Recommendation for portable work support for MFT/3

[CoastRedwood]

I would like to have some portable work supports for the MFT/3 to help in supporting offcuts when cutting larger pieces, etc. I saw this RIGID Flip Top Portable Work Support recommended somewhere but it looks like it's out of stock in most places. Does anybody have any they recommend?

I am going to get the MFT extension table as well but it would be useful to have one or two portable supports as well that I can set up and move around more easily.

 

[Peter_C]

Welcome to FOG!

I have two MFT/3's, and one of the Festool MW1000 clip on tables. Often I just use a single MFT with the MW1000 when needed. The clip on table also nests inside the MFT/3. The MW1000 does stiffen up the MFT/3, but the angle brackets do more which I highly recommend adding to the MFT/3. I am very happy with the portable setup I use.

You can also just make some wings from MDF. It is very easy to cut a V onto some wood and screw, glue, or whatever it to the MDF wing. A support on the far side of some kind would make it sturdy.
Here is one way, but it might flex.https://www.ebay.com/itm/254651474929https://www.ebay.com/itm/254651474929

 

[Bob D.]

The RIDGID Flip-Top stands are nice. But if there are none available I guess it doesn't help much right now. Still think about picking up one or two when they are available.

I've had a couple for over a decade and use them all around the shop. Makes a good outfeed for the bandsaw and support for long pieces at the drill press. I've also used it with my spindle sander when I had a long curved piece to work. Don't know about the newer ones but the feet on the legs of the older model are loose and fall off. I found that 1" crutch tips fit snugly and will not come off. You can get a pack of four at the big box or hardware store for about $2.

 

[CoastRedwood]

Thanks for the warm welcome from both of you!

Welcome to FOG!

I have two MFT/3's, and one of the Festool MW1000 clip on tables. Often I just use a single MFT with the MW1000 when needed. The clip on table also nests inside the MFT/3. The MW1000 does stiffen up the MFT/3, but the angle brackets do more which I highly recommend adding to the MFT/3. I am very happy with the portable setup I use.

You can also just make some wings from MDF. It is very easy to cut a V onto some wood and screw, glue, or whatever it to the MDF wing. A support on the far side of some kind would make it sturdy.
Here is one way, but it might flex.https://www.ebay.com/itm/254651474929https://www.ebay.com/itm/254651474929

By the MFT angle brackets do you mean the Festool 495502 Cross Members?

Thanks for the link to the ebay MDF support table as well. I actually have a 3d printer for the brackets so it would be easy for me to create something similar in any size I wanted.

I think the MW 1000 + DIY table extensions will do great, though if I see the RIGID supports (or something similar) I'll probably pick one or two up for quick temporary support.

 

[Bob D.]

I made a set of brackets similar to those shown in the eBay ad. They are pretty sturdy but I wouldn't be sitting on there. They will take some weight. I didn't make my extension as wide as shown, mine is about 10 inches wide.

 

[guybo]

hi, this is down and dirty but its close ,we add a packer(shim) under the mdf then screw it down. guy

 

[rmwarren]

Years ago I stumbled on using a chunk of 80/20 1515 to grab onto the MFT V, the top sits right at 1/2 below the MFT top. There's a photo somewhere in a thread I was blabblering about it.

Edit: found the image. Just attach a piece  is 1/2" ply to it.

[attachimg=1]

RMW

 

[RJNeal]

I built a saw horse the same height as the MFT. It was one of the first things I did when I moved states and into a new shop.

 

[semenza]

    I have several LifeTime tables that I use for site work. The fold in half 2' x 4' with adjustable height legs. They are compact and handy for lots of things.  The adjustable legs use spring loaded 'balls' that pop into holes for adjustment. It is easy to drill extra holes to allow for whatever height is needed. I drilled some to match MFT height. For extra support they work fine. But not good for actual workbench use.  They are great to hold tools, Systainers , materials, little jobs, painting / finishing, etc.  Saves having to put stuff on the floor every where.

  For example -

  [attachimg=1]

Seth

 

[Peter_C]

By the MFT angle brackets do you mean the Festool 495502 Cross Members?

Those are them. They will stiffen the single table up a lot. I didn't put them onto my MFT until a long time later, then wondered why I waited so long.

(I LOVE the coastal redwoods and hike them often. Living in NorCal has it's benefits...except drought.)

 

[Bob D.]

Yes, the Festool leg braces do greatly improve stability. I bought one set when I got my MFT/3. But I wish I had bought a second set.

If one is good, two is better holds true in this instance.

 

[afish]

    I have several LifeTime tables that I use for site work. The fold in half 2' x 4' with adjustable height legs. They are compact and handy for lots of things.  The adjustable legs use spring loaded 'balls' that pop into holes for adjustment. It is easy to drill extra holes to allow for whatever height is needed. I drilled some to match MFT height. For extra support they work fine. But not good for actual workbench use.  They are great to hold tools, Systainers , materials, little jobs, painting / finishing, etc.  Saves having to put stuff on the floor every where.

  For example -

  [attachimg=1]

Seth

I have the same lifetime table and love that stupid little thing.  Not so much for construction related tasks but now that you mention it.  It would be handy for lots of lighter duty construction tasks.  Its super handy to have around the house for misc. things.  It folds up quickly and is very small when folded up.  Mine is several years old and for what it is its very sturdy. My only complaint is it can be tricky to collapse the legs on mine since each leg has the detents that work individually BUT looking at the photos online it looks like they might have fixed that with the newer models and they have a single orange button (which mine does not) so it looks like you can unlock both legs with one hand and have the other hand free to push down the legs.  On mine it takes two hands to press in the buttons then you have to find a way to press the legs down with a chin or knee or something.  Either way if that oragne button works the way I think it does Im going to upgrade mine ASAP.  Here is a link for $45 bucks its a steal.

   https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lifetim...42d6tCWi5aEaAlq_EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#overlay

I just watched the video and the orange button does indeed fix the issue I dont like on mine. HOWEVER, I also noticed they switched to a slot style detent for the legs On the tables [member=1619]SRSemenza[/member] and I have they use round detents so as he said you can easily drill an extra hole for any height you want.  The new version is going to be harder to make a custom height.  Not impossible but harder.  I dont use an MFT/3 so that doesnt matter to me and I will just use whatever height settings they have.  If anyone prefers the old style and in S. FL I will happily swap for a newer style