Mobile Cart / Bench for holding MFT/3 -- Why??

[sandy]

There have been several threads discussing the build of a number of very nice looking mobile cart/benches that make use of MFT/3 tables that mount on top of them.  While I have no issue with the utility of such benches, and while I like that they are mobile and provide space for systainers, dust collectors, and router tables, my question is why do they use MFT/3 tables.  Is it simply to avoid having to build an MFT/3 top?  Or is it place to store/use your MFT/3 table while it is in your shop?

Personally, I have two Festool MFT/3 tables.  In addition, I have now built several work benches, including three separate ones that use MFT-type tops (20mm holes on 96mm centers), namely, an MFT-C bench, a Ron Paulk type, and a folding bench.  For each of the latter three I created the tops using 3/4" MDF along with a method that I described in a prior post that uses a Festool 32mm "holey" rail along with a TSO rail square.

So, what am I missing?

Sandy

 

[DynaGlide]

I'd say its a convenience factor. I can make an MFT top, but if I were to do a cart I'd just put an MFT/3 on it. The reason being you maintain the usage of it: guide rail hinges, profile clamping, under the top storage and access. If someone wasn't using the rail hinge anymore I could see ditching the MFT/3 altogether and rolling their own cart top.

 

[Dick Mahany]

............. my question is why do they use MFT/3 tables.  Is it simply to avoid having to build an MFT/3 top?  Or is it place to store/use your MFT/3 table while it is in your shop?

So, what am I missing?

Sandy

In my case I already had an MFT3 table.  After about a year of use I found the empty space below it was just calling for a better solution for storage and organization of tools and accessories.  Since I have a very restricted space I wanted a solution that was compact and easy to move into position when working on projects.

It was then that I saw some great ideas of MFT carts here on the FOG and decided to build one.  I also wanted to have an additional MFT type work surface, but didn't have room for a second table.  The solution for me was to build a cart with a nested second top that could be quickly and easily expanded when needed.  Hence the cart below.

If I didn't already have an MFT, and if I had the space, I would have preferred to build a custom MFT bench and worktop larger in size than the Festool table.

I think it all comes down to what type of work people do, available space limitations, and existing equipment.

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

 

[Michael Kellough]

@ Sandy 

Since the MFT is designed as a portable work station it does seem wasteful to build it into a cabinet but almost all the designs I’ve seen here do allow the MFT to be lifted off the cabinet and be taken elsewhere, maintaining it’s original purpose.

 

[jroth33139]

[member=59951]Dick Mahany[/member] — That is a brilliant setup.  Gives lots of versatility and the ability to expand into a large footprint for larger projects is valuable.

 

[krudawg]

There have been several threads discussing the build of a number of very nice looking mobile cart/benches that make use of MFT/3 tables that mount on top of them.  While I have no issue with the utility of such benches, and while I like that they are mobile and provide space for systainers, dust collectors, and router tables, my question is why do they use MFT/3 tables.  Is it simply to avoid having to build an MFT/3 top?  Or is it place to store/use your MFT/3 table while it is in your shop?

Personally, I have two Festool MFT/3 tables.  In addition, I have now built several work benches, including three separate ones that use MFT-type tops (20mm holes on 96mm centers), namely, an MFT-C bench, a Ron Paulk type, and a folding bench.  For each of the latter three I created the tops using 3/4" MDF along with a method that I described in a prior post that uses a Festool 32mm "holey" rail along with a TSO rail square.

So, what am I missing?

Sandy

You must be lucky enough to have lots of room in your shop.  I share my golf-cart garage with a golf cart.  To do any work, I pull both my cars out of the 2-car garage side and move my power tools over to the other side.  "If it ain't on wheels, it don't get moved or used"  Putting the MFT on a custom built systainer cart does two things for me; it frees up shelf space because my systainers are now in the cart and mobilizes the MFT which means I use it.

 

[DeformedTree]

While I understand where you are going, I think too many people under-estimate the path of "just build something", instead of buying something.

Making the top cost materials, and takes a lot of time and work, verses just buying an MFT (you could buy a replacement top to save some money).  You still have to build a frame for that top, and nothing you build is going to be as good as what an MFT has, or if it is in the ballpark, you just spent a lot of money on aluminum extrusions.

You have the basic issue of "is an MFT over priced?"  ...yes.  "Can I build the SAME thing for less" ...no.

I would also look at it this way, base around an MFT, if you find you don't need it, you can sell it on craigslist of similar as you still have the bits.  But if you roll your own, when you decide you no longer need it, it goes to the dump as no one wants someones creation.

I gave up on the festool rail on an MFT very quick, but I still overall like the tables.  If I wanted something MFT like, any non-MFT solution is going to take me a lot of time, cost me a lot of money, and not be something I could off load.

So swinging back to why make things semi-permanent, well, everyone is different. I don't have that, thus why all my stuff is set up to relocate where ever I can work, I have zero fixed machinery, and right now, no fixed storage.  I have some saw horses, 2 MFTs, a saw, and a large heard of Sustainers on about a dozen sys carts.  I can see people who set up a shop in a space for a time, then pack it in, then bring it back out, so having something set up like a fixed shop for a period of time makes sense.  Having the blocks of that setup be something small and manageable makes sense.

 

[Svar]

"Can I build the SAME thing for less" ...no.

But, could I build a BETTER thing for less ... Yes.
Athought, if I price my time @ $50/hour then no.

 

[gunnyr]

"Can I build the SAME thing for less" ...no.

But, could I build a BETTER thing for less ... Yes.
Athought, if I price my time @ $50/hour then no.

RIGHT ON!  I find when I consider my time and the opportunity cost most things are MUCH cheaper to buy than build.  For me there is simply no point in building a copy of something.  When customers ask me to build a cabinet just like XXX I always tell them to go buy it.  If they want it just like it except it must be 3/4" bigger smaller, etc, then we'll talk.  They often discover that 3/4" isn't worth the cost.... [cool]

 

[Gr8trim4u]

To me it all boils down to time and efficiency on the job. If you have the space and can justify the use of producing your own tops for working surfaces then by all means. My current project has multiple closet and pantry built ins approx 40 sheets of 3/4" cabinet grade. Pull out the guide system order a  sheet of MDF. Spend 4 hours making a top that my level 2 guys can use efficiently and accurately. Money saved is well worth the time and effort spent. At the end of the project we will probably toss the piece of MDF.

Another project had 280 treads to install into a steel stringers and risers. (Long story supposed to be concrete) MFT Table, wheaton jig , vac and away we go.

TO me it all boils down to having the tools in your tool box to be flexible and accurate. The term carpenter on many projects boils down to handling anything the other guys cant do. Having the knowledge and the know how to do it accurately and quickly is what we should strive for. How and what you do has the biggest impact on clients and potential clients.