MFT top in torsion box

[Wooden Skye]

I was wondering if anybody has ever routed the MFT hole pattern in a torsion box top.  I am trying to design an outfeed/assembly table and would like to have the hole pattern.  I realize that with the grid, some clamping options may be restricted.  If anyone has done something to this effect, could you share a few pictures, plus any pros and cons after using.

Thanks
Bryan

 

[abcd123]

I have done it and using a torsion box with MFT top. But I use for the clamping only 488030 and few dogs, the other clamps are limited with this setup. For my needs it is just perfect.

 

[SittingElf]

I was wondering if anybody has ever routed the MFT hole pattern in a torsion box top.  I am trying to design an outfeed/assembly table and would like to have the hole pattern.  I realize that with the grid, some clamping options may be restricted.  If anyone has done something to this effect, could you share a few pictures, plus any pros and cons after using.

Thanks
Bryan

I never thought about doing that.  Building a torsion box assembly table is on my to-do list as I complete my workshop, and your post has spawned some deep thought on the idea of using MFT tops. [smile]

In my mind's eye, I would probably use two tops for a full size assembly table, and plan the positioning of the underlying grid to "miss" the 20mm holes in the top.  I currently use my MFT/3 standalone for assembly, and cover the top with construction paper to keep glue and finishing products off the surface. I punch a hole through the paper when clamping is needed.

That being said, the MFT/3 table "wobble" is too evident when working with heavy pieces, so the torsion box has been one of my plans.

Thanks for posting that. Great idea! [big grin]

Cheers,
Frank

 

[Wooden Skye]

I was wondering if anybody has ever routed the MFT hole pattern in a torsion box top.  I am trying to design an outfeed/assembly table and would like to have the hole pattern.  I realize that with the grid, some clamping options may be restricted.  If anyone has done something to this effect, could you share a few pictures, plus any pros and cons after using.

Thanks
Bryan

I never thought about doing that.  Building a torsion box assembly table is on my to-do list as I complete my workshop, and your post has spawned some deep thought on the idea of using MFT tops. [smile]

In my mind's eye, I would probably use two tops for a full size assembly table, and plan the positioning of the underlying grid to "miss" the 20mm holes in the top.  I currently use my MFT/3 standalone for assembly, and cover the top with construction paper to keep glue and finishing products off the surface. I punch a hole through the paper when clamping is needed.

That being said, the MFT/3 table "wobble" is too evident when working with heavy pieces, so the torsion box has been one of my plans.

Thanks for posting that. Great idea! [big grin]

Cheers,
Frank

Frank

I didn't even think about using an existing MFT top or 2.  Now you got me thinking.

 

[live4ever]

The Paulk workbench, a very popular design, is technically a torsion box.  Though perhaps with spacers that aren't quite as close together as you are intending.  Clamping works just fine with the 1/2" skins.  I actually like 1/2" better as a MFT surface (assuming you can keep it flat enough by using a torsion box or other reinforcement).  The clamps go in and out more easily.

I'm not sure how tight of a grid you're planning, but you could certainly fabricate notches into the tops of the spacers in-line with your grid pattern.  That would allow the clamps to be used next to and perpendicular to a spacer. 

 

[Wooden Skye]

The Paulk workbench, a very popular design, is technically a torsion box.  Though perhaps with spacers that aren't quite as close together as you are intending.  Clamping works just fine with the 1/2" skins.  I actually like 1/2" better as a MFT surface (assuming you can keep it flat enough by using a torsion box or other reinforcement).  The clamps go in and out more easily.

I'm not sure how tight of a grid you're planning, but you could certainly fabricate notches into the tops of the spacers in-line with your grid pattern.  That would allow the clamps to be used next to and perpendicular to a spacer.

I have watched Ron's videos several times and it is a great design and I purchased the plans, but leaving it set up would take up more room than I want to allocate, plus limited shop space creates a need for more storage. I guess I could build a base and modify the plans.

 

[Woodwork Wizard]

This is an 8'x4' with a MFT hole pattern and Festool clamps fit in and rotate fully in probably about 75% of the holes. In some holes it's just the same as the outside holes on the MFT/3 and the clamp will go in but may be not be able to rotate to the exact desired position, but there's so many just use another. Any kind of clamps can be used all round the outsides.