Protecting MFT during glue-ups

[ear3]

Was going to utilize the clamping capabilities of my new MFT to glue up a cabinet I'm building.  I'm wondering, what are the best options for protecting the surface of the table from errant glue?

I didn't care about this sort of mess on my plywood and wood-tiled workbench, but I would like to keep my MFT as clean as possible for as long as I can, excepting the kerf cuts of course.

 

[Sparktrician]

You might consider using waxed paper taped down to the top of the MFT as a protector.  Butcher paper might be a little more sturdy, too. 

 

[fatroman]

I use wax paper and don't bother to tape it down. I'll punch holes in it for clamps when I'm gluing miters.

 

[mcooley]

Same, here, wax paper.

 

[GarryMartin]

Another vote for wax paper. I was able to get a roll that is a little wider than the MFT so very easy to roll out over the surface when needed; it's the kind of stuff they wrap machine parts in to stop the oil getting everywhere.

 

[Brent Taylor]

Red rosin paper, It comes in a 3' roll and is good for covering most flat surfaces, ie. floors, work top and the like. It's also not slippery and it's cheap. used it for years. B

 

[waho6o9]

[attachimg=1]

[smile]

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I just scrape or sand the glue off. 

 

[ear3]

Thanks for the suggestions.  I still have half a roll of the red rosin paper lying around, so I'll just use that for right now, but will look into the wax paper, since I can also use that to protect some of my hand tools that spend more time stashed away than they do in my hands, and so are prone to rust.

 

[mouppe]

Thanks for the suggestions.  I still have half a roll of the red rosin paper lying around, so I'll just use that for right now, but will look into the wax paper, since I can also use that to protect some of my hand tools that spend more time stashed away than they do in my hands, and so are prone to rust.

Wax paper works for me. I use loads of it. But I also let the glue drop on my workbench and use a putty knife to scrape it off after 15 minutes or so. I have found the MFT is not so forgiving as it is MDF-like and the glue can get in the kerfs and holes.

Best way to protect hand tools is to either buy a roll of the rust-proof paper sold by Lie Nielsen and wrap your tools in it, or wipe them down with an oily rag. I use a rag moistened with jojoba oil on my saws, planes, chisels etc. After several years of doing this, I still haven't seen a spot of rust.

 

[sancho57]

I dont worry about it. I just glue it up. The MFT is a work bench. If it good to bad, Ill flip the top.

 

[ear3]

Thanks for the tip on the Lie Nielsen paper.  Other than the block plane and lathe chisels, I don't do much handtooling.

 

[slopjock78]

I dont (yet) have a MFT, but i used MDF for the tops i put on the repurposed kitchen cabinets i used in my basement shop.  I coated the MDF tops with Watco Satin Wax.  This provides some protection to the MDF, and glue cleans up with zero issues.  I will most definitely be using this product when i get my MFT.

[attachimg=1]

 

[stvrowe]

I have a piece of 3/4" MDF that I have inserted some tapered dowels in to index with the MFT holes (keeps it from sliding around).  I waxed the MDF to keep glue from sticking.