Raise 1080 table.

[rrmccabe]

After messing with a MFT3 at the local Festool dealer the 1080 low height just isn't going to cut it for me !

So thinking about extending the legs on the 1080.  I am more of a metal guy than wood guy so I can TIG something up pretty easy. Just looking for ideas beyond the obvious lengthen the tube.

I thought about making a short platform with wheels but I keep my table folded up in a wall mount (see pic) most the time and want to be able to take it up and down easy.

 

[nclemmons]

Can you make extensions that would slip into the existing legs after removing the rubber tips?  That would preserve the paint job on the MFT and let you explore different heights - start longer and cut down by holding the extension in the vice to cut rather than having to disassemble the table / legs.

neil

 

[rrmccabe]

Can you make extensions that would slip into the existing legs after removing the rubber tips?  That would preserve the paint job on the MFT and let you explore different heights - start longer and cut down by holding the extension in the vice to cut rather than having to disassemble the table / legs.

neil

Yea I don't know. I have never had the tips off. I know one is different because you need it for leveling.

 

[Corwin]

Here's an old solution:  http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-wish-list/wish-the-mft-had/msg2072/#msg2072

Another option would only be of use for those that don't need to fold their tables -- order another set of the longer legs to replace the shorter set and mount both longer legs sets on the lower positions.  This same method works with a second set of shorter rails to lower the table for those that are vertically challenged.  [blink]

 

[Kevin D.]

Maybe your solution is to look at it from the other end instead.  You could add a box of sorts to where the legs normally affix to the table and attach the legs to the box.  I did something of sorts myself for another unrelated reason, but there's no reason it would not work for you.

Look at the boxes I made here in this blog entry at another forum for an idea of what I'm talking about to give you potentially an idea of how you may be able to devise something similar.

http://forum.canadianwoodworking.com/entry.php?117-Securing-my-Festool-MFT-1080-to-my-Work-Assembly-Sysport-type-table

 

[Mavrik]

I am 1.83m tall.
I was getting a sore back working at the MFT 1080.

I raised it quite a lot (130mm / 5") and my back pain while working has gone away.
I built a platform with wheels; and indents in the platform for the table to stand in.
I went further and put a shelf on the platform and keep my frequently used Festools on the platform (TS55, RO125, OF1010).

I never fold my table away and understand this solution isn't completely for you.

However, what about building the platform with wheels and standing that against the wall as well.
When you want to use the table, unfold it, pull down the platform and put it on top.
It will give you the added benefit of having the table mobile so you can move it around the shop, if you wish.

As an aside I have a small workshop and have put ALL my stuff on castors (MFT, workbench, bandsaw, shop vac, ...).
Allows me to quickly move it all around.

 

[JoggleStick]

[edited for relevance]

Yes, 900 mm is an ideal working height for people of a specific height- but that ain't me... You see, I'm 6' 2" (1.85 m) tall and as a working height 900 mm (roughly 35 3/8") is just plain uncomfortable. At 900 mm I find I am in a constant stoop and develop a back ache or strain over an extended period of time. I decided long ago I would not stoop to work, if I didn't have to. Everyone has their own ideal work height; a work height that is comfortable to work at for an extended period of time without undue strain. And it is a very personal choice.
For me I have settled on 1050 mm as my standard bench height.
This is both for the workshop and on site.

Every bench, infeed and outfeed table, etc in my workshop is at 1050 mm. This uniformity of height has greatly improved my workflows and at this height I can work comfortably for much longer and do not 'tire' for an extended period of time.

I have a love/hate relationship with my MFT. I love the concept, and really love the design elements- being the top itself and T rail extrusions and of course the interaction of clamps, etc... but for me the table is too flimsy to be at true workbench, it is too small to handle sheetgoods, it is too low to be comfortable to work at for an extended period... So I have taken the design elements and incorporated them into all my other (self-built) work surfaces.
(cut) you should build the bench to your preferred work height....
Not the other way round and try an conform your work practices to a 'standard' height that may not be ideal for you...

[/quote]

The above is a post of mine from another thread...

As many have done on this forum and elsewhere, the MFT 'elements' have become a template for numerous wonderful workbenches, work surfaces, etc...

In a small workshop, like mine, the effort of standardising the table height... Ie drill press, workbenches, Contractors saw, jointer, etc to one height... By various means- mainly wheel around 'units'.... Well this has made an enormous positive difference to my workflow... Just sayin...

 

[rrmccabe]

If I had the room I would take the legs off and store them away and build a bench.

That is the perfect working setup. However I don't have the space (or dont want to give it up) so I have a U shaped mount that is 6" off the floor. I tip the table up to the wall and have a latch that latches to the extrusion. Fold the legs in and walk away.

I want to maintain the ease of this setup. So sitting the 1080 on something is not going to work for me

 

[peter halle]

Here is an idea that I have yet to play with that I envisioned for moving my shop back home into a 10 x 12 space.  I have read virtually every post about folding up a MFT and placing it on a rolling cabinet, but like you don't want to sacrifice the space.  But then I want to be able to roll it around without raising the height too much because I want everything else in the shop to match up with the resulting height.  So what I had in mind was something that utilized the raised height of lower cross pieces on the legs.  Imagine boxes that had an indexing system for catching the cross pieces.  Those boxes would be sized so that with the castors mounted it might lift the table (in my case 1/2") the amount that you want.  The boxes would connect with a plywood shelf that covered the area under the MFT that could be used for temporary storage, but when not needed the MFT could be folded up and the wheel assembly could be leaned up against or hung on a wall.  You could still use that extrusion that you have on the wall, you would just need to raise it to match the new height you want.

I hope that this makes sense.  I haven't gotten to the point of drawing it out, but if you look at any woodworking catalog that sells aftermarket bases for stationary tools where the castors are outboard of the machine and you will see my inspiration.

Peter

 

[Samo]

After messing with a MFT3 at the local Festool dealer the 1080 low height just isn't going to cut it for me !

So thinking about extending the legs on the 1080.  I am more of a metal guy than wood guy so I can TIG something up pretty easy. Just looking for ideas beyond the obvious lengthen the tube.

I thought about making a short platform with wheels but I keep my table folded up in a wall mount (see pic) most the time and want to be able to take it up and down easy.

Hey Rich,

I'm thinking of doing exactly the same thing to my MFT 1080.

Not much of a metal guy but do own a Millermatic 210 mig setup.  Can you let us all know if you decide to do it? 

I'm thinking of just adding an extension coupling to the legs.  Not sure what the best tube type and size would be?  I'm assuming these table legs are a light gauge steel?

Thanks, Sam

 

[TomGadwa1]

I am 1.83m tall.
I was getting a sore back working at the MFT 1080.

I raised it quite a lot (130mm / 5") and my back pain while working has gone away.
I built a platform with wheels; and indents in the platform for the table to stand in.
I went further and put a shelf on the platform and keep my frequently used Festools on the platform (TS55, RO125, OF1010).

I never fold my table away and understand this solution isn't completely for you.

However, what about building the platform with wheels and standing that against the wall as well.
When you want to use the table, unfold it, pull down the platform and put it on top.
It will give you the added benefit of having the table mobile so you can move it around the shop, if you wish.

As an aside I have a small workshop and have put ALL my stuff on castors (MFT, workbench, bandsaw, shop vac, ...).
Allows me to quickly move it all around.

Me too! For small shops rolling platforms are a Godsend!