Router w/ plate in MFT?

[Grasshopper]

Anyway, I think I'm now leaning towards an extension to the MFT into which I'll mount my router. 

Good choice!  Looking forward to your project.

 

[clutzer]

Okay, here is where my head is at.  With an Incra 17 mounted on a Precision Plate, I can both do off cutting up to 17", as well as routing/jointing.  Switching between the modes of operation would consist of lifting off the Incra (which should be immediate as its mounted on a Precision Plate with dogs), and flipping it around.  And, raising/lowering the router bit.  I'll keep this thread updated with progress and how well or poorly it all works out.

 

[Slartibartfass]

You might as well get the CMS-VL to have the benefit of the sliding table.

Or get a second MFT/3 and connect on the short end to increase the workable surface (I did both....)

Unfortunately still got the Dewalt CSMS. Did not win the December Festool jackpot..... But are making room for a Kapex....

 

[Bohdan]

With an Incra 17 mounted on a Precision Plate, I can both do off cutting up to 17", as well as routing/jointing.

You need to mount the LS17 across three holes to get maximum rigidity and accuracy, in your drawing you only have two available.

 

[clutzer]

With an Incra 17 mounted on a Precision Plate, I can both do off cutting up to 17", as well as routing/jointing.

You need to mount the LS17 across three holes to get maximum rigidity and accuracy, in your drawing you only have two available.

Okay, I'll see what I can do.  I saw some guy use just two, adjacent, and said it was rock solid...  I agree that intuitively dogs on the outermost holes would seem the most solid.

 

[shap]

I'm just finishing up a (roughly) 3' by 6' holey table, and I've been thinking about doing something similar to what you propose. Given the table size, I figure it can serve as multiple "stations" for smaller pieces, and meanwhile sheet materials can just slide over the router plate.

The plate won't be a problem, but I don't think that miter track will work on an MFT. Given the depth of the surface, routing the groove for the track will leave it structurally compromised. I'm working in 3/4" MDF, and my feeling is that routing away 1/2" of the material for a track is begging for trouble if I don't support from beneath. I like the suggestion of using the dog holes for an LS-17.

Jonathan

 

[weekendwarrior]

I just came across this video featuring a CMS router plate in a MFT.  Made me think of this thread.  The user reported in the YouTube comments that there was no MTF top sagging in over two years of use with no additional support mechanism.

 

[mouppe]

Hey I recognise that arm!

Yes, I made that top back in late 2012 now and it's still working as well as on day 1. Usually I remove the fence when I am not using the table but definitely no sagging to date.

The CMS was not available in NA when I made that top fyi.

 

[Rob Z]

Hi RL

Thanks for the video...seeing your adjustments on the fence was helpful.

And I like your tool cabinet (I saw that on your Youtube channel).

 

[mouppe]

Thanks Rob!

 

[suds]

Jerry Work did a write up using 2 1080 MFT tables to mount a router between the two tables.  I copied it and it is a easy setup and works slick.

http://thedovetailjoint.squarespace.com/storage/Adding%20routers%20to%20a%20Festool%20MFT%20reduced.pdf

 

[clutzer]

I just came across this video featuring a CMS router plate in a MFT.  Made me think of this thread.  The user reported in the YouTube comments that there was no MTF top sagging in over two years of use with no additional support mechanism.

Thanks for posting the vid.