MFT Table Extension Questions

[Ned]

These questions are about the MFT Table Extension, 489575.
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Does the top allow use of the MFT-AR stops?
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If the extension is placed to the right of the cutting line, it seems to me it wouldn't be enough for the first cut on stock 8 feet (>2400mm) long.

If the extension is placed on the left side, well, first, you'd need a second one on the right unless the finished pieces were short, and second, you'd need a way to put a stop on the righthand extension. 

Many have built their own extension, but I'd like to explore Festool's thinking before I decide to build my own.  I don't have one to look at, and the website info for this product is a prime example of where Festool could supply more detail.

I know Tinker's very pleased with the factory extension, and I'm sure there are some others.  All comments welcome.

Ned

 

[Brice Burrell]

Ned, I did a very short review of the MFT Table Extension. It doesn't have any way to use the MFT-AR (flip) stops with it. I really like this table, I use it on the right side of the MFT most of the time. It's easy to install and remove, the support arm can be folded down to make it a piece of cake to transport/store. Its about 10 3/4" x 27 1/4" so you are right cutting 8' stock is a bit of a hassle. I've done it by clamping the stock down to the MFT and the extension. Well, hassle is not really the right word, its a little slower because you have to clamp and unclamp the stock.

 

[Ned]

Great pics Brice.

It seems to me someone considering the table extension should also consider buying an MFT 800 Basic instead.

Extension pluses:  Easy to attach.  Easy to move.  Since the extension attaches to the MFT, easier to use on an uneven floor.  Cost USD 130.
Extension minuses:  Only use is supporting long workpieces.  No ability to use MFT clamps.  Narrow compared to the MFT.

MFT 800 Basic + table connectors pluses:  As wide as the MFT, so full support for the workpiece.  All MFT clamps and techniques work.  Can be moved away from main MFT to support longer work.  Useful by itself, a huge plus IMO.
MFT 800 Basic + table connectors minuses:  Much heavier than extension.  More difficult to move.  Uneven floor may make leveling it to main MFT more complicated (but see below).  Cost USD 248.

An idea:  Imagine folding the MFT 800's legs, attaching it to the main MFT with the table connectors, and inserting a shopmade diagonal prop between the main MFT's leg crosspiece and the MFT 800--this would look similar to the way the extension is supported.  This might be handy if the floor is uneven.  Full use of the MFT 800 could be retained.  You could also  just remove the MFT 800's legs.

Even though the cost is nearly double, the versatility of the MFT 800 makes it an appealing choice.

Ned

 

[TahoeTwoBears]

Ned,

I was following your train of thought. I like it. The cost of the 800 basic (now the only one available according to the website) is US $225. Makes the choice seem more appealing. If you design up the support, I'd love to see the pictures.

Mike

 

[Ned]

I was following your train of thought. I like it. The cost of the 800 basic (now the only one available according to the website) is US $225. Makes the choice seem more appealing. If you design up the support, I'd love to see the pictures.

Mike--

Sorry, you need two table connectors.  That's what makes the total cost USD 248.

Simply attaching the two tables together should work without any problem.

Whether it's reasonable to hang an MFT 800 off the end of an MFT 1080 is another question.  Don't know.

For anyone intending to try this, I think the channels on the inside and bottom of the MFT extrusions would be perfect as attachment points for the diagonal prop rod.  You'll have to disassemble the frame to get the nuts into the channels.  If you're going for a single, centered prop, you'll need to have some way to adjust its length, since you won't be able to move the upper attachment point back and forth as with the MFT Extension.  A two-piece prop rod consisting of a tube or pipe with a threaded rod inside should do it.

Ned

 

[CharlesWilson]

Mine is attached 100% of the time, and I don't think I would be as comfortable with my MFT 1080 without it. It helps support long boards when working with the TS75 and also is used an an infeed support for my Table Saw. It is a handy 'shelf' when the top of the MFT is covered with work in progress.

Charles

 

[TahoeTwoBears]

Ned,

Ahhhh, oh well, what's a bit more dinero? How about using some type of outfeed stand? Preferably one with a screw adjustment so that you could quickly get everything to the same plane.

Mike

 

[Eli]

I had the 1080 and 800 with the extension in between at my old place. But I think I'm going to give the 800 to the Chop saw full time and get another 1080. I still wouldn't join the tables though, I'd leave the wing on one so the other could be folded and taken onsite no hassles.

 

[Anthony]

Here are some different combinations to look at.

 

[Corwin]

A lot of NICE LOOKING LEGS in that last photo!     

 

[Anthony]

A lot of NICE LOOKING LEGS in that last photo!     

Hi Corwin - I'm not with you - what's your gag?  ???

Edit - Hold on, I think I get it. The legs in the background. Yes they are nice aren't they. I thought you meant legs of the photographer, which are not included in the image, but are less nice I expect. I love photos showing people kit, and there are legs and feet in them. I always harm myself doing a weird Leonardo X-man pose to get them out of the way.

 

[TahoeTwoBears]

Out of curiosity, what's that tool on the stand against the wall?

 

[Anthony]

Out of curiosity, what's that tool on the stand against the wall?

Festool VS-600 Dovetail Jig, and OF1010 router.

 

[TahoeTwoBears]

It appears that elsewhere in the world, the Sysport 500's are still available. Is that what I see in the background on top of the "normal" Sysports?

 

[Corwin]

Hi Corwin - I'm not with you - what's your gag?  ???

Well, the legs in my shop (aside from mine) are like those in the foreground.  Someday I would like to check out the legs that I see in the background...  But you know -- NAINA!!!

 

[Anthony]

It appears that elsewhere in the world, the Sysport 500's are still available. Is that what I see in the background on top of the "normal" Sysports?

In the first three images on the Sysports on the left, (R-L) there is a Sortainer with 2x mini-Sys on top of that, then some stuff with a Stabila Electronic level on that, then some Systainers. Nothing exciting really.

 

[Anthony]

Hi Corwin - I'm not with you - what's your gag?  ???

Well, the legs in my shop (aside from mine) are like those in the foreground.  Someday I would like to check out the legs that I see in the background...  But you know -- NAINA!!!

Yeah sorry about NAINA. In the background are legs for Precisio CS70, Precisio CS50, and CMS.

 

[Tinker]

I have both the MFT 1080 & 800 along with the extension.  I had bought the extension to use with the 800 when i move my work outside of the shop (meaning great outdoors) It does increase my table work space to a much more satisfactory area than afforded with the MFT 800.  It is light in weight and, thus, very portable.  I will eventually get a second one to eiter give support ant bothe ends, side and one end, both sides, whatever the need of the moment.

currently, I have both MFT's clamped together with the extension added as in the photo #4 above.  It gives me just a little more added support for really long lumber and i still have room to walk/move around the end of my support as i leave or enter my MFT work area.  I would not find room to move in that area if I had a second 1080 instead of the 800 set up in tandem. 

I have thought of making my own extension as shown in another discussion, but i barely have the time to work on the projects I want to do for others.  This year, my Christmas presents will be piles of lumber with promisory notes.  I just do not have the time for building shop stuff this year. 
for me, the extensions are perfect.

Tinker