Portable MFT assembly table using Rockwell Jawhorse

[Wooden Skye]

I was kicking around an idea that wouldn't take up to much space in my shop.  I was wondering if anyone has used the Jawhorse as a portable assembly table with either a homemade MFT or with a purchased replacement top?  Ideally i would like the size to be 32"x36".  This wouldn't replace my MFT/3, but would leave it open for other tasks.  I was thinking of building a frame out of 2x material and cut a groove for the top to sit it.  The bottom would be left open, with maybe a cross brace for added support, so that I could still use my qwas and parf dogs, as well as the clamping elements and other Festool clamps. 

So I guess my main questions are have people used the jawhorse in a similar manner?  Anybody have other portable MFT type assembly tables?

 

[rjwz28]

Bryan, I don't know what is a jawhorse but I made my MFT type top and use it on 2 sawhorses.

You can see it here.

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/latest-homemade-mft/msg291476/#msg291476

Rob

 

[rmwarren]

I was kicking around an idea that wouldn't take up to much space in my shop.  I was wondering if anyone has used the Jawhorse as a portable assembly table with either a homemade MFT or with a purchased replacement top?  Ideally i would like the size to be 32"x36".  This wouldn't replace my MFT/3, but would leave it open for other tasks.  I was thinking of building a frame out of 2x material and cut a groove for the top to sit it.  The bottom would be left open, with maybe a cross brace for added support, so that I could still use my qwas and parf dogs, as well as the clamping elements and other Festool clamps. 

So I guess my main questions are have people used the jawhorse in a similar manner?  Anybody have other portable MFT type assembly tables?

80/20... [big grin]

RMW

 

[Wooden Skye]

Richard

80/20 would be a good add to at least 2 sides, but my only hesitation, is since it won't be set up all the time the 80/20 may get damaged.  The reason I would add to 2 sides would be so no damage is done from clamping down the jawhorse.  Actually as I type this, Incra t track might be an option.

Bryan

 

[rmwarren]

Bryan,

You got me thinking about this setup (my ADD kicked in) and it's intriguing for guys like me with no space for big, permanent tables. I rarely have to transport anything but I do have to knock it down for storage, hence the modular 80/20 cutting/assembly table. The only problem is this take too long to set up unless I am going to be working all day. Your idea would be fast.

Here are a couple thought that jumped to mind:

[attachthumb=#]

In that one the 1530 rests on the top of the jawhorse, the clamp grabs the 1515. This idea depends on the height difference between the clamp jaws & the top of the jawhorse being < 3", I am only guessing it would work without some modification. The next one would have the table top cantilevered in both directions, may be a bit shaky but I don't have a jawhorse, not familiar with how sturdy they are:

[attachthumb=#]

The best option may be a hybrid, 1530 in the center and at the end, so one side of the top cantilevers and the other rests on the jawhorse. When not in use the table top can be hung on a wall.

This is worth playing with.

RMW 

 

[Wooden Skye]

The first sketch is more similar to what I sketched this morning.  The difference is that I used 2X4 because I would probably want to see if it did work before making a larger investment in 80/20.  The Jawhorse has a maximum clamping width of 37", so instead of clamping one side, you could fit the entire table in between the jaws if I went with 32X36"  The jawhorse claims to have around 1000 lbs of clamping force, so I would assume that this would stay level and need no additional support.

My crude sketches should be attached.