MFT3 setup.

[Peter Hamilton-Scott]

I setup my MFT3 using the YouTube video as a reference. I installed the back rail support first ensuring it was tight up against the stop on the table. I then installed the guide rail onto it and locked it down, not overtight. I then installed the front rail support up against its stop. When I lowered the guide rail it engages onto the tab on the front rail support. I got the impression that the groove under the rail should sit on the tab without doing anything to the rail. What I noticed is that I had to apply slight force to the rail to get it to engage onto the tab. That is, I had to pull the front end of the rail slightly sidewards. The rail does not exactly sit loosely on the tab but fits somewhat tightly on the tab. Can someone tell me if that's normal or not?

If it is not do I need to make a small adjustment to the front stop on the table? It looks as if the tab can be adjusted but I don't know if the MFT3 left the factory already setup of whether some fine tuning is normal.

Edit: I forgot to mention that if I have to pull the rail onto the tab would that not affect the square of the rail in relation to the mitre gauge and fence?

 

[Roseland]

You need to slacken off, and then retighten, the two cap screws that fix the hinge at the back to the rail; this will enable you to 'drop' the rail onto the spigot without having to push it sideways.

I have had my MFT less than a month but am wondering how I managed without it; it is just a joy to use.  Making repeated cuts, square, accurately is now just so easy!

Good luck!

Andrew

 

[tbellemare]

Pete:

It is normal to have slight side strain on the tab. It takes out any play between the tab and the groove in the guide rail.

The best way I know to get started square is to use the holes in the table as your reference. I describe it here.

Tom

 

[Neill]

I setup my MFT3 using the YouTube video as a reference. I installed the back rail support first ensuring it was tight up against the stop on the table. I then installed the guide rail onto it and locked it down, not overtight. I then installed the front rail support up against its stop. When I lowered the guide rail it engages onto the tab on the front rail support. I got the impression that the groove under the rail should sit on the tab without doing anything to the rail. What I noticed is that I had to apply slight force to the rail to get it to engage onto the tab. That is, I had to pull the front end of the rail slightly sidewards. The rail does not exactly sit loosely on the tab but fits somewhat tightly on the tab. Can someone tell me if that's normal or not?

If it is not do I need to make a small adjustment to the front stop on the table? It looks as if the tab can be adjusted but I don't know if the MFT3 left the factory already setup of whether some fine tuning is normal.

Edit: I forgot to mention that if I have to pull the rail onto the tab would that not affect the square of the rail in relation to the mitre gauge and fence?

Peter,

This issue has been discussed previously.  I think that it is perfectly correct in having to slide the rail a bit to the side in order to get the tab to seat properly.  I believe I read that this slight bit of torquing is necessary to square the rail.

Neill

 

[Peter Hamilton-Scott]

Thanks, gentlemen. In the YouTube video it's almost as if the rail just lands squarely on the tab. Perhaps there was sleight of hand when the rail was lowered. I'll review the table setup again this weekend. I must admit the MFT is a pleasure to use. I think the height of the table is perfect and the cuts...they are just superb and crisp and square.