MFT3 and new Kreg Klamp Table

[BarryL]

I know we all love our MFT tables...I unfortunately only have the MFT 1080...but have read of the newer capabilities of the MFT3 and really like it...more than likely will have to have one. 

I have also been eyeballing the new Klamp table from Kreg.  What do you guys think about that table?  Before I lay down 400.00 on that table....and without having seen the MFT3 yet...can all the same functionality of the Klamp table be had with the MFT3?  I know WAY more can be done with the MFT3 but specifically can all of what is capable of the Klamp table be handled with the MFT3?

If so, how would you do it?  Also, can the clamps be used on the MFT3 or would you use Festool clamping to do the same job?

I am thinking that the clamping element stops could be used to slide face frame components square to each other to then use pocket hole screws for the assembly....what I haven't figured out is how to clamp them in place before I take the cordless to the face frame parts...

What do you guys think?

Barry

 

[nclemmons]

Barry

I think you can do everything you can with the MFT that you can with the Kreg table... and more.

There are a few resources you should review for inspiration:

See Jerry Work's MFT handbook here -http://www.festoolusa.com/woodworking.aspx - he details an example of a right-angle jig using a threaded rod connector to fit in the MFT holes.  I made one and use it a lot.

See FOG member Qwas writeup on using the MFT in his "Secrets Revealed" handbook here -http://festoolownersgroup.com/CoppermineMain//displayimage.php?pos=-1302  Really some great ideas on how to use the MFT holes in unique ways for alignment.

If you're looking for clamping ideas, I personally use the Jorgensen's outlined in this post -http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=71.0

John Lucas with Woodshopdemos has a number of clamping ideas here -http://www.woodshopdemos.com/fest-18.htm

You can also use the Kreg vice-grip like clamps they show with their table through the holes with washers underneath.

Overall I think you'll see a lot of potential with the MFT in ways of clamping, setting up right angles, and offering a lot of flexibility for cutting, routing, and assembly.

The Kreg table is $400.  The MFT/3 is $575 with more space and potential.  You might find an older MFT1080 for a discount through a Festool dealer off of the normal $460 list price.
I think you can get more out of the MFT even spending more.

Hope these links offer inspiration.

Good luck -

neil

 

[BarryL]

Thanks for the info Neil! 

I do own an MFT 1080...

I was thinking about owning that Kreg Table...it sure is a sturdy little booger..

But thinking further...for a little more money I can get the MFT3 and maybe morph the MFT 1080 into a Kreg table...

 

[pteubel]

Neil,

You've got to get rid of that animated bug avatar. This is the 4th time I've slapped my monitor thinking there was a real bug on it. 

- Pete

 

[Fred West]

Barry, I own the Kreg Klamp table as well as the MFT/3. I purchased the Kreg strictly so I could use it for putting together face frames as well as raised and flat panel doors. It works like a charm and is rock solid. I decided to do this and leave my MFT/3 and 1080's free for other jobs. Fred

 

[robtonya]

Neil,

You've got to get rid of that animated bug avatar. This is the 4th time I've slapped my monitor thinking there was a real bug on it. 

- Pete

Me too. The first time I seen it, I was trying to kill it.

 

[robtonya]

Barry, I own the Kreg Klamp table as well as the MFT/3. I purchased the Kreg strictly so I could use it for putting together face frames as well as raised and flat panel doors. It works like a charm and is rock solid. I decided to do this and leave my MFT/3 and 1080's free for other jobs. Fred

I think this is a good question, because I am going to have to purchase one table, and I was looking at them both. I prefer the Festool (of coarse), but wanted it to do the face frame pocket hole assembly too. I decided I needed a table after trying to cut laminate flooring with my ts-55 on a sagging plywood top, and at some points it didn't cut through, and was moving while I was cutting it. Also I got to mess with my new K3 master kit trying to figure that out, and noticed I don't really have a place to assemble the face frames. So what do you think Fred, you have both, do you recommend both, or will the MFT/3 work as well as the Kreg table.

