MFT track square problem

[a13x212]

I have been extremely frustrated with the MFT setup considering the overall cost of this system. While I am a woodworking novice, this seems pretty basic. My concern is this setup is very fragile and anything can knock it out of square. Hopefully, it’s just a user error, and would appreciate some tips.

I took this small video to demonstrate my problem:https://photos.app.goo.gl/EPT7aYPZ7FkRX8b28

I square up the track, I gently lift up the track and bring it back down. The track is out of square just by lifting it up. I have to run through the square process each time.

 

[afish]

yes the festool track hinge is an achilles heel and thats being nice. there have been maaaany threads on it I would do some searches for dash board hinge. Tso also just came out with a solution. 

 

[ChuckM]

I have been extremely frustrated with the MFT setup considering the overall cost of this system. Snip

Unfortunately, the overall cost will go further up after taking into account the costs of after-market accessory solutions.

 

[jadams]

The Benchdogs system has a locator pin attached to the MFT at the opposite end of the track, which holds square. I'm surprised the Festool doesn't have this.

 

[NiteWalkerGR]

I have been extremely frustrated with the MFT setup considering the overall cost of this system. Snip

Unfortunately, the overall cost will go further up after taking into account the costs of after-market accessory solutions.

Yeah, this is what made me ultimately shy away from a stock mft. I decided on the mk2 parf guide to make my own mft tops at any size I need. For a base, I can build a quick and simple table using the common L shaped leg design or use a set of folding legs if it needs to be portable. Add the dashboard hinge and a simple fence (shop made or bought) and I'm still well under the commercial mft price.

 

[squall_line]

The Benchdogs system has a locator pin attached to the MFT at the opposite end of the track, which holds square. I'm surprised the Festool doesn't have this.

The Festool MFT set DOES have a pin on the opposite end to hold square.

It needs to be under slight tension when lowering the rail to hold it square.

 

[jeffinsgf]

I have been extremely frustrated with the MFT setup considering the overall cost of this system. While I am a woodworking novice, this seems pretty basic. My concern is this setup is very fragile and anything can knock it out of square. Hopefully, it’s just a user error, and would appreciate some tips.

I took this small video to demonstrate my problem:https://photos.app.goo.gl/EPT7aYPZ7FkRX8b28

I square up the track, I gently lift up the track and bring it back down. The track is out of square just by lifting it up. I have to run through the square process each time.

From your video it appears you do not have the rear guide rail support installed...or possibly installed incorrectly. There's a piece that looks much like the hinge that goes on the opposite side of the table. It has a pin that fits into the track so the track always returns to the same position. It needs to be adjusted upwards for the material thickness so that it reaches the slot in the track.

 

[ChuckM]

At a minimum, do everything that is shown here when an MFT is set up so no components are missing:

 

[Precisio]

The (front) rail should rest on a pin, like the attached picture

 

[jcrowe1950]

I have been extremely frustrated with the MFT setup considering the overall cost of this system. While I am a woodworking novice, this seems pretty basic. My concern is this setup is very fragile and anything can knock it out of square. Hopefully, it’s just a user error, and would appreciate some tips.

I took this small video to demonstrate my problem:https://photos.app.goo.gl/EPT7aYPZ7FkRX8b28

I square up the track, I gently lift up the track and bring it back down. The track is out of square just by lifting it up. I have to run through the square process each time.

Howdy,

    My all time favorite MFT setup video is from Greg Paolini. I recommend this video to every customer who buys an MFT and it can be found here...
Greg Paolini explains MFT setup

    If you follow this, your issues will probably be resolved.

BTW, notice that Greg repeats over and over...snug some part up. One thing I have noticed about Festool products is that adjustments are designed to properly function with minimal amount of force....two examples are the MFT fence attachment which is a cam actuated mechanism and the plunge lock on the OF 2200 which requires minimal force and can be done without removing your left hand from the ergonomic handle.....in any case, best of luck in your journey.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Wonder what that high sided square is that’s hanging on the right side of his MFT/

 

[squall_line]

Wonder what that high sided square is that’s hanging on the right side of his MFT/

It's a Woodpecker's MFT Square OTT.
https://www.woodpeck.com/mft-square.html

He grabs it to us it around 6:11 in the video.

 

[TSO_Products]

I have been extremely frustrated with the MFT setup considering the overall cost of this system. While I am a woodworking novice, this seems pretty basic. My concern is this setup is very fragile and anything can knock it out of square. Hopefully, it’s just a user error, and would appreciate some tips.

I took this small video to demonstrate my problem:https://photos.app.goo.gl/EPT7aYPZ7FkRX8b28

I square up the track, I gently lift up the track and bring it back down. The track is out of square just by lifting it up. I have to run through the square process each time.

welcome to the FOG and the earllier helpful posts.
You are not the first "new to MFT/3" user to struggle. We have been aware of these user challenges for quite some time and fianlly found the time to address the problem by addressing the specifics causing the square alignment  challenges:
https://tsoproducts.com/accessories/mft-aligned-guide-rail-support-upgrade-kit/

TSO's MFT Aligned upgrade addressees the difficulties you describe. It is in production and comes with an unconditional money back guarantee. There is no need to throw the bathwater out with the baby by replacing the entire entire squaring system, as you will see.

Hans

 

[BobInOhio]

yes the festool track hinge is an achilles heel and thats being nice. there have been maaaany threads on it I would do some searches for dash board hinge. Tso also just came out with a solution.

That's what  I did. And now I sing the praises for Dashboard products.