Systainer for MFT/3 Accoutrements

[DaveZ]

Apologies in advance if this question has been asked / answered already.  Did a search and did not come up with anything and just don't feel like reading through 168 pages of posts to see if it's in there somewhere...

So I have this dandy new MFT/3 and I have all the miscellaneous parts, guides, etc.  I am wondering why Festool does not have a systainer specifically for all the parts?  Yes, I know I could attach them to the rails, but I'd really rather have them out of the way until needed. 

So, short of Festool coming out with a systainer specifically them, what would be the right size systainer to get to store them all?  Has anyone done this?  And Festool, why do you not include one - it seems like a perfect opportunity to improve the value of the package.

Thanks in advance!

Dave 

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Dave, welcome to the forum. Thanks for the question.

The reason there's not a Systainer included is because there's really no need for one in my opinion. You can raise the rail out of the way and drop the bracket the rail engages in the front very quickly making the majority of the table free of obstructions. That's what I do when I use my MFT for assembly or purposes other than crosscutting. I just leave the fence in place and slide it back as far as it will go. So, it's pretty easy to convert to and from a cross cut and assembly station.

Are you finding that you switch between these two functions frequently? Or, you're just not using the guide rail very much? I'd like to better understand the reason you feel the need to store the hardware so the forum members or myself can help you come up with a solution.

Without actually trying it, I would think that the hardware, with the exception of the rail and fence, would easily fit into a SYS 3.

Shane Holland
Festool USA

 

[mouppe]

I have a SYS 3 in which I store all my little extras, such as OF 1400 router bases, guide rail stops, wrench, toolie, Domino cutters, etc.

I have found this to be much easier than trying to fit everything with the appropriate tool into their own systainers. The domino and OF 1400 systainer inserts were the worst culprits.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I took all the parts off of mine.  Now the problem is it would take me 45 minutes to find all the parts to put it back together.

I have hardly used the fence and rail.  I use it for every other thing you could think of.

I think you can get them all in a sys 2 or 3 if you want.

I keep all my clamps for the mft and bunch of other related stuff in a sys1.

 

[harry_]

I have all mine in a sys 3, and it is a mess.

I agree with the OP in that it would be nice to have a set of systainer inserts for the different pieces so they could be stored  NEATLY (for travel).

 

[Julian Tracy]

If you don't use the MFT with the fence and rail, then why spend the big bucks for it?  Yea, sure, it's nice for assembly, clamping, etc., but where it shines is in the ability to be a precise, high quality cross-cutting station for stuff upto 27-28" wide.

Seem a darn shame to blow the cash just to use it for a fancy clamping table.  Plenty of other ways to have a handy work surface for that - at a MUCH lower price.

JT

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

If you don't use the MFT with the fence and rail, then why spend the big bucks for it?  Yea, sure, it's nice for assembly, clamping, etc., but where it shines is in the ability to be a precise, high quality cross-cutting station for stuff upto 27-28" wide.

Seem a darn shame to blow the cash just to use it for a fancy clamping table.  Plenty of other ways to have a handy work surface for that - at a MUCH lower price.

JT

It was only a little bit less for the plain jane one.  I wanted a nice portable work table.  

I have a sliding table TS for wide cross cuts.  I have used it to cut really wide crown moulding though.

I only have a little bit more in the table saw too. [big grin]

 

[DaveZ]

Thanks for the replies so far.  

Shane - For me, it's mostly a matter of storage.  I see this table as a portable workstation, not a (semi-)permanent one.  For now, I have one place in the garage the table fits, folded up, when I am not using it.  I'd really rather not take the chance of bumping into or bending one of the attached guides, fences, etc. when it's stored.  

JT - It's a bit of moot point now.  I own the table, I can afford it, and I like what it can do. [big grin]  I will end up using all the features, it's just that I am not using them all the time and prefer for things to be stored safely and in a manner that I can find them quickly when necessary.  After all, isn't that what the systainers are all about?   I mean, I could find a much cheaper storage solution, cardboard in fact, that will also hold the parts as well.   [big grin]

Everyone -  Thanks for the suggestions.  I'll look at a Sys2 or 3.  It would still be nice if Festool had the molded insert specifically for the parts.

