MFT topped temp A-frame work bench

[Steptoe]

Hi all, first time poster!

im very much a novice regarding w/work but want to get more hands on. I have very limited garage space and want to join 2 standard MFT tops together on a temp A frame with  beam setup, so it can be packed away easily and conveniently. Below is my planned work horse setup.

[attachimg=4]

I would also like 2 MFT board joined so the dimensions are 2204 x 718 x 18 (or 2158x718 as I will need to cut 23mm of each to make the 96centres work). I was thinking about clamping these together using some sort of fixing such as the ZIPBOLT MINI WORKTOP CONNECTOR

[attachimg=3]

How have others temp connected MFT tops together in a non permanent way?

 

[Steptoe]

Plan is something like below....

[attachimg=1]

 

[Dane]

I think an easier way to join those for quick assembly and breakdown would be to use something like a Striplox product:http://www.joinlox.com/product/striplox-180/  or a coffin lock.  Both are used by set builders to quickly assemble and break down panels over and over again.

 

[Steptoe]

Thanks Dane, the striplox 180d

[attachimg=1]

looks a better bet as it will illuminate any side and height slop and keep the hole alignment true! many thanks

 

[Svar]

I would use simple door hinges. Or perhaps a piano hinge. Unless the weight is an issue and you want to break it down into lighter pieces.

 

[sancho57]

If space is a issue why dont you get this
https://festools-online.com/festool...-tables-1/203802-festool-mobile-workshop.html
and this
https://festools-online.com/festool/vacuum-clamping/203148-festool-vac-sys-system.html

Add a extra table and a vacuum clamp and you should be good to go. More mobile set up and compatiable with other festool tools and accessories. remember Festools are a system

 

[cubevandude]

I was planning on making a 5 X 9 foot take down top.  3 pieces of top 3 x 5 ft in a 2x4 frame with a rabbet in the top edge of the 2x4 so they fit together tight with supports under the joints.  You could use 3" door hinges to hold the corners together and knock out the pins when you take it apart.  An idea anyway. You could also add magnets to hold things down so the top is more secure.  This whole thing could sit on 2x4s in your sawhorses.

 

[Steptoe]

I would use simple door hinges. Or perhaps a piano hinge. Unless the weight is an issue and you want to break it down into lighter pieces.

Sorry for slow reply Thanks for the advice

Usual bad back story with me, so having it in smaller components is important

 

[Steptoe]

If space is a issue why dont you get this
https://festools-online.com/festool...-tables-1/203802-festool-mobile-workshop.html
and this
https://festools-online.com/festool/vacuum-clamping/203148-festool-vac-sys-system.html

Add a extra table and a vacuum clamp and you should be good to go. More mobile set up and compatiable with other festool tools and accessories. remember Festools are a system

Sorry for slow reply thanks for the links and suggestion/guidance

Alas way to much money for me although that cart is a neat design

 

[Steptoe]

I was planning on making a 5 X 9 foot take down top.  3 pieces of top 3 x 5 ft in a 2x4 frame with a rabbet in the top edge of the 2x4 so they fit together tight with supports under the joints.  You could use 3" door hinges to hold the corners together and knock out the pins when you take it apart.  An idea anyway. You could also add magnets to hold things down so the top is more secure.  This whole thing could sit on 2x4s in your sawhorses.

Sorry for slow reply thanks for the suggestion. How r u getting on with urs? I ordered a pack of the striplox 180D already as they seem the quickest for assembly

 

[Bob D.]

You could make the mating edges like puzzle pieces that slip together but I wonder if the joint would remain secure enough after repeated setups and breakdowns.

 

[Mike Goetzke]

I did this and really enjoy it:
https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/...on-4-ft-x-8-ft-worktable/msg583651/#msg583651

 

[Steptoe]

You could make the mating edges like puzzle pieces that slip together but I wonder if the joint would remain secure enough after repeated setups and breakdowns.

Would create more surface area contact rather than just butting them together and would eliminate any lateral slip? Will ponder the idea but I think I'm commented to these sliplox 180d's now. Many thanks

 

[Steptoe]

I did this and really enjoy it:
https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/...on-4-ft-x-8-ft-worktable/msg583651/#msg583651

Thanks for the link, unfortunately I can not see the images Mike?? Is it just me not able to view them?

 

[Mike Goetzke]

I did this and really enjoy it:
https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/...on-4-ft-x-8-ft-worktable/msg583651/#msg583651

Thanks for the link, unfortunately I can not see the images Mike?? Is it just me not able to view them?

[member=71651]Steptoe[/member]

I linked the photos a different way - please try again.

Mike

 

[Steptoe]

I did this and really enjoy it:
https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/...on-4-ft-x-8-ft-worktable/msg583651/#msg583651

Thanks for the link, unfortunately I can not see the images Mike?? Is it just me not able to view them?

[member=71651]Steptoe[/member]

I linked the photos a different way - please try again.

Mike

[member=71651]Mike Goetzke[/member]

That a great design Mike, both the layout of holes/slots and the simplicity of the track tube with dowels. Way more sophisticated than im planning for mine. Had a quick look for tube tracks here but they don't seem to sell any thing to match that this side of the pond, i'll just use my stock 2x4 for the minute.

Any changes that you would make to the dog holes or slots?

 

[Mike Goetzke]

I did this and really enjoy it:
https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/...on-4-ft-x-8-ft-worktable/msg583651/#msg583651

Thanks for the link, unfortunately I can not see the images Mike?? Is it just me not able to view them?

[member=71651]Steptoe[/member]

I linked the photos a different way - please try again.

Mike

[member=71651]Mike Goetzke[/member]

That a great design Mike, both the layout of holes/slots and the simplicity of the track tube with dowels. Way more sophisticated than im planning for mine. Had a quick look for tube tracks here but they don't seem to sell any thing to match that this side of the pond, i'll just use my stock 2x4 for the minute.

Any changes that you would make to the dog holes or slots?

[member=71651]Steptoe[/member]

I like my setup so much I bought additional track tubes to make both one and two slab tables for around the house and on the go.

I really like the hole/slot pattern I put together for assembly (I can fit my parallel jaw clamps through the slots) but I'm thinking of making a slab or two with just 20mm hole pattern. Have found small parts and tools have a way to fall through the slots (mostly screws and pencils).

Mike