Sourcing Aluminum profile for DIY MFT table. (UK)

[Lpw96]

I’m new to wood working and would like to make an MFT table using Aluminium profile because of the tracks.
I’m aware of the fact that the tracks are often different than the extrusion used by OEM brands and therefore some accessories may not work like the guide rail hinges, which I would like to have.
I want it to be around 2x0.8m ish, I like the idea of having a track on the top and the sides to give me more options with larger sheets of wood.
I also want to be able to have a track on the legs so I have the ability to clamp a door to the side of the table for planing and routing. I’m hoping to have the legs flush with the edge of the top of the table for the best support and also want the legs to fold flat for better storage as I don’t have a workshop, and would like to easily transport.
I really like this design by odessaboots, the only thing I would change is make the edge of the legs flush with her top of the table which
Should be possible as I would also like to
Make it longer.
[attachurl=1]https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/member-projects/8020-mft-style-folding-table/

I want to know what the best profile to use is and where to buy it from. I have looked at;
Dash board extrusion but not sure how I’d make the legs work
Plus I wouldn’t have the top track (not critical but preferable)

‘306060 Aluminium Extrusion/Profile 8mm  "B" Style Slot’ from eBay
Would have to raise the MFT up above the profile as planning on using a 18mm ply MFT.
https://www.aluminium-profile.co.uk/80x80l-ir-range-aluminium-profile-ir26580
80 x 80 2x 8mm tracks on each face.

I am considering using small profile for the legs but will depend on if the 2 different sizes pieces will work together with the leg hinge.

Can anyone advise on what profile is best to use and available to me in the uk? And also what accessories (clamps, track dogs etc) work with that profile?

 

[Andrius]

as of MTF style perimeter profile i'd consider not 80mm square, but 40x80mm rectangular profile, placed vertically.
This profile.https://www.aluminium-profile.co.uk/40x80l-2n-ir-range-aluminium-profile-ir42275

Just before purchase double-check profile in reality - how L clamp, Festoo, Bessey or other fit into grooves of the profiles-they might be too small and did not fit or be too loose ant fall out without clamping.

 

[woodferret]

The clamps fit EU 30 series profiles.  40 series sounds sloppy, although I haven't bothered trying that one.

 

[MikeGE]

I don't know if this will help you with your folding workbench, but here is the build thread for my 2x1 meter MFT-style workbench using similar extruded aluminum:

Thread 'Medium BF/MFT Workbench Build'

Oct 7, 2020

I have the cart a bit ahead of the horse on my medium version of the BF/MFT workbench designed by @AtomicRyan . My workbench will be one meter wide and two meters long. My shop is in a fully enclosed basement with no external doors and everything coming in or going out must pass through a hallway door and flight of stairs. I would have liked a workbench using a full sheet of MDF, but it would dominate the assembly area of my shop.

I ordered a lot of long lead time items for this and other projects, which included the Dash-Board guide rail kit for the T-track. The Guide...

• MikeGE
• Replies: 83
• Forum: Festool Jigs & Tool Enhancements

I used Series 8 profiles from Item24 in Germany. The top side rails are 80x40 and all other rails and supports are 40x40. The Series 8 slots easily accept the Festool clamps as well as M8 carriage bolt heads. The square shank on the carriage bolt fits in the slot and prevents the bolt from turning while I tighten the nut. Depending on where I buy the bolts, I might have to file to small flats on the edge of the head in order for it to fit in the channel. Otherwise, most of the bolts slide in easily.

There is an Item24 distributor in the UK, Machine Building Systems, in Derbyshire. The advantage of using Item24, or its affiliates, is the online CAD application (they call it the Configurator Engineering Tool) that will allow you to build your project. When you are happy with the design, the Configurator will create the CNC files and parts list that Item24 uses to cut each piece to length, drill and tap any holes, and provide all of the joining hardware.

One last note for now, I think a 2x0.8 meter workbench using extruded aluminum and an 18mm MDF top will be a beast to move around and store. Give some thought to how you will move it around before you commit to buying the material.

 

[Cheese]

Ya, just thinking out loud... [smile]

This may be of some interest to your situation. I made a work bench extension table with some 80/20 material. It accepts standard Festool clamps and I designed it specifically to hold a door on edge so that I could massage the hinge areas.

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