Side profile on MFT: making the perfect table extension.

G

geary126

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Joined
Mar 14, 2013
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33
Hi there.

I'm kind of a newbie, sorry, but am trying to think of the most efficient way to build a part that will fit perfectly into the top part of the extrusion, so that I can make a router table top between two MFTs.  I don't want it to rest.  I want it to lock in there, perfectly flush.

Has anybody got a measured drawing of an MFT side extrusion?

Any suggestions?  To me, it's a little tricky because the edge of the extrusion next to the MDF is about 1/32 nd taller [this from memory, could be more] than the top edges of the V.

[It's even hard to describe the parts!]

I bought some incra jig-it parts, so can add 1/4" nuts in the track, as well, to cinch the table together. 
 
I would try something that rests in the V-Groove and attaches to a height-adjustable bracket so you can fine tune the alignment to the tops. Then just adjust the height and secure to the t-slot as needed:

[attachthumb=#]

RMW
 
To be perfect it needs to go on fast and be flush with an initial setting and rarely need adjustment.  It needs to be a wider version of the Kapex extensions.

Check out the Kapex Sawhelper bracket from Multiblades. 

That's the genius of the v-grove, just squeeze up from below and it's locked in place.  All sorts of possibilities really.

It should be easy to make a gizmo using this method to connect two MFT's.  And that of course is the ultimate extension, a second MFT!.  If I had an MFT/3 I'd try to find a way to afford a second one.  It's hard to justify buying two though because my 1080 is still in great shape. 

 
thanks for the notes, guys.

Richard:  on your sketch, the adjustable plate makes sense.

What's the connection to the extension, then? 

My quick thought was, if it's an L bracket, could mount to underside of MDF extension.

Is that what you would do?

Thanks

Tom
 
If you made the bit you added in black the L bracket (90 degree angle), then you could slide it up or down the original bracket to account for different thicknesses of top material.

[attachthumb=#]
 
geary126 said:
thanks for the notes, guys.

Richard:  on your sketch, the adjustable plate makes sense.

What's the connection to the extension, then? 

My quick thought was, if it's an L bracket, could mount to underside of MDF extension.

Is that what you would do?

Thanks

Tom
Click to expand...

Yes, something like that. Only hiccup is how thick the MDF top is versus the distance from the top of the brackets to the top of the MFT. Might be easier to use aluminum angle, perhaps 3/16" thick, for both brackets and then fasten them together. The top hole gets tapped on the MFT-side bracket and slotted on the extension-side bracket, the bolt between them locks the 2 together at the right height. Then a second bolt thru the bottom holes of both pieces lock them to the t-slot with a t-nut.

[attachthumb=#]

If this does not leave 3/4" above the assembled brackets then you can rabbet the extension slightly to lower the top a bit.

RMW
 
I realize that you are trying to make a sophisticated extension, but in the first minute of so of this video you will see a non sophisticated version that works well for me.



Peter
 
GarryMartin said:
geary126 said:
Has anybody got a measured drawing of an MFT side extrusion?
Click to expand...

I had a couple of MFT KAPEX tables delivered today so I took one apart to scan and measure the profile.

See http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/mft3-profile-image-and-measurements/ for the detail.
Click to expand...

Garry, that is awesome, thanks for posting it. Every time I want to make something I end up measuring it all over again.

There is also a Sketchup model in the online warehouse:

http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=9fc4fb4436419d7c6ebbf01a0d4a91b4&prevstart=0

The guy who uploaded it, "ehuss " whom I assume made it, did a great job on it. You can ungroup the model and get access to the rails only if you want to model something in Sketchup.

RMW

 
Richard/RMW said:
There is also a Sketchup model in the online warehouse:
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link. I really must put some time aside to learn how to use Sketchup - it looks *so* useful.
 
Super great, you guys!  Many thanks.

Garry, above and beyond.

Richard:  You think the sketchup model is accurate, in terms of the extrusion?

Just wondering.  That's pretty hard to model, I would think.

T

 
geary126 said:
Super great, you guys!  Many thanks.

Garry, above and beyond.

Richard:  You think the sketchup model is accurate, in terms of the extrusion?

Just wondering.   That's pretty hard to model, I would think.

T
Click to expand...

I think the overall profile is pretty darn close, but I have never checked the measurements against my MFT.

RMW
 
I think I have the perfect solution for what you are trying to do.  There is a Kreg rail that is part of the router table that slides in the profile of the mft.  I actually ordered the part directly from Kreg for $33.  I'm having a hard time finding the site with the picture of it in use but I have it bookmarked on a different computer.  I do know that it is on jlconline.com.  I'll post the link when I have a chance.  The guy who posted it said that it was almost like it was made for the MFT.
 
thanks.  is it a part that fits in the v on top,  or in the t slot?    my thinking is that the t slot should not hold a ton of weight.

is that correct?

t
 
It fit in the tslot but it sort of had support on the top and bottom.  He said it was extremely strong and sturdy with the ability to hold his TS55, OF1400 and a couple of sanders without any sag.  He posted a pic and said that the plywood would snap before the mft or the kreg rail.  Once you see the pic it will make more sense.
 
I have it bookmarked on a computer at home but I am away for the weekend so I can't post it until I get back. 
 
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