MFTC for use with Shaper Origin

[sandy]

First, I already purchased Tim's MFT-C plans, and I have already built one following (to the extent possible, but with some changes due to hardware (non)-availability).  I now have a Shaper Origin, and I have built the Ultimate Vertical Workstation shown on ShaperHub.  I also now have five SYS-AZ drawers.  I have been trying to decide between making another MFTC using the SYS-AZ drawers or using them to build a Sysport.  Here are the issues that I would like to address, and before doing so I thought I'd post on here to avoid having to reinvent the wheel.

First, the MFTC plans call for 1/2" (12mm) plywood, while the SYS-AZ drawers want to be screwed into 3/4" (18mm) plywood.  If I use 3/4" ply it will, obviously, increase the weight of the MFTC, so I was wondering whether anyone has already made an MFTC using 3/4" ply.

Next, I am perfectly capable of making MFT-type tops, and I have made several.  I have described, in detail, my method for doing so using the LR32 System along with a TSO Guide Rail Square, so if anyone is interested, you can find the directions in other threads by doing a search.  On the other hand, if I am dedicating a new MFTC for use with the Shaper Origin, then I would want the top surface to have an area without the holes so that it could be used as a dedicated "tape" area.  That also means that the "work" area should probably be at one end of the top surface, and it should be lower by 3/4" or so, so as to allow for the workpiece to be butted to the tape board.  Also, it would be helpful to build in the Vertical Workstation at one end of the top surface, and I think I have a way to do that.

So.... has anyone tackled this type of shop addition, or do any of you have any ideas for doing so?

Sandy

 

[xedos]

I wouldn't sweat it.  As long as you use screws of sufficient length to fasten the AZ slides you'll be fine. Use more screws too.  The MFTC uses the same type slides and the wood shelves weigh about the same as the AZ plastic tub; so the forces exerted are roughly the same.

You could hedge and use 5/8 ply too.

 

[sandy]

Using 5/8”‘plywood would be a good compromise, but my local big box stores generally only stock the 1/4”, 1/2”, and 3/4”, and I generally make “shop projects” from scrap I already have on hand.  I do have a supply of 12mm Euro screws in addition to the 13mm ones that come with the SYS-AZ drawers, so I had been thinking of using 3-4 per side if I went with the 1/2” plywood.

Does anyone have any thoughts about combining the vertical workstation and tape board with the folding top?  I would also like to have vertical adjustments to align the surface of the work piece with the surface of the tape board.

Sandy

 

[cubevandude]

If you go to home depot website you can compare the weights of the sheet goods.  You will see that spruce or douglas fir ply is almost half the weight of Russian baltic birch.

 

[nclemmons]

Sandy - there are a couple of projects on ShaperHub for vertically adjustable surfaces.  I personally just use a 3/4” tape board and 1/8” Masonite pieces to adjust height for differing thicknesses and it seems to work fine for me.