Putting MFT 3 on a cart help

[oakhilltop]

My MFT 3 stays in my shop and I need more storage. I am planning on putting the top (with all of the side rails etc) on a rolling cart of some sort. I have not even started the plan of the cart yet, but would like to hear of any gotchas that I should avoid.

For instance, how much clearance should I allow between the MFT 3 top, and the top of the cart? There has to be enough clearance to reach under for rail dogs and to put the festool clamps through the holes.

Some posts have mentioned that the MDF can sag. I have not experienced that, but am considering putting an extra support somewhere in the center. Not sure how I would do it without interfering with some feature of the mft.

Can you think of any other thing that would be one of those 'Oh Sh?t' moments after you have built everything?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[peter halle]

If you search here you will find many threads about MFT carts from which you can attempt to extract what you like versus don't.  I used the phrase "attempt" because there are tons and each situation - just like yours - is uniques to the user.

Peter

 

[oakhilltop]

I did search and found a thread about this. But the thread was more about the use of Dominos in the construction of his cart.

I'm more interested in what I should be considering in the design of the cart, and only related to the mft 3. I will have to figure out if I want drawers, shelves, how big it should be, etc.

All I can see now, is making sure I leave enough clearance under the mft 3 top.

I'll try the search again.

 

[Stone Message]

Hi [member=49497]oakhilltop[/member],

If you PM me your email address I will send you the plans for my mobile bench. From it you can extract the information that you need as the top is the right distance away from what is below. It may also feed your imagination for your own special design.

You can search for the videos about the bench by doing a search for "Peter Parfitt Mobile Bench".

Peter

 

[Wooden Skye]

Search here for "my version of mft sysport", it was on of the best I've seen and the OP answered a lot of questions. I think the OP is sprior

 

[Lou in DE]

For instance, how much clearance should I allow between the MFT 3 top, and the top of the cart? There has to be enough clearance to reach under for rail dogs and to put the festool clamps through the holes.
Thanks,
Steve

If you just set the MFT3 on top of the cart, the clearance will be fine:

Lou

 

[bxmartin]

This may be the one wooden skye was talking about.  I just finished building mine and the design was great. 
http://festoolownersgroup.com/membe...-come-up-with-version-2-for-this-mft-sysport/

Brian

 

[oakhilltop]

Thanks everyone.

Lots of great feedback here and even more for me to think about.

I think that there is a lumber storage cart build first, then this could be the next project

Did I say that my shop is a mess and I need more storage?

 

[Acrobat]

Personally, I have my mft sitting on a plywood cart, with wheels. Remove the mft's legs completely and put it on top.
Ensure the wheels have brakes that lock/unlock easily. I think I have my wheels on the smaller side and would possibly get larger sized next time, as with all the systainers, drawers and equipment and the mft on top it is damn heavy. But I was wanting to have as many systainers and drawers as possible and having the same overall height  as a standard MFT top meant I had to get wheels that wouldn't increase it's height anymore.
I would also think twice about leaving more room under the mft to allow easier access to fit clamps in and out of the dog holes. On mine I removed the MFT's legs and it simply sits in place with a block on each corner so it doesn't move around, but it is a bit of a pain getting the clamps inserted and removed. I would like another 2 inches clearance really.
Apart from that having the systainers right under the mft in drawers is such a time saver and ease of use and great to store everything away..
There are some great carts on the FOG, I got my inspiration from ithem and am glad I made one. I also copied an idea of a rest shelf for the TS saw, which is just a shelf that attaches to the right side via some t bolts that fit in the mft channel, so I always have somewhere to rest the saw. So handy.
Good luck with your cart, I know once you've made it you'll find more uses for it.