Small 12' x 16' Shop Made Useable with MFTs and TS-55

[cahudson42]

Given space and money limitations, the only shop I could have is only 12' x 16'. But with dual MFT1080s and the TS-55, I am able to do everything I wish to.

And am I glad I no longer need to ever use my old Ryobi BTS10 'contractor saw' out on the lawn. Even with the guard, splitter and pawls in place, I hated using the thing. The fence was never parallel to the blade, and stock would jam all the time. A real POS.

While we all hear how expensive Festool stuff is all the time - no question that for me - the TS-55 and MFTs were well worth the cost. Woodworking in my tiny shop is a pleasure because of them.

Chris - new FOG member

 

[cahudson42]

Forgot to mention that I do find protecting the MFT tops with 1/4" sacrificial MDF not much of an inconvenience.

Easy to lift off when I need to use the holes for clamping. Otherwise a work surface I don't need to worry about.

The MDF is thin enough that the 1080 fence is still useable without problems.

I did leave the first (leftmost) and last (rightmost) set of holes unobstructed. These are useful for holddowns etc. even with the MDF

Chris - new FOG member

 

[GPowers]

Like the Ridgid calendar. Your shop look nice and organized, a place for every thing and every thing in its place.

 

[Corwin]

Since you don't find it too inconvenient to use a sacrificial piece of MDF on your MFT, you might like trying a thicker (3/4") piece of MDF, route a dado parallel with the Guide Rail to accept material (or T-track) to serve as a fence and you will have a useful parallel jig for your MFT.  This setup has worked well for me for appropriately sized workpieces.