I am looking to make a new MFT top. I see many posts for different methods to make one. I do not have a jig or a PGS. I do have the LR32 set up. I was going to follow the method of using the LR32, but I am thinking of another method and would like input before I begin. I am sure there is a thread somewhere describing this method, but I could not locate one.
I have purchased a sheet of moisture resistant MDF. Even though I am not in a humid climate (northeast), I believe MR MDF will stand up better than normal MDF. It is a bit heavier.
I would like to use my existing MFT top as a guide for my 1/2" D x 1" H flush trim bit (bearing on top). Since the long end of the MFT top is shorter than the smaller side of the MDF sheet, I should be able to create a few tops using this method. I do not see much waste.
I would place foam on the bottom of the MDF sheet. I would take off my MFT top and affix it to the MDF using screws in the four holes that attach the MFT top to the MFT table. As my flush trim bit is not a plunge bit, I would drill 1/2 inch holes into the MDF through the existing holes in my MFT top. There is about a 1/8" gap between the cutter blades on the bottom side of the flush trim bit. The 1/2" hole should allow me the ability to plunge into the MD without problems. I will make sure my 1/2"drilled hole is as close to the center of each hole as possible and as perpendicular as possible.
Once all the holes are drilled, I would plunge the flush trim bit into each hole I drilled and use the MFT top hole as a guide to cut each hole to diameter in the MDF. The bearing would ride on the inside of the MFT top hole. This should create 20 mm holes. I This should also give me the true square pattern of the MFT holes. I would trace the outline of the MFT top on the MDF. Once I remove the MFT top from the MDF sheet, I would cut the outline with the track saw. I also should end up with pilot holes for the locations of the anchors to the table.
This method would take a while. There should not be much error as I am not using a router bushing which has some play in it from the springs. The holes I route in the MDF should align perfectly with the holes in the MFT top and create an accurate hole pattern.
I appreciate anyone's thoughts or experience with this method. Thanks.
I have purchased a sheet of moisture resistant MDF. Even though I am not in a humid climate (northeast), I believe MR MDF will stand up better than normal MDF. It is a bit heavier.
I would like to use my existing MFT top as a guide for my 1/2" D x 1" H flush trim bit (bearing on top). Since the long end of the MFT top is shorter than the smaller side of the MDF sheet, I should be able to create a few tops using this method. I do not see much waste.
I would place foam on the bottom of the MDF sheet. I would take off my MFT top and affix it to the MDF using screws in the four holes that attach the MFT top to the MFT table. As my flush trim bit is not a plunge bit, I would drill 1/2 inch holes into the MDF through the existing holes in my MFT top. There is about a 1/8" gap between the cutter blades on the bottom side of the flush trim bit. The 1/2" hole should allow me the ability to plunge into the MD without problems. I will make sure my 1/2"drilled hole is as close to the center of each hole as possible and as perpendicular as possible.
Once all the holes are drilled, I would plunge the flush trim bit into each hole I drilled and use the MFT top hole as a guide to cut each hole to diameter in the MDF. The bearing would ride on the inside of the MFT top hole. This should create 20 mm holes. I This should also give me the true square pattern of the MFT holes. I would trace the outline of the MFT top on the MDF. Once I remove the MFT top from the MDF sheet, I would cut the outline with the track saw. I also should end up with pilot holes for the locations of the anchors to the table.
This method would take a while. There should not be much error as I am not using a router bushing which has some play in it from the springs. The holes I route in the MDF should align perfectly with the holes in the MFT top and create an accurate hole pattern.
I appreciate anyone's thoughts or experience with this method. Thanks.
