MFT3: Festool Seeking Member Questions

[Don Bullock]

Thanks for the input on the MFT. I'm sure that it does all that you said it does and more. I appreciate your time and effort to explain the MFT table. The more I read about them the more I realize that one would be a great addition to my shop. Since I don't have the cash for one I'll wait to see what the new table is like. I still think that Festool and their retailers need to do a better job of explaining the advantages of the MFT if they are going to sell well. ;D

 

[iggy07]

My first purchase was the TS55 and the MFT, and I agree with all the positive statements recently posted. However, I also agree with Don - Festool needs to do a MUCH better job describing their products, all of them.  There is much more information on this forum than just about anywhere else, including many of the videos that Festool provides.

Others have often mentioned the fact that many of the Festool procedures are quite different from the old tried-and-true methods. Some are undeniably much better. Others are much better for high volume professional jobs, and less useful for the casual hobbyist. Vice versa for other procedures. Some techniques enable the beginner, or the space-challenged, to get by with fewer tools such as the standard table saw, while many Festoolians continue to use both. Similar comments can be made for plunge routers, suitability (or not) in router tables, router templates, etc.

I've owned a radial arm saw for years, but haven't done much woodworking at all. I've recently done some remodeling, and will be doing more on several rental properties. The TS55/MFT/guiderail system was ideal (for me) for installing a composite cork floor, but it did take some getting used to. One obvious example is the radial arm saw pulls the work back toward the fence, whereas the TS55 blade (like any other hand-held) turns the other way and would tend to pull the work back off the fence. This was never a problem, given the effectiveness of the guide rail and the weight of the saw, but I didn't know it wasn't going to be a problem until I began using it.

I am aware of a variety of saw designs -- hand-held circular saw; table saw, band saw, radial arm saw, chop saw, sliding compound miter saw. Many of these overlap in their uses, but in many cases, one will often be the 'best choice' for a certain task. In many cases, especially for occasional use, another can do the job just fine, although perhaps much more time-consuming.

I know there are traditional descriptions and comparisons in the vast woodworking literature. And I realize I'm not going going to gain all this knowledge by reading a few books (or even a few dozen books). Realistically, I the best way to gain experience is by getting into the shop and . . . .  gaining experience!

With rare exceptions, what I don't find (except by digging) are comparisons of these various alternatives against the unique features of the Festool plunge saw/MFT/guide rail system.

As I write this, the "Missing Manual" series by David Pogue comes to mind. He began with "Missing Manuals" for the Palm, the iMac, the iPod, and iMovie, but this series has expanded into a variety of Windows and other areas. (And along the way DP has 'graduated' to the position of New York Times technical editor.)

It sure seems like there's a large unfilled niche out there.

 

[Ned]

Will the new MFT3 be UPS-shippable?

If I recall, the MFT 800 could be sent by UPS, but the 1080 had to go as freight--somewhat less convenient for the buyer.

Ned

 

[Dave Ronyak]

I went to my nearest Rockler's store (about 35 mi from my home) today to pickup some single-L flange continuous hinges and other supplies.  While there I asked the sales representative two questions about Festool products.  First I asked him if he had heard that Festool was coming out with a new MFT3 which was taller than the present MFTs and had a different channel profile in the top of the side rails.  He said he did not but if they [Festool] was to do so, they would tell him about it.  Then I asked him for his recommendation on which of two finish sanders should I consider - the ETS 125 EQ or RTS 400 EQ since I already had stocks of abrasives for each because I owned an RO 125 and a LS 130.  He did not offer to show me either, let alone allow me to play with them.  Instead, they remained secured to the display area by their antitheft cable.  (I have been a Rockler's customer from before they started to call themselves Rockler's!)  Instead, he recommended that I come in on Feb. 19th because then a Festool representative would be at their store giving demonstrations.  Talk about how not to sell a product line!  I'll continue to take my Festool business elsewhere.  (I do give that Rockler's store some positive points, though, for having a better assortment of accessories, especially for their drills than I have seen at the few other stocking dealers in my area which are Woodcraft and Hartville Tool.  Hartville actually has a fairly comprehensive display, and much more in their on site warehouse, but not as much regarding drilling accessories.

Dave R.

 

[graphex]

I've had about the same experience with all 3 of my local Festool dealers. They assure me that there is no such thing as an MFT3 and that the 800 and 1080 have not been discontinued...and what's a Kapex?
I guess we're just privy to more information here on FOG than we should really have.

