MFT with accessories or MFT top with dogs

[Jonnycof]

Hi guys,

I’ve read a fair number of threads on here about the MFT3.  I currently own a HK55 and several guide rails. I’m looking for a way to make repeated and absolutely square cuts, mostly in 18mm sheets. I’m a hobbyist but planning a fair few joinery projects (wardrobes etc).

The MFT looks great but it’s also damm expensive and (from what I read on here) not without its problems. For that kind of money my expectations are very high.

So I’m wondering if I’m better off just buying a mft table top, some dogs and a couple of clamps, and using that on top of my existing Keter workbench. I don’t envisage having to make super accurate angled cuts other than at 45 (and could always use a fsk rail to do these).

Other than the additional mitre possibilities of the Full MFT package, what would it do that just the worktop, dogs and clamps couldn’t.

I could maybe justify the expense of the full package if in the long term it’s going to significantly better.

Many thanks for any advice,

Jonny

 

[Chinski]

The MFT accessory angles are not reliable. It’s ok at giving a flat edge if you square it with the rail and bolt it down - but the moment you move it ...  Similarly the other angles are not true and need to be verified and adjusted with a true source. What’s the point?!

If I were doing it again I’d definitely go dogs and an LR32 rail for use as and when.

 

[peter halle]

I don't agree with the previous poster but in your situation and all you do is 45 and 90 and are willing to mock up all the other stuff - buy a top an go for it.

Peter

 

[Jonnycof]

Thank you very much guys for the speedy replies. I need to figure out how to fit an MFT stop To my Keter bench. If anybody has any advice that would be very helpful. In the meantime I might keep an eye out on eBay for a used MFT, or just buy the MFT without accessories.

 

[Klemm]

[member=70267]Jonnycof[/member]  - the principal reason for buying an MFT vs making your own 20mm hole-pattern top is whether or not you need a mobile workbench you can take to your job-site, set up and go.

If mobility is not a requirement you may want to consider making your own top using something like the Parf Guide System, This also gives you the opportunity to optimize the size to suit your available space.

Your FOG profile does not reveal your geographic location but I suspect you're not in the USA. Let us know more particularly your space and work circumstance so we can make further recommendations.

Hans

 

[Jonnycof]

Hi Hans,
Thanks so much for taking the time to respond. I’m in the UK (actually on a side note I plan to pick up one of your triangles next time I’m across the pond). I do need a portable solution but as the MFT comes out at around £500 for the basic, I’m thinking maybe I can just mod my cheap but sturdy ketter workbench to support the mft top and save several hundred pounds. I was going to start a thread on if anybody had any advice on how to do this most effectively.

That said, if the consensus from people on here is it’s worth finding the extra cash for the mft3 then Maybe I’ll just save up for it!

Thanks,
Jonny

[member=70267]Jonnycof[/member]  - the principal reason for buying an MFT vs making your own 20mm hole-pattern top is whether or not you need a mobile workbench you can take to your job-site, set up and go.

If mobility is not a requirement you may want to consider making your own top using something like the Parf Guide System, This also gives you the opportunity to optimize the size to suit your available space.

Your FOG profile does not reveal your geographic location but I suspect you're not in the USA. Let us know more particularly your space and work circumstance so we can make further recommendations.

Hans

 

[threesixright]

[member=70267]Jonnycof[/member]
If mobility is not a requirement you may want to consider making your own top using something like the Parf Guide System, This also gives you the opportunity to optimize the size to suit your available space.

There a few youtube's showing how to use the LR32 for this as-well, so you could kill two birds with one stone.

 

[Doug S]

If you are in the UK you can't go far wrong with a portable workbench or MFT top from CNC Design, hardly worth making your own.
https://www.cncdesign.co.uk/tables-mft-tops.html

One of these and a TSO square and you will be sorted.

These guys worth a look for accessories if you want dogs, fence and flag stops etc.
https://benchdogs.co.uk/

Doug

 

[Jonnycof]

Hi Doug
This looks like exactly what I’m after. Thank ms a lot for posting it. Have you had one and are they reliable / accurate?
Thank you
Jonny

If you are in the UK you can't go far wrong with a portable workbench or MFT top from CNC Design, hardly worth making your own.
https://www.cncdesign.co.uk/tables-mft-tops.html

One of these and a TSO square and you will be sorted.

These guys worth a look for accessories if you want dogs, fence and flag stops etc.
https://benchdogs.co.uk/

Doug

 

[Doug S]

I have had 3 MFT tops from them which I used to build a large workbench and the Birch ply portable/knock down bench.
https://www.cncdesign.co.uk/portable-workbench-router-table-birch-plywood.html

All are excellent. The only thing I would say about the portable bench is that on mine the pieces fit together too well. If it is say left in a damp garage for a while it's a bit tight to get together but if it is in a house or similar it slides together nicely, I did give mine a couple of coats of varnish though which maybe didn't help. When I got mine I routed a 3 mm round off all the edges just to stop it getting chipped and damaged as much.

When I bought mine CNC design also supplied the dogs so you knew they would be a good fit, looks like they are not on website anymore but might be worth asking if they have any left.

Doug

 

[basssound]

CNC designs tops are the muts nuts, I have a pair of the birch ply ones, they only sell the dogs in packs with the tops, they no longer sell seperatly.

 

[Jonnycof]

Thanks guys,
Just before I order, has anyone used the UJK table? Seems similar - maybe a little bit heavier duty? Any advantage over the cncdesigns?
Really appreciate these excellent replies!
Jonny

 

[infer]

A while ago I build my mft top bench using 2x4 basics workbench kit legs. Very sturdy and can make any size mft top using the parfguide system. Height is also spot on at 90cm.
View attachment 1

 

[Jonnycof]

looks awesome - although is sadly not portable so wouldn't be quite right for me!

A while ago I build my mft top bench using 2x4 basics workbench kit legs. Very sturdy and can make any size mft top using the parfguide system. Height is also spot on at 90cm.
View attachment 1

 

[tallgrass]

think TSO's observations are valid. you are commenting on limited space or a need for greater portability? you also say that this is for your own personal needs. Here is a question, how about 2 smaller "MFTS" rather than one "larger" one. I have many MFTs large and small. I have built roller cabinets that they sit on. I find that 2 smaller MFTs on roller cabinets is a fantastic solution. When oriented properly and used in concert you get the benefits of a larger work area for supporting longer cuts or whatever. Used individually they are very portable. This solution would give you more portability and storage for you tools under the small MFTs, in terms of small footprint sys-ports. I know it sounds counter intuitive that to are better than one, but I have found it to be the case. As I remodel my house I find rolling 2 of them around is easier than struggling with the larger ones, especially going through doors. Building them might be the way to go. Just my 2 cents.

 

[PeterK]

I agree with tallgrass on the benefits of a more compact version of the MFT.
I yell at myself frequently for not purchasing a couple more MFT800s when they were closed out as they are really handy and can be configured in many ways. Also they are far lighter weight and more portable than the full size MFTs. My old 800 gets used as a base for my miter saw often as that makes my MFT/3 the same height for an extension.