My version of the MFT - pics attached
- Thread starter bijeshj
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Lancashire Fusilier
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That's very handy. Is it primarily for finishing / constructing?
Matthew Schenker
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bijeshj,
This is interesting to me, as I have been on a quest of sorts in the past couple of years to figure out how to integrate the MFT into more of a central workbench area. My shop is small, so I need to make full use of every foot I've got. We have discussed the use of those hydraulic (is that the right term?) tables before, so I'm glad to see you've done it.
I've got a notebook full of plans I put together for expanded MFTs and ways to build a larger workbench surface with an MFT-like surface. One of these days, I just have to go with one of them!
Thanks for showing us your setup. Feel free to post other "action" shots from the bat cave! When I first saw your photos, I thought perhaps you were down in your shop at 3:00 AM and the moonlight was streaming in.
Matt
This is interesting to me, as I have been on a quest of sorts in the past couple of years to figure out how to integrate the MFT into more of a central workbench area. My shop is small, so I need to make full use of every foot I've got. We have discussed the use of those hydraulic (is that the right term?) tables before, so I'm glad to see you've done it.
I've got a notebook full of plans I put together for expanded MFTs and ways to build a larger workbench surface with an MFT-like surface. One of these days, I just have to go with one of them!
Thanks for showing us your setup. Feel free to post other "action" shots from the bat cave! When I first saw your photos, I thought perhaps you were down in your shop at 3:00 AM and the moonlight was streaming in.
Matt
Roland Chung
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Bijeshj,
I like your project, thanks for sharing. I thought that I was ready to start building and collected a garage full of material - now I can't park the car and I am still collecting design ideas.
1) I notice that the dimensions of your table are similar to the MFT. Why did you choose the 8020 extrusions over the Festool extrusions?
2) Can you give us more details about the lift?
3) If you were to do anything different, what would it be? Don't mean to suggest that it isn't perfect as is, but I know that when I finally get around to building mine, there will be at least a couple of things that I might want to do differently.
I like your project, thanks for sharing. I thought that I was ready to start building and collected a garage full of material - now I can't park the car and I am still collecting design ideas.
1) I notice that the dimensions of your table are similar to the MFT. Why did you choose the 8020 extrusions over the Festool extrusions?
2) Can you give us more details about the lift?
3) If you were to do anything different, what would it be? Don't mean to suggest that it isn't perfect as is, but I know that when I finally get around to building mine, there will be at least a couple of things that I might want to do differently.
I used a standard 2'4' MDF panel from HD. I used the 8020 extrusions since it was way cheaperRoland Chung said:
than the Festool version and I also felt that they were a more robust.I cut the extrustions to the 2'4' dimensions which will help when it is time to replace the top.
I can mount either a 3/4" or 1/2" top. I am in the process of building a jig to route MFT type holes in the top.
I purchased the lift from Harbor Freight when it was on sale for approx $90.00. I used the 500lb lift.Roland Chung said:
I am fairly happy with it so far but it is not fully complete yet. I am planning to add a 3/4" top, the brackets I fabricated to attach to my mft is adjustable. I am also planning on fabricating a rectangle box that will be mounted to the lift. The extrusions and top will then be mounted to the box. My plan is to mount a router plate similar to what John Lucas (I am a great fan of his site and work) did. The rectangle box will help me add in dust collection as well.Roland Chung said:
I am also planning to change the rotating casters to dual lock ones as well.
[/quote]
Matthew: It was fairly late but not the moon
. I will try to post some additional things that I built including project pics when I get a chance.mntbighker
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Damn, 80/20 is the ultimate wet dream fantasy for any grown up kid that played with Lego's as a kid. Good thing I don't have a garage to work in and even better that they don't have a nice convenient supplier near me or I would never get to deposit a paycheck ;-)
Steveo48 said:
Big box. Nope.
Check out 80/20's surplus sales on eBay: 80/20 Garage Sale
I've used the inch-dimensioned extrusions. Depending on how integrated your project is with the MFT, you might want to use their metric extrusions.
Bijeshj--
Love the hydraulic table. I've wanted to do that for some time, and it looks like yours came out really well.
Ned
Matthew Schenker said:
Is this an appropriate time to suggest another forum, Custom MFT tables? I'm curious how many people are out there doing this.
I've already spent a few hours (ok, more than a few) since Thursday looking up T slot framing and working up designs on sketchup for myself at home.
Of course, I might be the only geek really biting on this.
Steve
Eli said:
Eli,
I went and eyeballed a MFT at Rockler last night and the extrusion at the top of the MFT that supports/guides the guiderail system is not a typical T Slot extrusion. Do you know if Item actually carries this profile. I looked and couldn't fined it in the Item web site (not that it's not there, they have A LOT of profiles).
Steve
Although they don't seem to publicly carry any of the exact profiles, there are a couple of them that would work fine. I'm using them for something else, If I was going to build a BF-MFT, I'd probably get the rails from Festool. I did find that the best way to sort through the ITEM stuff is via paper catalog, it's a bit more accessible. My opinion is for the money, it's less hassle and quicker to just buy another 1080 and some connectors. Much more versatile.
Brice Burrell
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Steve as Eli posted, you can buy the Festool MFT Profiles, and build your own table.
Brice Burrell said:
Yes, and pay an outrageous sum for two rails. Thanks, but I'd rather not.
Part of the purpose of this discussion is working around what's available off the shelf and coming up with something better. And even better if it's cheaper. Or free. There's not much glory in bragging about your latest purchase, but you can really put it out there when you have designed and built a better mousetrap..... or MFT in this case. ;D
Steve