I know I'm getting impatient for the Kapex and MFT3, or at least some availability dates. I'm just building my woodworking tool set from scratch now and it isn't like I'm replacing anything - I don't have CSMS or a table upon which to work (unless you count a piece of plywood as a table). I'm not going to get a table after it has been discontinued and I know a new one is coming out but I could really use these products now if they would just get them to market. It is frustrating being a new Festool user with all the NAINA and NYAINA (not yet available in north america) that we hear about.

It is like I want to give all my money to Festool, and walk away with a great set of the tools I need, but they aren't selling the two tools I need most!

 

[Nespresso]

The MFT3 has frozen my movement.  I was going to purchase a 1080, until I heard about the MFT3.  Problem ... the word on the net it he MFT3 won't be out in April or May.  That's a long time to freeze the market. :-[

 

[spikfot]

Geez, I almost forgot my most important wish.

8  ) I often use the top of my MFT to assemble IKEA furniture, and they usually have lots of little pieces that drop through the holes. So could you make the new top reversible, one side with holes and one side without?

I motion that the word i-k-e-a- be forever banished from this forum.
  Possibly even a retroactive  banishment.

 

[Eli]

It may not last forever, but it only goes out of style just before she makes me remodel. I'm a fan of IKEA, if it wasn't for them a lot of my time would be wasted trying to design and build things I have no interest in. If they took back the old furniture and recycled the particle board the circle would be complete, but right now I guarantee their material use is more efficient than anyone here.

(sound of a twenty pound line with sinker plopping into the water) ;D

 

[Ned]

I second Eli's sentiments about IKEA.  Best cheap stuff around, and an admirably run business.

My first wife and I drove a rental van the length of New Jersey to buy an IKEA kitchen.  Our honeymoon.  Romantic, eh?

Ned

 

[Corwin]

Hey, at least more romantic for her than a long trip to your Festool ISA.  Now that would be a honeymoon! 

 

[Mark]

Pictures of MFT3 on Festool Junkiehttp://www.festooljunkie.com/blog/?p=96&akst_action=share-this  can't find these on Festool intl

The one thing that's good about those v-grooves is that you can put a pencil in there and it won't roll off onto the floor

Coming Spring 2008 - The New MFT3.

We wanted to give you a glimpse of the new Multi-Function Table 3 which is expected to be introduced in Spring of 2008. We have redesigned the MFT to include several new features which will promote expandability and compatibility with feature accessories.

Versatility. Portability. Durability. 1 table - 1000 possibilities. The MFT 3 stands alone as the ideal work surface. It is flat, portable, stable, and fully integrated with the Festool system. The unique grid-hole pattern and Festool clamps allow for multiple clamping options for sanding, routing, sawing, and doing glue-ups. Combined with the Festool guide rail system, angle unit, and fence system, the MFT 3 can be used with Festool plunge saws or routers for accurate and repeatable cuts. Festool MFT 3 is the ultimate multi-function work surface that helps you work Faster, Easier, and Smarter.
What Are The New Features?

    * 35½? Work Surface Height (900mm)
    * New V-Groove Profile For Adapting Future Accessories
    * Lighter Weight For Improved Portability, 11 Lbs. Less Than MFT 1080
    * Optional Support Cross Members For Additional Stability
    * 87% More Work Surface Than The MFT 800
    * 16% Lighter Than The MFT 1080

What Features Have Not Changed?

    * Compatible With All Existing MFT Clamps, Accessories and Connectors
    * Bore Size and Offset On Perforated Top Match MFT 800/1080

Specifications Comparison
  MFT3 MFT 800 MFT 1080
Dimensions 45″ x 30″ 31″ x 26″ 48″ x 31″
Work Surface 43″ x 28″ 28″ x 23″ 45″ x 28″
Weight 61 Lbs. 44 Lbs. 73 Lbs.

 

[spikfot]

It may not last forever, but it only goes out of style just before she makes me remodel. I'm a fan of IKEA, if it wasn't for them a lot of my time would be wasted trying to design and build things I have no interest in. If they took back the old furniture and recycled the particle board the circle would be complete, but right now I guarantee their material use is more efficient than anyone here.

(sound of a twenty pound line with sinker plopping into the water) ;D

Buying from ikea is just like buying from homedepoop.  For every new Ikea built, there is sad number of furnituremakers and cabinetmakers that struggle in their wake.    I can't believe any discerning craftsman would be caught dead with that wobbly disposable pressboard crap in their home. 

