Today, I had boards that measured 1/2" x 1' x 8', that I had to cut down to several 11" and 16" pieces. I had a heck of a time trying to figure out how to get accurate and repeatable cuts. The pieces had to come from the off cut side because of the board's length. I just couldn't figure out how to get those pieces cut accurately and repeatably. How do you do it?
Repeatable Cuts On The Off Cut Side?
- Thread starter darita
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tjbnwi
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I just set my tri square and mark the board. Now that you know you need to add 3/32 it will be easier.
I've considered this, just haven't ordered it yet. I know I'll have to alter it a little but........
http://www.tool-home.com/products/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/7727
Tom
I've considered this, just haven't ordered it yet. I know I'll have to alter it a little but........
http://www.tool-home.com/products/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/7727
Tom
promark747
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As for repeatability, you'll want to clamp some kind of stop block on the off-cut side once you zero in on your first measurement. That's another quibble I have with the MFT/3 vs. the 1080...Festool doesn't offer a dedicated stop that you can attach to the outside rail like the one for the 1080 that Tom referenced. Don't know why not...after all, the MFT/3's v-channel was supposed to add versatility...unfortunately its unique profile doesn't lend itself to normal t-track flip stops. In fact, other than attaching the CMS module, I don't know of anything else you can use the v-channel for. Maybe some of the more experienced users can shed some light...
I am thinking of using my spare Incra positioner to use as an adjustable stop. As on my table saw, I could adjust it to read zero on the off cut side. Could make a base plate with pegs to fit the MFT holes to accurately lock it in place. Was thinking of using 20mm dowels but just remembered my QWAS rail dogs! Oh yea I am doing this. Trying to cut accurate short pieces off has been frustrating the the MFT for me also and this thread sure got me thinking. You can order the Incra Ultra-Light positioner for around $100 although I believe Incra is discontinuing it soon.
Hi ho hi ho - Ideas are flowing - off to the shop I go. Video camera in tow. [scared] [eek]
Peter
Peter
If you have a mft, a TS55 or 75, and a loose guiderail, a clamp, tape measure , and scrap you are set. Video to come.
Peter
Peter
You don't have to use the offcut piece. There's no reason why the rail has to be positioned in any particular place. You can just reposition the the rail brackets so that the table is supporting more of the offcut piece, and less of the primary piece. You will also have to adjust the miter gage and its fence.
You are right, you don't need to use the off cut piece, but there may be advantages to using the off cut. First, the off cut is not trapped under the rail and secondly, with what I will try to show in the video you will have a fence that is only limited to the length of guiderails you have. Need 4 - 7' 2 1/2" cuts on 18" plywood?- no problem.
Peter
Peter
I just wanted to let anyone waiting for the video that the video I am working on has three concepts (all simple) in it that I think many MFT owners, and to a certain degree Kapex owners, could use. Unfortunately while going thru the raw video I came to the conclusion that the middle concept illustrated what could be considered an unsafe operation. Many would be perfectly comfortable operating the way I filmed it, but as a Moderator in this regard I should be held to a higher standard. I thought of a better way to illustrate it and will try to video this afternoon.
Just wanted to be honest and let you guys know.
Peter
Just wanted to be honest and let you guys know.
Peter
For all that are interested in cutting accurate lengths to the right side of the rail, I saw this on YouTube posted by our buddy Peter Halle! He has more to add as this I believe is going to be the end of a 2 piece video series. I just love his simple and easy approach to this problem. Has opened my eyes to some real possibilities and will look hard at repositioning my MFT/3 to take advantage of these great ideas.
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=rqgQS565eOc&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DrqgQS565eOc
Enjoy [big grin]
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=rqgQS565eOc&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DrqgQS565eOc
Enjoy [big grin]
OOPS! I meant to mark that private until I finished reshooting the first part. Oh well. I tend to have a simplistic approach to jigs and enhancements, so please consider this as food for thought.
Here is a non mobile link:
I am going back to the shop tomorrow to shoot the first part again, so if there is anything anyone wants more detail about, post and I will try to help out.
Peter
Here is a non mobile link:
I am going back to the shop tomorrow to shoot the first part again, so if there is anything anyone wants more detail about, post and I will try to help out.
Peter
They might.
Peter tends to approach situations with solutions that are solvable on location, with found materials, easily, from what I gather from his posting history. Sure you can purchase equipment or parts. His ideas tend to utilize what is readily available using accessories already supplied with the tools. Not trying to speak for him as we have never met. I believe Peter is primarily a site worker, not a shop worker so he tries to be space efficient as he hauls lots of stuff. Another option would be just add another MFT on that side but that again is not practical for site workers or people like me working with severe space restrictions.
Actually, Festool really should offer an accessory add-on that mounts on the right side with fence, sliding stop, measuring tape, brace that fastens back to the table. Maybe some day.
Peter tends to approach situations with solutions that are solvable on location, with found materials, easily, from what I gather from his posting history. Sure you can purchase equipment or parts. His ideas tend to utilize what is readily available using accessories already supplied with the tools. Not trying to speak for him as we have never met. I believe Peter is primarily a site worker, not a shop worker so he tries to be space efficient as he hauls lots of stuff. Another option would be just add another MFT on that side but that again is not practical for site workers or people like me working with severe space restrictions.
Actually, Festool really should offer an accessory add-on that mounts on the right side with fence, sliding stop, measuring tape, brace that fastens back to the table. Maybe some day.
tjbnwi
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The extensions for the Kapex UG work perfectly for this. Rocky beat me posting it.
A word of caution, you do not want the off cut trapped between the saw blade and the stop unrestrained. Either clamp the off cut or use a flip stop and raise it off the off cut prior to cutting.
Tom
A word of caution, you do not want the off cut trapped between the saw blade and the stop unrestrained. Either clamp the off cut or use a flip stop and raise it off the off cut prior to cutting.
Tom
tjbnwi
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PeterK said:
(If your question was directed towards me) The UG extensions are on plane with the MFT 3 table.
Hopefully the pictures will clear it up. The thumb screw for the mounting tab can only be turned 1/4 turn. It hits the lower channel. Be aware of it and adjust accordingly.
(Yes I know I did not raise the front bracket on the MFT to the rail with the material in place)
Tom
