I'm going to purchase an MFT 1080 in the near future. I've read Jerry Work's manual (which was fantastic, by the way - I've printed his other 2 manuals as well and am Working thru them (pardon the pun!)). It would be useful to me and probably to other prospective buyers to develop a list of recommended accessories (clamps, etc.) that experienced users have found to be indispensible. Something along the lines of a recommended "Order List" if you're buying the MFT. Thanks in advance. Brian
Recommended accessories for MFT 1080
- Thread starter bwiele
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Michael Kellough
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Description Clamping elements, for safe and exact fixing of workpieces on MFT, Qty. 2, MFT-SP
Item # 488030
Price $80.00
Inventory Status
Yes they are costly but they fit tight into the holes in the MFT. For light work you don't even have to use the knobs which secure the elements to the table. There are lots of clamps that pass through the holes but don't really use the holes like these do. I think they're worth the price.
They're taller than 3/4" stock so it would be good to have the Veritas Bench Dogs for holding that thickness stock below the surface.
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=31129&cat=1,43838,43847&ap=1
While you are at Lee Valley get some T-nuts, T-bolts, and knobs for adding jigs and fixtures to the slotted rails of the MFT.
Item # 488030
Price $80.00
Inventory Status
Yes they are costly but they fit tight into the holes in the MFT. For light work you don't even have to use the knobs which secure the elements to the table. There are lots of clamps that pass through the holes but don't really use the holes like these do. I think they're worth the price.
They're taller than 3/4" stock so it would be good to have the Veritas Bench Dogs for holding that thickness stock below the surface.
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=31129&cat=1,43838,43847&ap=1
While you are at Lee Valley get some T-nuts, T-bolts, and knobs for adding jigs and fixtures to the slotted rails of the MFT.
You will find other applications when you read up on the MFS. Jerry shows how complementary that system is to the MFT. Adding the MFS is a big investment right out of the chute but, as you use the table, it might pay to ask yourself if the MFS might have help with any given setups you are attempting. I have found it very useful with the MFT. I also agree with Michael about the clamps he cited.
Greg
Greg
Bob Marino
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I agree with Michael and Greg.
Couple of other items I find very usefull.
The standard FSZ clamps or the Quick Clamps can also be used in the MFT profiles, both on the vertical and horizontal axis as well as in the MFT holes. The Longitudinal Stop is fast and accurate for repeat cuts.
Bob
Couple of other items I find very usefull.
The standard FSZ clamps or the Quick Clamps can also be used in the MFT profiles, both on the vertical and horizontal axis as well as in the MFT holes. The Longitudinal Stop is fast and accurate for repeat cuts.
Bob
Accessories I'd recommend:
A second "end stop" (Adjustable stop for angle unit of MFT, MFT-AR Item # 490555) is handy.
The Quick Clamps are invaluable. Get two. Then add FSZ clamps in both 120 and 300mm sizes.
The Clamping Elements are handy.
Items I've found less useful than I imagined (your mileage may vary):
FS-Rapid clamp. I don't have the profile extrusion, which make this into a sort of bar clamp. The clamp does fit on the guide rail, but I've never used it.
Longitudinal stop. Haven't used this one very much.
Both of these accessories work as advertised. I've just found that I don't use them very often.
A second "end stop" (Adjustable stop for angle unit of MFT, MFT-AR Item # 490555) is handy.
The Quick Clamps are invaluable. Get two. Then add FSZ clamps in both 120 and 300mm sizes.
The Clamping Elements are handy.
Items I've found less useful than I imagined (your mileage may vary):
FS-Rapid clamp. I don't have the profile extrusion, which make this into a sort of bar clamp. The clamp does fit on the guide rail, but I've never used it.
Longitudinal stop. Haven't used this one very much.
Both of these accessories work as advertised. I've just found that I don't use them very often.
Hi Andy,
MFS is a "multi-routing template". Adjustable rails that can form a guide system for squares, rectangles, curves or circles. There's two models MFS400 @$229 & MFS700 @$351 plus extension rails to make these larger.
A FOG member/dealer "down under" has a nice over view on this accessory.
http://www.idealtools.com.au/category3512_1.htm
Hope this helps, jim
MFS is a "multi-routing template". Adjustable rails that can form a guide system for squares, rectangles, curves or circles. There's two models MFS400 @$229 & MFS700 @$351 plus extension rails to make these larger.
A FOG member/dealer "down under" has a nice over view on this accessory.
http://www.idealtools.com.au/category3512_1.htm
Hope this helps, jim
Daviddubya
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Check out this MFT page at John Lucas' site for clamp recommendations:
http://www.woodshopdemos.com/fest-18.htm
In addition to the fine Festool clamps, the Veritas and Jorgenson clamps are quite useful.
And some more recommended reading on Festool, including the MFT:
http://www.woodshopdemos.com/men-fes.htm
http://www.woodshopdemos.com/fest-18.htm
In addition to the fine Festool clamps, the Veritas and Jorgenson clamps are quite useful.
And some more recommended reading on Festool, including the MFT:
http://www.woodshopdemos.com/men-fes.htm
Thanks for all the responses. I've read most of Mr. Work's MFS manual also. I'll probably order that along with the MFT. I give myself an annual budget for tools, and this year I don't have anything really big to buy. Of course, there's the often overlooked gift exchange opportunity called "Groundhog Day" - maybe I'll ask my wife for it. 
At the point where it seems we've gotten most of the responses we're going to get, I'll try to pull all the info together in one post with a summary list including part numbers to facilitate it for others.
At the point where it seems we've gotten most of the responses we're going to get, I'll try to pull all the info together in one post with a summary list including part numbers to facilitate it for others.
The MFT is one of those tools (It looks like a bench, but it IS a tool) with so many possibilities. The one component that does not come from anywhere but your own shop is: IMMAGINATION. If you have plenty of that, there seems no end to the uses you will find.
Tinker
Tinker
Michael Kellough
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bill-e said:
Same here. Since Canadian's went ahead and adopted (or adjusted to) the metric system, d they have 20mm dowels?
Trick I picked up from some site is that 1/2" threaded rod joiners have almost exactly the maximum radius of the MFT holes. I used them to hold my router table in place on the table, and will probably end up building some more jigs with 'em, especially if I can dig up some cheap 1/2" thread knobs.
Loren Hedahl
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- Jan 16, 2007
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bill-e said:
For situations similar to this I have been known to wrap a few turns of electrical tape to take up the looseness. The stuff I have ranges between 5 and 7 thousandths thick depending on how tight you pull it and how warm it is.
Loren
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