Need Help, Please: Dimensions of the Festool MFT/3 Connector Bars

[DrD]

If anyone knows the dimensions (length, width, thickness) of the #484 455 MFT/3 Connectors, I would appreciate them.  Closest Festool Dealer is ~ 150 mi away, so help with this is appreciated.

Thanks, Don

 

[neeleman]

Cross-cut dimensions are: 8,95 x 13,95 mm, length 250 mm.
With four M8 Flat Point Socket Setscrews.

 

[Michael Kellough]

This stuff from McMaster is a little undersized but it will work if you drill and tap holes for set screws.

The set screws will cost a lot more than the stock but maybe you can use the extras.

 

[rvieceli]

[member=19075]DrD[/member] if you are looking to fabricate some, take a look at the Makita style connectors instead. They are a two piece unit. the set screws tighten against another metal piece and not the rail. It tightens by expanding the connector in the slot. There is no way to dimple the rail with the set screws since they don't hot it.

Here is a thread about some DIY projects.
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/homemade-guide-rail-connectors-(not-your-typical-ones)

ACK!!! cannot get the above link to work right. Anyway click on it and then go to the end of the link in the address bar and and add the last parentheses and hit enter. Should take you to the spot.
https://www.amazon.com/Makita-P-457...ie=UTF8&qid=1477326486&sr=8-1&keywords=makita+guide+rail+connectors

 

[DrD]

Thanks all for the help!

[member=3192]rvieceli[/member] Thanks, and you are correct.  When fastening 2 Guide Rails together, I much prefer the Makita to the festool connectore.  I did look at using the Festool Guide Rail bars to connect my Mft/3's but there is too much play and I would need longer set screws.  Of course by using some washers behind the guides, one might achieve needed stability - I might try that.

[member=7673]neeleman[/member] Thanks for the dimensions.  The length is too short to do what I need.  I set up my first MFT/3 like [member=1674]Peter Halle[/member] did in one of his videos, securing the Stop Profile with a #495541 clamp.  The clamp attaches to the back profile, not the side, creating the inability to butt the next MFT/3 up to the 1st.  If I mount the clamp on the side profile, that moves the Stop Profile too far out into the table, limiting my cross cut capacity.  The clamp takes up about 3", which means I need a minimum bar length of 12-14".  But I wouldn't have known that with your dimensions - thanks.

[member=297]Michael Kellough[/member] Thanks for the item at McMaster Karr; they also have nifty metric set screws with nylon tips which a lot of FOGGERS use on their Guide Rail Clamps,  Again, Thanks

Don

 

[Roseland]

Cross-cut dimensions are: 8,95 x 13,95 mm, length 250 mm.
With four M8 Flat Point Socket Setscrews.

Are you sure they're M8, and not M6?

Andrew

 

[neeleman]

Yes on the VS they are M8, measured it myself.
On the FSV there are 4 M6 screws.