Simple idea for sacrificial boards on MFT3 Table when breaking down large sheets

[sicd_steve]

Hi Festollians,

Here is an idea I did today that is really simple and works a treat of you have a MFT3 set up or homemade version of a MFT3 ( the later is me). Saves your top from getting chewed up, I have set it up with my 2 tables joined which measure 2400 long x 1000 wide ( this set up I can rip up 2400 x 1200 sheets )

I made 4 units that are simple to make out aluminium cabinets handles as here in Australia they are 20mm diam and fit perfect in the MFT holes, they are $3 each!!
some 20mm aluminium U channel and some 75 x 19mm dressed down to fit u channel snug...simples as 123. Just work out your multiples of 96mm centres to fit your knobs to slot in holes.

These are great, stable and cheap as chips. The best part is they fit both ways up and across as all the holes have the same centres. this way they are easy to store ready at hand and can work in many way.

 

[overanalyze]

Nice idea!

 

[nclemmons]

Great idea, Steve.  I'll borrow that one!

It looks like there is an indentation in the posts.  Does that serve a purpose?  Or was that just a part of the handles as you purchased them?

Thanks for sharing!

neil

 

[sicd_steve]

G'day  Neil naaa mate that's the finger indent when it used as a handle  they are drawer handles you might be able to get them from  DIY  store I got them from Bunning and Master who are large DIY stores in Oz.

the indent doesn't do anything and it doesn't matter how it is placed as the barrel sits well comfortable in the hole the best part is they are metal and have a central screw thread so you can use these as cheap bench dogs by screwing any type of plate on top  .

Good lluck

 

[wow]

That's a neat idea. I wonder if anything like those are available in NA? Do you happen to have a Manufacturer name and model?

 

[sicd_steve]

Well with a bit of detective work I found the knobs for you guys in ol US of A.......Amazon Sell them for damn cheap, everything in Australia is expensive and the Amazon quotes around $1.70 phew I am jealous... here is the link

http://www.amazon.com/Liberty-PN2814C-AL-C-Whistle-Cabinet-Hardware/dp/B0016BORDI/ref=sr_1_3?s=hardware&ie=UTF8&qid=1394360718&sr=1-3&keywords=20mm+cabinet+knobs

Hope this helps.

 

[sicd_steve]

These would be the cheapest bench dogs with a bit of creativity on your MFT 3 bench

 

[Rob Z]

Hi Steve,

Thanks for tracking those down!  I just ordered some and will make the rails just like yours. The immediate use will be for when I'd like to elevate a work piece above the MFT so I can use the jigsaw.  Great idea.

Rob

 

[wow]

Rob_Z, it's all YOUR fault!!! Price is now up to $8.40 each...

[eek]

 

[rnt80]

Amazon still has them for the cheaper price.

 

[Rob Z]

That's bizarre.  Now I see them at $8.40/each.

 

[fatroman]

Click on the link that says 3 New from $1.79 and you'll see other options. Including the one for Amazon Prime and the $1.79 price.

 

[sicd_steve]

??? Hey you're right when I went back to the link the buggers wanted $8 ...now thats way too expensive I bought a pack here in Australia a 10 pack ( contractors pack ) for $24 so that makes them $2.40 anyway $8 way too much

 

[festivus]

Great idea.

For the dogs - try 20mm plastic conduit readily available in the UK at least in strips up to 3m for £2! Good fit in the MFT/3 holes and strong enough for this task - just epoxy into some aluminium channel as above.

 

[leer]

In the USA, the Parf Dogs are pretty inexpensive -- see link..  Short ones are $14.50 a pair, and tall ones are $19.50.  I have both sizes and the fit and quality is excellent.  And being threaded, you can easily attach fences or jigs directly to them.

http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=71185&cat=1,41637