MFTing my Table Saw

[Oso Rojo]

I was looking at my cabinet saw last night and trying to figure out a way to make more useful. Then it hit me, how about drilling 20mm holes in the extension table. It will never be a fully functional as an MFT, but it will have a clamping field and one adjustable straight edge, the saw's fence.

Has anyone heard of this being done before?

 

[Stoli]

I am doing this right now on my 52" sawstop.

I have 2 complications:  1) I'll add in a router plate and ttracks, 2) I don't have the LR-32 system. I am using an Emerson tool clamp with associated spacers to get close to 96mm spacing, but I don't expect to be perfect. But, I am really only looking for additional clamping options.

I just completed my first attempt to get the bugs worked out. I should have a thread up soon.

 

[shed9]

Doing it myself as well, albeit via a drilled MDF board as opposed to the original metal extension.

It's a K3 slider and I've bolted on an alloy side bench with Incra rails with an inset router lift to fit in. It's a work in progress - just cut the MDF today actually, should be good to fit next weekend;





The benefit to the alloy profile is it fits the Festool clamps - they just slide straight in there.

 

[otis04]

I love the ideas, but won't this make the table saw another assembly table that will have to be cleaned off to make new cuts (not that the flat surface of my table saw isn't always covered in "stuff" (to the right of the fence))

 

[Stoli]

I love the ideas, but won't this make the table saw another assembly table that will have to be cleaned off to make new cuts (not that the flat surface of my table saw isn't always covered in "stuff" (to the right of the fence))

Yes.  Unfortunately, I don't have room for a dedicated assembly table, so if I can get this table to do triple duty (saw, router, assembly), then that is a win.

 

[wow]

Great idea! I think I'm stealing it...

 

[Oso Rojo]

I curious to hear what bit you are using to cut the holes. Is 20mm correct, or does it need to be just a bit larger for dog clearance.

Also, which is more important, the spacing between the holes or that the hole be accurately aligned with each other?

 

[Stoli]

I'm using the festool 20mm bit.

While I am trying to mimic the 96mm hole spacing, I have only seen one time where the spacing makes a difference: the plate that attaches an Incra positioner that was just released.

I believe the most important feature is that the holes are aligned on an orthogonal grid. That will allow alignment using dogs. I don't think I am going to achieve this, but I am really looking for clamping options only. When I go for my eventual mft, I will simply purchase a replacement top.

 

[fritter63]

Doing it myself as well, albeit via a drilled MDF board as opposed to the original metal extension.

It's a K3 slider and I've bolted on an alloy side bench with Incra rails with an inset router lift to fit in. It's a work in progress - just cut the MDF today actually, should be good to fit next weekend;

That looks like a WINNER! ROTFL

 

[shed9]

I believe the most important feature is that the holes are aligned on an orthogonal grid. That will allow alignment using dogs.

I'd go with this, not sure I see an advantage on the spacing other than being square to each other.

I don't think I am going to achieve this

I'm with you on this one, precision is critical, other than being CNC'd or using a template this is not as easy as it looks.

I did post a suggestion on here http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/it's-finally-here-the-precision-plate-for-incra-positioners!!/30/
to effectively use the incra plate off the table via a 90 degree adaptor and connect an LR32 rail to the bare end of the incra positioner. Seemed to have fell on deaf ears so I'm going to machine one myself - this will give the precision of the LR32 and the incra.

I suspect I'll end up the CNC route though. Will share my results whatever the outcome.

That looks like a WINNER! ROTFL

very good  [smile]

 

[sgryd]

If you have an LR32 you could do it yourself with great precision (you'll need rail dogs as well):
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/make-a-perfect-'mft'-with-qwas-raildogs/
//Michael

 

[shed9]

I saw your thread Michael after a recent search.

I'm certainly going to be trying that  [smile]