MFT3 tables caster conversion

[gtin723]

Not sure if topic was covered in the past, but I found the use of 1-1/4" expanding stem castors with 3" polyurethane wheels rated at 250 lbs per castor, works great for moving the MFT around the shop.  The only issue I ran into was the adjustable leg on the table is 2" shorter than the other legs, so you have to shorten the 3 longer legs by 2", very easy to do.

The castor add about 2" net to the table height which was was great for me allowing stools etc to fit under the table, and I like a higher table brings the work closer.

 

[Sparktrician]

The last thing I need is an MFT that goes wandering around on casters.  The more rigid, the better in my world.  Your circumstances might vary.  If I were to do this, I think I'd shorten ALL the legs to get an overall 900mm table height with the casters installed to be consistent with the Festool system height. 

 

[gtin723]

The castors I used are dual locking action, locking the wheel from turn, plus locking the swivel feature of the caster so the MFT3 is every bite as stable as it is on its rubber feet, which most would agree is not all that stable.  I have a 400 lb Sojberg solid maple work bench that is super stable for that kind of work. My MFT are more for assemble work and supporting my Kapex etc.

As far as the height I only use the two table together so as long as they are the same height I am good with what is most comfortable for me, but if you wanted to keep the original height that can be done as you suggested.

Thanks for the comments, have a great 2018

 

[Knight Woodworks]

Looks good, where'd you get the casters?

John

 

[gtin723]

I ordered the casters from Service Caster Corp, in West Reading, PA.  The item # was SCC-TTLEX20S314-PPUB-MTG44, or in plain English 1-1/4 Expanding Stem Total Lock Caster - 3" Non-Marking Polyurethane.  They were $14.29 each which is reasonable as they fit like a glove in the legs and super smooth rolling and locking.

If you decide to do the conversion, I found it easiest to just measure and mark 2" off the 3 long legs and then take the Festool long rubber adjust boot and slide it on the legs you are going to cut off and you can then get an even marking around the leg with a pencil.  Then metal is very thin and cuts easily with a saber saw and cleans up with a file.

It is a very clean install and looks factory.  Table also folds as before so no problem there, just lock the wheels down flat.

Good luck

 

[Knight Woodworks]

Thanks. I may give that a go.

John

 

[rst]

I made mine movable in a different manner, my castors are retractable an only on one end.  View attachment 1 View attachment 2

 

[McNally Family]

I made mine movable in a different manner, my castors are retractable an only on one end.  View attachment 1 View attachment 2

I was going to suggest just having the castors on one end of the table, rather than on all four legs.  I have an old Craftsman table saw that is like that.  You just lift one end, and move it where you want it.  Of course, the table saw is rather heavy, so it becomes very stable when you set it back down (not sure the Festool table would be as steady due to its lighter weight). 

 

[Cheese]

I was going to suggest just having the castors on one end of the table, rather than on all four legs. You just lift one end, and move it where you want it.  Of course, the table saw is rather heavy, so it becomes very stable when you set it back down (not sure the Festool table would be as steady due to its lighter weight).

That’s a very similar method that Dewalt also uses on its mobile planer stand for the DW 735.  [big grin]