MFT type hinge for crosscut rail

[Latech15]

Hello Gentlemen,

I recently bought a ts55 and a few rails and am in the process of building a Paulk based platform to work on.  I love the functionality of the MFT/3 but don't want to drop the coin at the moment. 

My question is this - If I added a 80/20 type extrusion along the front and back of the top, could I get a hinge to mount the rail to that would operate like the one on the MFT/3?  I have seen plenty of crosssut options out there using bench dogs and the like, but never a hinged one.

Thanks in advance.

 

[illumicon1]

You can buy the parts from Festool off of the MFT/3 table and adapt to your workbench.

Scott G.

 

[GhostFist]

I believe ron has plans for a cross cutting system. check his vids

 

[TealaG]

I bought rooms cross cut jig plan and built it.  It doesn't have the hinge portion and he mentions in the video that he likes being able to lift the rail off.  My issue is finding a place for the real while I am laying things out.

I like the concept of the hinge thing.  I paid approx $120 for the back hinge piece,the front support and a short section of mft table "rail".  My plan is to cut that rail in half.  One piece for the front and one for the back.    I checked the back of that rail and noticed a t track so you could probably use that to attach to 80/20

 

[DaveyR]

Do you happen to know the part numbers you purchased as I was planning on doing the same

 

[Kevin McConville]

several people here have made these hinges using 80/20 rails and components - pivots in 80/20 catalogue.  search for some and you can get some great ideas.  When I get a chance I'll see if I can find the ones I mean.  Is suspect someone might beat me to it as there are many that use 80/20 material that frequent the FOG

 

[Kevin McConville]

here's one string although pictures don't seem to work for me???

string on 80/20 MFT workbench

[member=8712]Richard/RMW[/member] does a lot of good stuff with 80/20, he can probably direct you as good as anyone

 

[Peter_C]

Why not use dogs and rail dogs? The system of using dogs can be very effective. The dogs can be used as a fence, or some you can attach a fence too. A straight board or object can be used against the dogs as a fence too. Either way you will probably want a set of 4 dogs for use on your work table. Plus the Festool clamps.https://www.festoolusa.com/power-tool-accessories/work-tables/clamps/clamping-elements-2-pack-488030

The rail dogs go under the rail and square it up to the table.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGFglPW44yw

There are at least three or four brands available.
www.ripdogs.comhttp://precisiondogs.us/products/precision-rail-dogshttp://www.qwasproducts.com/qwasdogs.html

I ordered Precision dogs myself as they seem to have a few features I liked, and I ordered the mount to put a Kreg clamp onto. Plus I wanted hard anodized. They will arrive on Friday so I can't comment on use, but there are threads regarding their use on FOG.

 

[Latech15]

I've seen the rail dogs and it honestly seems like a pain to have to lift the rail while it is connected to the dogs like that.  The hinge seems so much easier to deal with.

 

[Qwas]

Then make some Hole Extensions. You can use a half hole, like below, or it can be a simple "V" shape. The first picture is a simple 2x2 scrap lumber piece and the second picture is a 4x4 lumber scrap that was designed to sit flush with the MDF top.

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

The partial holes allow for the guide rail to raise and lower just like the MFT setup, and it also allows you to raise the rail, move it to the side (where it is out of your way), and lower it back down so it rests on the table and can't fall and hit you.

More details can be found at Qwas Website/ Rail Dog Manual.

 

[MGB]

You don't lift the rail out of the holes when using rail dogs.

Put a peice of scrap behind each dog, when your finished the cut. Slide the saw all the way towards you. This will bow the rail slightly upwards and you can slide your peice in/out without the friction tape hindering anything.

It's almost as fast as using a radial arm saw.

After using this method I think that having a hinged rail would be a pain in the butt. Way more involvement with removing the saw/lift then lower rail/place saw. I've seen people fabricate keepers to hold the saw to the rail, I would imagine you're still fighting with the hose though.

 

[Hud]

I am making and MFT type table and a version of the hinge to support the section of track for cross cutting I will post some pictures as soon as possible. 

 

[dougb]

I stumbled on this thread the other day (see Reply #21):

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/my-custom-built-expandable-mft-on-rolling-cart/?all

I'm not sure if the hinge from the MFT is used or just the locating tabs, but I don't see a reason the hinge couldn't be used.

 

[JimD]

I've never used a MFT or that hinged crosscut setup so I don't know if I would like it better.  But I really like my Paulk style workbench and crosscut jig.  I modified the crosscut jig to add hickory inserts that the rail goes over.  Ron nibbles the top of the rail supports to create a little rib.  I think my hickory rib will stand up better.  But basically I built his design.  I've used it to make a couple pieces for the shop and I find the rail setup works well.  You don't really have to lift the rail completely off, just enough to slide the workpiece under it.  If you want, you could set it up with a little clearance but that would increase tearout.  The two level top allows me to store the shorter rails under the top on the lower level (along with other tools to reduce clutter).  My workbench is 7 feet by 3 feet - much bigger than a MFT.

 

[TealaG]

[member=59775]DaveyR[/member]

I bought these items:
497022 Support
497023 Support unit
472862 Profile

Check the catalog here:http://ekat.festool.de/login/jsp/ma...-Kunde-FT_US&password=Customer&design=festool

You have to call on the phone and then they'll take your credit card and ship it to you.

 

[Sean KS]

I went with some 80/20 gear for this application. I preferred this option for its stability over a hinge.

 

[DaveyR]

Thanks [member=59699]TealaG[/member] as that perfect i was not good at looking things up in ekat as i was only getting the individual parts.

Davey