Post Christmas Questions

[SoonerFan]

I started my Festool journey about a year ago.  Over that time I have acquired more
tools every few months and recently got a Kapex to round out what I need.  I have sometime off for Christmas and want to build solutions for sheet goods breakdown and the miter saw.

1.  I have searched FOG and looked at a number of solutions to break down sheet goods with the TS.  I want a solution that I can takedown when not being used.  Maybe a solution built out of plywood that connects to stand upright and then stores easily.  Any suggestions?  Very interested in input from others that have sheet good "tables" they takedown when not being used.

2.  I am going to build a stand for the Kapex that has sustainer storage and space for a CT underneath.  Any suggestions for options to extend the fence?  I would like the fence extension to have a flag stop and built in (or added on) metric measuring.  Not looking for a huge miter saw stand.  I will build it 900mm in height and use my MFT/3 if needed for longer pieces.

3.  For Kapex dust extraction will a Midi and a 36mm hose suffice?  I like the Midi design and size and believe power is the same as other CTS.  If the only drawback is bag capacity that is not a big concern.  I am a hobbyist.  If I have a big project I have a CT36 I could connect.  I bought a CT26 with the Kapex but I have not opened it and can exchange for a Midi.

 

[Stone Message]

I will be a little selfish in my response...

Q1 - I built a pair of folding trestles and put 4 pieces of 2x4 across the top to form a flat surface. I cut full size sheets on that. I have a piece of MDF, about 1600 mm x 1000 mm which has an array of 20 mm holes for the Parf Dogs. I then break down my sheets further with this and get 100% accuracy with the 90 deg cuts.

Q2 - Take a look at my Kapex Mitre Station. It could easily be modified to have a CT space underneath. I have the Incra Flip Stop Fence and it is simply brilliant - dead accurate every time.

Q3 - I am pretty certain that the Midi has the same power as my CT26 (I will stand to be corrected) and with a 36 mm hose it will work really well.

Peter

 

[wow]

1. You don't state which solutions you looked at, or whether you rejected or are considering them? Without this information we're kind of crippled in trying to help you. However, have you looked ad Ron Paulk's bench? It would meet many of the requirements you listed.

2. Peter Parfitt - as mentioned above - published a nice video on the Kapex station he built. Even if you don't want to build it exactly as he did, he provides many dimensions and ideas that are useful for designing your own. I plan to incorporate some if his dimensions and ideas in what I build.

3. The Midi has the same motor and therefore the same suction as the other CT's, but with a smaller collection base. There is one other difference that gives the Midi a TINY bit less efficient suction, which is the 90-degree fitting for the hose. While the other CT's have a 'straight shot' from the hose into the bag, the MIDI has a 90 degree elbow which helps with keeping the hose low profile, with a minimal impact on suction. I can't imagine that the drop in suction would even be noticeable using it as you envision, but I mention it for reasons of completeness.

 

[rvieceli]

There are quite a few threads here on cutting tables. Plus if you google plywood cutting table you'll also find a bunch. On the forum search "cutting table" with the quotes.

Most consist of some sort of grid held up by sawhorses or legs or laid on tables. If folks have a bit of room they tend to leave the top assembled and hang it from the wall or the ceiling. If they need to transport or have no space they employ a half lap slip joint and can take it apart into a small stack of boards.

Here are a couple of threads to get you started.

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/please-show-me-your-plywood-cutting-tables!/?all

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/cuttingwork-table/?all

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/another-cutting-table-video/msg276910/#msg276910

 

[Birdhunter]

I have a very small work space so I need a solution for sheet goods that can be used then stored away. My solution for breaking down 4X8 sheets of Baltic plywood or any other sheet goods is based on two folding sawhorses with sacrificial tops and a TS55 track saw plus a rail. I also will lay two 8' 2X4s across the saw horses to support the sheet I'm cutting.
I use the Festool screw clamps to position the rail to my cut marks, hook up the TS55 to power and a vac, and cut away.
If I'm cutting smaller pieces, I either use my Sawstop table saw or the TS55 on my MFT/rail.

I have a dedicated Midi vac with the large anti-static hose connected to the Kapex. I do have the Kapex stock extensions on each side of the Kapex and have never needed longer extensions for the type of work I do. My Kapex is mounted on the Festool mobile stand. It is far more stable than I expected when I bought it. I had a project where I needed to cut a LOT of Ipe boards to length in my garage rather than carrying the long boards into my downstairs shop. Having the folding mobile base made moving the Kapex easy.

 

[Brent Taylor]

I think Shop Notes mag had a few plans for knock-down panel saws set-up.

 

[Sparktrician]

As for question #1, I use a cutting table made from 2x4s bought at the Borg.  I did lap joints and used 2-1/2" screws through the joints, but set in from the bottom so I need not be concerned about hitting them with the blade as I break down sheet goods.  The one change I'd make is in the placement of two of the three longest members.  The outermost longitudinal members I'd move out 6" from their current position.  The reason for this is that when I use the parallel guides, I sometimes need to use the extensions, and once installed on the rails, I need to adjust their positions on the rails.  To do this, I need to pick up the assemble to get to the locking levers that hold the parallel guides to the rail.  If I'd moved the position of the outer longitudinal members by 6", I'd not have to lift the assembly to change positions of the guides.  The open grid allows the loops of the parallel guide extensions to drop under the grid so the work piece lies flat.  I also use this grid as a base on which to place components that I'm spray painting.  The whole thing is considered to be sacrificial, so when it's all cut up, it goes into the woodstove.

 

[BMH]

A little more information on your shop layout would be helpfull. Is the area where you are going to break down the sheet of plywood the same place as your shop or seperate. Where do you intend to store the break down table. Is your MFT3 in the same area?

Miter station. The MIDI is perfect for the Kapex and you can loose the 90 degree elbow and plug in the 36mm hose directly. Had the same set up but discovered that I used the midi for my other festool as it was beside my second work bench. Peter Parfitt has a good solution for that.

 

[JonSchuck]

I have a Benchmark that I like a lot for cutting sheet goods.  It was reported on here that they went out of business a couple years ago but it looks to me that they are back in business.  It also looks like (if I remember correctly) that prices are about $100 higher.  The thing is really solidly made and sturdy and the legs fold up.

http://www.benchmarktable.com/Default.asp

 

[Gary in Texas]

I have a Benchmark that I like a lot for cutting sheet goods.  It was reported on here that they went out of business a couple years ago but it looks to me that they are back in business.  It also looks like (if I remember correctly) that prices are about $100 higher.  The thing is really solidly made and sturdy and the legs fold up.

http://www.benchmarktable.com/Default.asp

I don't think they are back in business.  Although there is a link to Amazon on the Benchmark website, Amazon has no products of theirs for sale. Last time I reserched Benchmark, appeared they got into some financial difficulties, some folks lost their money never receiving the product purchased direct from their website.  Shame, as the table looked quite nice.  I wouldn't mind having one myself....

 

[Johnny5]

Came across this the other day.  A bit of work, but if you're limited on space....