MFT tops...

[blakjak220]

So I'm looking to build my own custom MFT using stock MFT tops as either the actual top or a template to make a top....

My question is - There are an couple of options; the top for the MFT 800 ~$80 (# Festool 488565) or the top for the MFT/3 ~$130 (#  Festool 495543).

I have read several things about the older tables having a slightly different diameter hole so I wanted to know if I buy one of these new replacement tops are the holes going to be different between the 2? I'd obviously prefer to get the 800 replacement since it's about $50 cheaper but wanted to make sure the hole sizing wasn't going to be off.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Corwin]

Yes, they did change the size of the holes slightly over the years.  However, as I understand, the new replacement tops will all have the same size holes.  So, it won't matter which top you purchase.  If I were you I would consider a replacement top for the older MFT 1080 as it is the largest size available, but then, I don't know what size table you were looking to build...

 

[leakyroof]

+1 on what Corwin said about the replacement tops. I bought a new top from Festool for my used MFT 800. Has the later spec holes.

 

[blakjak220]

Yes, they did change the size of the holes slightly over the years.  However, as I understand, the new replacement tops will all have the same size holes.  So, it won't matter which top you purchase.  If I were you I would consider a replacement top for the older MFT 1080 as it is the largest size available, but then, I don't know what size table you were looking to build...

Well, I'm pretty sure the size of the top isn't going to be any of the stock sizes... so I think I'm gonna get the $80 MFT 800 top and use it to make a custom top. I'll just use some tight fight rail dogs or the like to register the "template" off of to make the size I need... Thanks!

 

[Ivanhoe]

I am in the process of doing the same. I went with the MFT/3 top on Bob Marino's recommendation for the
larger size. (I was under the impression this was the largest of the 3) I am adapting it to be used with some
aluminum extrusion from another tracksaw maker.

Rod

 

[overanalyze]

I had a local guy run this on his cnc. Its 4'x4'. I am setting it on my Knockdown-cutting-table.  Parf dogs are coming tomorrow!!

 

[blakjak220]

I had a local guy run this on his cnc. Its 4'x4'. I am setting it on my Knockdown-cutting-table.  Parf dogs are coming tomorrow!!

Yeah I like that.... how'd you attach the top?

 

[overanalyze]

I haven't yet. I just got my new Domino so I am thinking of some of those to hold it in position and then maybe a screw in each corner. I want to be able to remove it easily for using the full size of my table for breaking down sheet goods.

 

[dlu]

If you don't mind my asking, how much did it cost to have it run on the CNC machine?

 

[wow]

If you don't mind my asking, how much did it cost to have it run on the CNC machine?

I am sure overanalyze will jump in and answer, but I have been curious about this myself. I've gotten a quote of $100 to do a 4x8 sheet (actually 49 x 97) with 96mm spacing, so 288 holes. I suspect this varies by area, so - IMHO - the more people who comment the better?!

 

[overanalyze]

Hey Doug, I am not sure on the cost. I didnt get charged. It was a vendor we do business with that ran it. At one time he quoted around $100 for the 4x8 sheet.