 

[greg mann]

I would think that if you're removing the rail and fence for storage purposes, which I do think makes sense, then the easiest thing for them would be to hang them on a wall someplace. They obviously won't fit in a systainer anyway. As far as the clamping elements and such, depending on how many you have, you can decide between a sys1, 2, or 3. I think the answer also lies in how much chaos you can live with in your storage medium. Some of us are content with just tossing them in a drawer, or systainer, while some of us would like each element placed in a molded crib safely tucked away in a systainer with a custom label and with the systainer safely tucked away in a sysport. There is no right or wrong answer here but if you come up with an elegant solution post some pics. Mine tend to live on a plywood shelf under the MFT, but I haven't broke it down in several years (probably because I don't want to take the time to find a proper home for the stuff underneath  :). Truth be told, I could use a little more floor space, or even more truthfully my wife would like a little more of my floor space, so come up with an elegant solution and I might just copy it.

 

[Kev]

Thanks for the replies so far.  

Shane - For me, it's mostly a matter of storage.  I see this table as a portable workstation, not a (semi-)permanent one.  For now, I have one place in the garage the table fits, folded up, when I am not using it.  I'd really rather not take the chance of bumping into or bending one of the attached guides, fences, etc. when it's stored.  

JT - It's a bit of moot point now.  I own the table, I can afford it, and I like what it can do. [big grin]  I will end up using all the features, it's just that I am not using them all the time and prefer for things to be stored safely and in a manner that I can find them quickly when necessary.  After all, isn't that what the systainers are all about?   I mean, I could find a much cheaper storage solution, cardboard in fact, that will also hold the parts as well.   [big grin]

Everyone -  Thanks for the suggestions.  I'll look at a Sys2 or 3.  It would still be nice if Festool had the molded insert specifically for the parts.

In the space of less than 2 months I've probably accumulated 30+ systainers, containing "various things" ... the most important thing for me now is labels!

I've found Festool stuff tends to grow, but so does other stuff ... for example, a collection of router bits has just overflowed from a sys1 to a sys2 for me, so I'll now buy another larger systainer ...

If your tool collection is static, a fixed storage model works, but if you are constantly extending it, you need to be flexible and change your setup a bit over time

As an example, I have a RO90 and a compatible sys1 that's waiting for the preformed RO90 abrasive storage insert, but I've already realised that I'm better off keeping the pads in their original Festool boxes and keeping them all in a sys3 ... you'll have these sorts of realisations regularly.

The systainer model works in perfect Festool alignment for tool combinations for a specific job - introduce DIY/home handyman and it kinda fractures ...

 

[Steve R]

Dave Z,

I purchased and use the MFT/3 and MFT/3 Kapex  on location all the time. Unless you have a huge trailer or truck and are working on a ground floor and have a huge door access.  You have to take them apart to get them to the location and into the location, such as a 2 story 4 bedroom condo on the 30th and 31st floor and not damage and loose parts.

I very much agree there is a need for storage/travel cases for all the stuff that goes along with the tables to make them work. The trick is what I want to take and you take might be different.

For the MFT/3 I have 4 - systainer 1, the rail bag for the 1400 rail and 1 systainer cart.
In the first- I have the the back rail miter and brackets for it.
In the second - I have rail brackets
In third - Qwas dogs and raildogs, setup blocks, some some other squares, 4 rail connectors, etc.
In the forth - I keep the the clamps and dog holders that came with it.
The systainer cart - is used not only to roll the stuff to the location, but also stores under the table and acts as an easy to move saw tray when cutting.
In the rail bag - I keep a 1400 rail, the 1080 rail that came with the kit. In the outer pocket I keep 2 extra rail connectors, two rail clamps and the back bar for the table kit.

If you are just a home hobbyist or work only out of a shop, I would want the above on a wall or in cabinets below/around the unit. So if cases were included it could be over kill for a lot of buyer....BUT that doesn't mean that it could not be an option....As it is you just have to do the picking and choosing what you want to take and then buy the systainer and pad them to fit your needs.