Your guarantee ran out, Eli.  There are people here who build from post-industrial recyc. wood.

 

[Eli]

Did I mention those blue IKEA bags are really superior for carrying garden mulch around? ;D

A struggling furniture maker or cabinet maker is not running a very good business, or they should double check their location. There's always greater or equal demand for quality in the marketplace.

 

[Steve Jones]

Eli,

What comes from Ikea is future garden mulch anyway. (actually I guess you could argue that particle board is pretty much mulch glued together)

 

[Eli]

I'll tell ya, there are just no end to the people who will buy laminated chipboard in precut and edge banded sets and then just stack it out by the road waiting for you to pick it up and turn it into something else, just because they didn't take the time to read the instructions and tighten the connectors correctly.

The only thing they make that is really post-useless is those cardboard torsion box shelves and TV stands. But like you said, not too bad for making a compost bin out of.

 

[Bob Childress]

(sound of a twenty pound line with sinker plopping into the water) ;D

Eli,

If I've told you once, I've told you a hundred times, you must user lighter tackle or you'll scare the fish away! 

 

[vkumar]

Jerry or anyone else

2 questions:

1. If the height of the new one is different how can you use the new one side by side with the old one?

2. Would you recommend waiting for the new one (anybody knows when that is and how much). ?  I was considering buying a TS 55/75 with a MFT to beat the price increase. Should I wait for the MFT? and just buy the TS

Vijay

ps Great write up on your web site Jerry. i wish I could see your shop in person.

Finally, the current MFT is far from "obsolete".  Festool changed the height of their very popular interchangeable tool work system (originally called the "Basis system", now called the "compact modular system") - neither available in NA - so they changed the height of the MFT to match.  They also changed the extruded side profiles a bit to accommodate a new edge clamping process to make available even more accessories and add ons.  Most all the previous add ons and accessories still fit as well.  That is how they do things.  Continuous improvement engineering.  They never repaint or rebadge the same old thing and offer it as "new" as is unfortunately the case with so many other tool manufacturers and importers.

Hope this helps.  Once you try a MFT I think you will find it one of the most used things in your shop or studio.

Jerry

 

[Frank Pellow]

You could put the legs into "feet" such as those I made in order to raise my MFT by 3
centimetres.  A picture is attached.

 

[Eli]

(sound of a twenty pound line with sinker plopping into the water) ;D

Eli,

If I've told you once, I've told you a hundred times, you must user lighter tackle or you'll scare the fish away! 

Hee,hee. Don't make me start throwing Kapex zingers around again.

 

[Jerry Work]

Hi Vijay,

The major difference between new and old styles are the side profiles and the height.  Using them side by side would be a matter of wanting or needing the height difference to support in or out feed on a tool whose working bed is higher than the table it is sitting on (aka, most stationary tools other than router tables).  Of late I have been doing a lot with the void space between two tables by using a simple platform mount I designed that fits into the side profiles on the existing (and I think the new) tables and allows for up/down adjustment to align the tool working bed with the top of the two tables.  It is really slick and fast, far better from a space utilization POV than the usual path of making a cabinet with casters to hold each stationary tool.  The same will be true of the new table height and of the difference between the new and old table heights.  The new table height will be closer to the bed height on many cabinet saws so may work a bit better for in out feed support for those.  Bottom line, I can't think of much reason to prefer one height over the other right now and would not base my purchase decision simply on that difference.

If you or others are ever in the area, do stop by for a visit.  I would enjoy meeting you.

Jerry 

Jerry or anyone else

2 questions:

1. If the height of the new one is different how can you use the new one side by side with the old one?

2. Would you recommend waiting for the new one (anybody knows when that is and how much). ?  I was considering buying a TS 55/75 with a MFT to beat the price increase. Should I wait for the MFT? and just buy the TS

Vijay

ps Great write up on your web site Jerry. i wish I could see your shop in person.

Finally, the current MFT is far from "obsolete".  Festool changed the height of their very popular interchangeable tool work system (originally called the "Basis system", now called the "compact modular system") - neither available in NA - so they changed the height of the MFT to match.  They also changed the extruded side profiles a bit to accommodate a new edge clamping process to make available even more accessories and add ons.  Most all the previous add ons and accessories still fit as well.  That is how they do things.  Continuous improvement engineering.  They never repaint or rebadge the same old thing and offer it as "new" as is unfortunately the case with so many other tool manufacturers and importers.

Hope this helps.  Once you try a MFT I think you will find it one of the most used things in your shop or studio.

Jerry