smooth surface, like the pin heads, is quite difficult. I adapted and used a pair of pliers to help pull it up.

The "locator dogs" are a nice touch. I understand the cost increase. Honestly, the whole thing was worth the price.

So again, well done! Thanks for sharing this tool with us all!

 

[Stone Message]

Peter

Wow, thank you for your explanations!

First, I want to say thanks for creating such a great tool. Many of us are running "shops" on tight budgets, so having a way to make multiple versions of the MFT bench is extremely handy. So good on you for your great design and execution.

As for the pins, I believe making these pins with a ridged grip on the sides of the pin heads would help, even when only pushing the pins partially down into the rulers or guide block. I live in an area that has a dry climate during the winter. As such, when I'm working in the shop I always tend to have dry hands, which makes them slick. So grabbing a smooth surface, like the pin heads, is quite difficult. I adapted and used a pair of pliers to help pull it up.

The "locator dogs" are a nice touch. I understand the cost increase. Honestly, the whole thing was worth the price.

So again, well done! Thanks for sharing this tool with us all!

Hi Geof

Many thanks again and, trust me, I take your points about the pins and Axminster are on the case.

Peter

 

[Mario Turcot]

[member=11196]Peter Parfitt[/member]

Question for you. I'd like to know if there is two generations of the UJK Parf Guide or only one. I read on the FOG that some people have more play then others after using the guide. I have the Parf Dogs by Veritas and I want to make sure I get a snug fit, if I buy the UJK Parf Guide from any vendor or perhaps my best bet is from LeeValley. I like the TSO options and it may comes cheaper from them.

Thanks, Mario

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Mario

The Parf Guide System has had some improvements since first launch but everyone gets the same. There are no differences in the kit supplied to any of the distributors world wide. When new features are added Axminster do their best to introduce them uniformly across the market.

The PGS has been designed to work with the large and small Veritas Parf Dogs. Originally it was necessary for purchasers to also have the small Veritas Parf Dogs. There has been a lot of pressure to make the PGS "complete" and usable without any additional purchases. So, Axminster have now included a pair of "Parf Locator Dogs" designed specifically to locate the 20 mm Guide Block during the construction of a custom track saw cutting station.

Peter

 

[Mario Turcot]

Peter, thank you for the quick reply.

My next shop project is going to be a MFT top sitting on a torsion box assembly table. I watched all your videos about the PFG and I think I can DO IT  [big grin]

Mario