MFT3, Walko, or self built (MFTC)?

[VirtuaLogic]

Hi Alex

I like the way you have summed up the various options - have you done military service?

Given your solution you will need some Parf Dogs - I think.

Peter

Hi Peter,

No military service here, but my day job is in IT, and Project Management is a part of my duties, so summing things up for extra clarity comes natural to me 

What I'm a bit afraid of though is that you know the exact brands of my bike and motorcycle. Are you MI6 by any chance, and if so, why am I a person of interest?  [scared]

You are right about the Parfdogs though, I'll get some regardless of the bench solution I choose.

@dutchie: that is another option I hadn't considered and is perhaps a very good alternative to having a MFT worktop CNC'd. I don't think I'll add the 80/20 profiles though, but maybe I'll add a T-track that can be re-used for the MFTC project later. I'll look into which size MFT replacement top will be best suited to re-use in the stationary sys-port or on one of the MFTC extension tables.

Very good feedback so far, thanks everyone!

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Peter,

No military service here, but my day job is in IT, and Project Management is a part of my duties, so summing things up for extra clarity comes natural to me 

What I'm a bit afraid of though is that you know the exact brands of my bike and motorcycle. Are you MI6 by any chance, and if so, why am I a person of interest?  [scared]

You are right about the Parfdogs though, I'll get some regardless of the bench solution I choose.

Very good feedback so far, thanks everyone!

Hi Alex,

No, no spooks in this house...

We go to the Netherlands every year for the most wonderful cycling routes that you have. We have also bought Gazelles as Dutch bikes have a far better riding position and are ideal for me and my arthritis. I am working on a video about cycling in the Netherlands and explaining the Dutch cycling route marking (points) system which I love - because it is so logical !

The BMW was another guess - it has to be one of the more popular makes of motorcycle in Europe. My son had one but has now got the Ducati 1199 Panigale.

I think Axminster have sold out of Parf Dogs but more will be available in February.

Peter

 

[rjwz28]

Thanks for all the replies!

All things considered I've drawn a few conclusions:
When not in use / folded up
- MFT/3 folds up relatively small, but has no function when folded up
- Walko can be put up on wall and be used for work that does not require a lot of space
- MFTC serves as a sys-port when "folded up"
Conclusion: MFT/3 loses. With a Walko I need a sysport anyway, and with MFTC I need a small bench and additional sysport too (logical outcome is the extra sysport would be fitted with an MFT style worktop). MFTC wins by a hair because I need to store my systainers somehwere.

Stability (based on user review)
- MFT/3 is stable enough for normal power tool work. You can add extra stability at extra cost (as if this thing wasn't expensive enough to begin with)
- Walko is apparently less stable on non level surfaces than anticipated. My patio/terrace/outside workspace is not extremely level. Could be a problem.
- MFTC has adjustable legs and a lower shelf that makes it pretty stable, when filled with systainers even more so.
Conclusion: MFTC wins this round, MFT/3 comes in second bacause of extra cost involved.

Mobility
- MFT/3 can be hauled up to a second or third floor if I need to work there
- Walko can be hauled just as well
- MFTC is a bit bulkier, but apparently a lot lighter than anticipated. The wheels suggested by CJ'60 could make it possible, but keep in mind that houses in Europe and especially in The Netherlands make use of space very efficiently (read: are tiny when compared to houses in the USA). Stairs are often the "winding" type, which makes hauling even an empty MFTC up not an easy task I fear.
Conclusion: Not convinced about the MFTC at this point. MFT/3 and Walko are a tie.

What do you get for the money
- MFT/3 is a complete deal. I'd probably want to add some dogs, but it comes with a fence and guiderail. For extra stability I could add supports. The complete package is expensive, but could be worth the money.
- Walko does not give you as big a workspace as an MFT top and the separate workbenches can not be considered square to each other. This is a downside when wanting to do larger square cuts with dogs. Does not come with a fence or rail. Not cheap either!
- MFTC is really only a set of plans, you need to build it yourself. If you don't own a semi-decent worktop yet this is a challenge.
Conclusion:  After good deliberation the Walko is not a replacement for an MFT top workbench.

And then there was the post of rjwz28. That is actually a pretty decent worktop, and I already own a set of sawhorses. The sawhorses are a bit crappy but this solution could work, at least for the time being. The way I look at things now this will be the route to go:
1. Buy MFTC plans (this won't break the bank in any case)
2. Make (or have CNC'd) an MFT worktop and use it on sawhorses for the time being. Build the worktop into a modified MFTC extension table. The MFT style worktop will make the table a bit heavier than a normal extension table, but with some additional changes (legs) it could also double as a stand alone bench for the higher floors.
3. Build the rest of the MFTC

If you think I overlookad anything please don't hesitate to let me know, any and all feedback is very welcome!

Cheers,  Alex.

I agree that the sawhorses I used to take the picture are crappy plastic ones but believe me, it still is very sturdy with the weight of the workbench top on it.  I aslo have some shop made foldable wooden ones that are better yet with almost zero movement.

Rob

 

[Stone Message]

I forgot to post a picture of my folding trestles.

Peter

 

[Stone Message]

...and here is a picture of Alex's motorcycle...

Peter

 

[rjwz28]

This is my folding sawhorses made from ply and 2x4's.  It has regular hinges at top and piano hinges on the cross piece.  Very sturdy.  I have my torsion box assembly table on it here.  I can post plans if anyone wanted it.

 

[VirtuaLogic]

@Peter: close but no cigar  ;D

I ride an F800GS (model 2008)

@Rob: when I said crappy sawhorses I meant the ones I own myself, not yours. They're wood (fir or pine or spruce, or whatever that species is called) but a lot more flimsy.

I like the sawhorses you both posted and they look a lot sturdier and useful than mine, but my own horses will have to do for the time being. No room to store more stuff unfortunately.

 

[waho6o9]

Walko 4 can be used to cut sheet goods when laid flat.

Then, you can cross cut on any bench you have.

You'll end up with all three styles sooner or later.

Good luck on your decision.

[smile]

 

[John1102]

Great folding sawhorse ideas, thanks for the ideas.

 

[grbmds]

The Walko looks great on the video on the Walko website. It's hard to tell, though, whether all the items you need to do what is shown in the video are included or you have to buy additional accessories to get the full range of capability. Otherwise, it looks versatile but is heavy to move around. The more I use my MFT/3 the better I like it. However, the MFT is not really a workbench in the true sense of the word. You really can't hand plane or do anything that requires a solid base. The MFT just isn't that. However, for assembly, for cutting, routing, sanding, and many other tasks it's great. Add a few dogs and it becomes even more useful. Plus, it is made to fit into the whole Festool system.