 

[Dixon Peer]

I got the Kreg Klamp Table specifically to do face frames for paneling on the job site.  We used to use biscuits and clamp the face frames until the glue set up; now the job goes much faster with pocket screws and glue.  We saved lots of time and paid off the table easily on one job.

 

[Fred West]

Rob, the MFT/3 will definitely do both but it is a question of what you are trying to do. The Kreg is setup specifically for the face frame assembly and it absolutely rocks for that job and several others like it. However, it will never compete with the versatilty of the MFT/3 and that is why I got both.

If you are only going to go with one table I would choose the MFT/3 but think about what Dixon said and how the Kreg paid itself off on one job. That is impressive. Fred

 

[honeydoman]

i also bo0ught the kreg klamp table for doing raised panels doors, which I probabley do about 60-70 doors a year, and it also works for face frames clamping on a small scale.

I bought the table 1 year ago when it first came out, so I did not have the mft's  I then bought the mft 1080 in jan, and the mft 3 on MAY 1 2008 and not before!  and they all have they designed purpose.

looking back, if you do face frames and doors, then kreg is the way to go, however as mentioned you can also klamp up using the mft's  if budget is tight.

good luck you have till  HIGH NOON ON FRIDAY for your decision!  ;D

 

[Michael Kellough]

looking back, if you do face frames and doors, then kreg is the way to go, however as mentioned you can also klamp up using the mft's  if budget is tight.

good luck you have till  HIGH NOON ON FRIDAY for your decision!   ;D

What do you mean?

 

[Warrior]

Keep in mind you will have to protect the MFT3 top from glue where as the kreg table has a laminate surface.

 

[honeydoman]

looking back, if you do face frames and doors, then kreg is the way to go, however as mentioned you can also klamp up using the mft's  if budget is tight.

good luck you have till  HIGH NOON ON FRIDAY for your decision!   ;D

What do you mean?

michael,  which part?  if you mean the high noon,  that is just a joke from a guy who grew up watching westerns! and an old saying in westerns.  the other part is if you have the bucks buy both especially if you do doors. and as mentioned above the kreg table top is laminate and you can easiely clean off the glue.  so that s it

 

[robtonya]

Thanks for answering my questions from Barry's thread. I was hoping for more time than high noon on friday. Hopefully I won't have to have a draw!

 

[Grinding One]

I own the kreg table,I also have it on locking casters,glue comes right off the top easily the table is height adjustable which is a big positive for me.Its rock solid and will hold a lot of weight,without the need for sabilizers.
I have seen the MFT`s and for the money Kreg beats it.Also you can add a larger top to it if you want more surface area.It rolls very easy so I bought the kreg table,I have a drill to make holes if I want to make a top like the mft.
  So for mobility Kreg  but not if your moving constantly job site to job site
            Weight holding  Kreg
    face frame constuction        clamping      Kreg
  Price    Kreg

My two cents worth

 

[robtonya]

I own the kreg table,I also have it on locking casters,glue comes right off the top easily the table is height adjustable which is a big positive for me.Its rock solid and will hold a lot of weight,without the need for sabilizers.
I have seen the MFT`s and for the money Kreg beats it.Also you can add a larger top to it if you want more surface area.It rolls very easy so I bought the kreg table,I have a drill to make holes if I want to make a top like the mft.
  So for mobility Kreg   but not if your moving constantly job site to job site
            Weight holding   Kreg
    face frame constuction         clamping      Kreg
  Price     Kreg

My two cents worth

Thanks, I think I am going to have to get both. I just cant see running a ts-55 down a Kreg table, but I like the fact that the top is laminated on the Kreg, for easy clean up. I am earning a little extra money this summer, so every thing extra goes in my tool fund. I just have to decide which items to get compared to the tool funds.  ;D

 

[Grinding One]

You only have to pull 4 bolts out to raise or lower your table (Kreg)
So for tall people raise it for short people lower it,and when your done using it roll it to wherever you want to keep it.If you use it for clamping and then want to use it for sawing ,pull the clamps (they slide off) and your ready for the next operation.Best part its built heavy like a rock and very stabill..

 

[robtonya]

Thanks again.