Sliding Table System

[Grev]

Thought I'd share some photos of the the telescoping extensions and MFT wings I've been working on for my mobile MFT setup.  Most my projects include sheet goods, so I wanted a system to have built-in material support for the longer lengths.  Shown in the photos are a pair of 6' Track Tubes I cut down and added telescoping extensions, which can handle up to 8 ft. lengths.  For more info. on this you can check out an update I just posted on the website.

Track Tubes Update

 

[DynaGlide]

I like where this is heading  8)

 

[RKA]

That's pretty cool!  Do you think you'll be able to design it so there is virtually no dip in the panel as you extend the supports out?

 

[Grev]

That's pretty cool!  Do you think you'll be able to design it so there is virtually no dip in the panel as you extend the supports out?

I didn't have the knobs installed and tightened on the first photos.  When knobs are tightened there is virtually no dip. I used soft touch knobs on this example, which I like because they can be used as feet if you need to place the worktop on any surface.  I also have a couple simple DIY brackets to attach them to the sides of an MFT.  I don't have an MFT any longer, but my Wurth rep. is also a Festool user and is going to let me use his next week to take some photos.

 

[RKA]

Thanks!  I should call you when I get a chance to chat.  I did sign up for updates on the website earlier this week.  I still need to pick through your site and formulate questions, but so far this looks really promising!

 

[vkumar]

Cool idea.  I will consider this as a basis for my shop.  Did you have the extrusions custom made?

Vijay

 

[Grev]

Cool idea.  I will consider this as a basis for my shop.  Did you have the extrusions custom made?

Vijay

Yes .. drawn and load calcs by an Aerospace Engineer ... custom die and extrusions by USA extrusion company.

 

[Svar]

[member=63307]TrackTubesGuy[/member] Are your Track Tubes anodized? Are they cheaper than t-slot extrusions (for example Ulta Lite 1.5" x 3")  by 80/20 Inc?

 

[Grev]

[member=63307]TrackTubesGuy[/member] Are your Track Tubes anodized? Are they cheaper than t-slot extrusions (for example Ulta Lite 1.5" x 3")  by 80/20 Inc?

Yes, clear, class II T5 anodized.  They are very rigid and high quality. Not sure about price because I haven't priced t-slots in a while, however, my profile isn't meant to compete with 80/20 or other t-slots.  When I began my project I actually consulted with a rep. from one of the largest T-slot extruders in the Country, and from my memory, I decided to go with my custom profile because there were none available that fit my criteria.  Had to be sized to fit in the notches of my sawhorses, have a hollow cavity for telescoping arms and a track to fit all the different brands of track clamps (Festool, Bessey, Micro-jig) .. also wanted to use common 1/4"-20 hardware .. not all the special connectors need for many t-slots.  I had a specific vision, so went my own route.

 

[stickman]

I have those same saw horses. I would pay $300 for a pair. Great idea

 

[Grev]

As I was working on my sliding table system I thought it would adapt great as a slab flattening solution.  Spent an hour or so yesterday putting together a very basic sled, so thought I'd share the photos.  The great thing about using the track tubes is they aren't a single use solution like many sleds.  Simply clamp the tubes to any bench (or sawhorses) and set your sled on top.  Only took me a few minutes to set this up.  The HDPE faced plywood shown works great ... the router slides super easy and smooth and I don't have to take my hands off the router to move down the rails.  It really works great for a such a simple (and economical) solution.  Now going to add dust collection, adjustable rails for different sized router bases, and limit stops to keep from plowing into the Track Tubes.

 

[Mortiser]

Now that's pretty slick. A lot easier set-up than most I've seen.
Thanks.