MTF table top

[mlhaycock]

Just bought TS55 and MTF table.  I know you are supposed to cut right on the table top but I cant bring myself to cut my brand new table surface.  What options have people used to use table rails, etc but not cut the table top.

 

[Brice Burrell]

I've only made a few cuts in my MFT. For crosscuts using the rail on the MFT I'll cut into the top. The rest of my cuts I'll throw some scrap plywood, MDF or foam down to protect the top. 

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

The MFT top is meant to be sacrificial material.  You can turn the top 180 degrees and flip it over to extend its life.  Replacement tops can be purchased if necessary.  I think the majority of people (myself included) tend to only cut one kerf where the rail is in its default position.

Congratulations on your new purchases and welcome to the forum! We hope to hear more from you in the future.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Just cut it.

You will only have one crosscut kerf in it if you use the rail set-up.

I have spilled more things on that table then I care to remember.  Mental note, may not be the best surface to do automotive repairs on.

I have had my table for almost 2 years and I have yet to get to the point of considering flipping it over.

 

[score0matic]

Did you purchase a tool (to use) or a trophy (to collect and admire).
Some folks have unintentionally (and unconsciously) switched their hobby from woodworking to tool collecting.

This is a litmus test.
There are even a few who have moved from tool collecting to Shop building.  They spend all their time, talent and $$$ building the "perfect" shop, and that becomes an end in itself.  For a fun perspective of this phenomena go to http://www.owwm.org and check out some of the classic American "ARN"  that has been restored to better than new
It is your hobby enjoy it as you see fit,  in this case there is no right or wrong. 

Craig

 

[Frank Pellow]

I can't imagine having an MFT and not cutting into it.  As Shawn said, it is meant to be cut into and the top can later be moved to make cuts in another place.  Another thing to note, is that the cuts can easily be filled in with Bondo auto-body filler.  I have two MFTs and the oldest one which is 6 years old has been so moved and  "repaired" several times and is not any the worse for wear.

 

[wnagle]

I'm with you Frank.  I fill my kerf with some epoxy and recut it when it gets wider from use.  Makes a nice new zero clearance kerf and only takes a few minutes.

 

[mlhaycock]

Thanks everyone.  I got it.  Will definitely use table top for crosscuts.  Wife read Craig's post and couldn't stop laughing.  Guess I will have to complete some of the honey do projects now.
Mike

 

[score0matic]

[big grin] sorry bout making you work, glad I made some folks laugh
Craig

 

[Wim]

With my first cut on the MFT/3, I tried to keep the top unscarred by cutting the plywood until the last mm. I flipped the sheet over and cut the last bit. The cuts did not line-up perfectly. I realized then that this was not the Festool way. So I lowered the saw 2 mm and made my first perfect cut. It is like jumping from a high springboard, it takes some guts to do it the first time. And I like to see tabletops from others with grooves all over the surface. Those tops have seen real action.

 

[honeydoman]

CUT INTO IT!  that is almost as bad as not wanting to use your ts55 as it might dull the blade!

i replace my tops about 2-3 times a years and I also flip them over.  I use them all the time as I do this professionally.  that is what they are meant to be used for. 

enjoy the table, I have 3 now and love them and use them it makes my work go faster, easier and smarter! 

 

[Frank Pellow]

CUT INTO IT!   that is almost as bad as not wanting to use your ts55 as it might dull the blade!

...
 

Good analogy.  [thumbs up]

 

[MarkF]

Heck...just do what I did and go ahead and cut completely through the thing [eek] and get it over with.  Seriously...if it happens to you, put a strip of masking tape over the bottom of the cut and pack the cut full of Bondo or epoxy and sand it smooth.  Good as new.

 

[Frank Pellow]

Heck...just do what I did and go ahead and cut completely through the thing [eek] and get it over with.  Seriously...if it happens to you, put a strip of masking tape over the bottom of the cut and pack the cut full of Bondo or epoxy and sand it smooth.  Good as new.

Yes, I have cut all the way through mine  :-[ too and I repared it the way that you suggest.

 

[johnbro]

Mine's all cut up and it's no problem. One of these days I'll fill with Bondo and sand it down. Or maybe not...