Since I work on location... You soon learn to set up the table and stuff in just a few minutes.....THANK YOU Paul M!!! If you work on location... with the MFT/3 You soon learn to watch the Paul M video on set up the Older MFT with Qwas dogs and measured block. You then make the blocks and practice setting the thing up, then tearing it down, then set up, then tear it down....till you can do it in your sleep.

If I put it all in one big systainer... I would never find what I need, it in the order I need it in, to set it up fast and pack it fast.

I'm still working on an out feed measure like Paul has done on his older MFT... When I do I will need to find how to carry that.

For some jobs just the table top clamps and Qwas dogs and rail dogs are all you need.

I also have the MFT/3 Kapex. At the time of purchase the new current cart was not out, and I just didn't like the old one that much.  If I don't need the Kapex on a job I still might take just the MFT/3 Kapex and the Qwas stuff and rails for small stuff and can get along very well making cuts.

For the Kapex I have sys4 -that holds a 36mm AS hose, "Y" hose connect, a 1 to 3 outlet AC cord (gives me the ability to also have the TS 55 etc. also ready to go without having to swap things) and store the wings, two clamps a couple squares and the Miterfast angle transfer...so it doesn't fall out during transport.  

Cheers,
Steve
Edited for gramer and sepeeling.

 

[Alan m]

sounds like a well thought out system. got any pics. is every thing just put in an empty systainer or are there inserts

 

[Emer Construction]

this would be perfect

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-reviews/festool-fs-bag-(any-reviewscomments)/60/

 

[Kev]

Have you asked these guys if they'd help you out if you're desperate?

http://www.mtmc.co.uk/Product.aspx?ProductID=39823&strParent=search&PPGR=0

I didn't know there were bags like this (don't think they're available in Australia either). It would obviously cost a premium over them being available locally - but they look perfect for the job!

I'm not up to speed on the constraints the US Festool distribution arm are under - but I couldn't imagine a bag would have any safety issues or standards to pass.

 

[Steve R]

sounds like a well thought out system. got any pics. is every thing just put in an empty systainer or are there inserts

Alan, if you are talking to me?  I would not say well thought out...yet. I still need to fix a few things. At this time I have just some tool drawer padding at the bottom of most. For the back rail miter and brackets for it, I cut up the cardboard and used the formed cardboard to hold it day one. It has worked well enough that I haven't got around to finding some foam to do it right.  As it is getting a bit long in the tooth, I need to do that...but just don't find myself at the foam store very often. [smile]

The same thing goes for the Qwas stuff... stuck in some white packing foam from some packaging that was laying around that day.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[Alan m]

sounds like a well thought out system. got any pics. is every thing just put in an empty systainer or are there inserts

Alan, if you are talking to me?  I would not say well thought out...yet. I still need to fix a few things. At this time I have just some tool drawer padding at the bottom of most. For the back rail miter and brackets for it, I cut up the cardboard and used the formed cardboard to hold it day one. It has worked well enough that I haven't got around to finding some foam to do it right.  As it is getting a bit long in the tooth, I need to do that...but just don't find myself at the foam store very often. [smile]

The same thing goes for the Qwas stuff... stuck in some white packing foam from some packaging that was laying around that day.

Cheers,
Steve

it sounded thought out. but maybe it is just some stuff dumped into a few idle systainers.

 

[Floorman70]

I work on site too and the mft spends a lot of time in and out of the van,so i strip it down every time i`m finished with it,so nothing gets damaged whilst loading other stuff in or while i`m driving around,once i think i have everything i need to go with the mft,i will make some sort of insert for a systaner,but would be much easier if festool just sold an insert,so if you had a spare systainer or even a drawer in your workshop,it would be an inexpensive(at least by festool standards lol)way of keeping your bits organised

 

[Alan m]

hi there. when i get a proper mft i will probably put a systainer together.
why dont we make a list of the general things that we all carry for our mfts.

qwas dogs, rail dogs
clamping eliments
normal clamps that go through the hole
bench  cookies
mft  parts for the rail, fence etc.
screw drivers etc

 

[harry_]

why dont we just start with just inserts.

1 or 2 inserts solely for the MFT/3 parts (probably best in a dedicated systainer)

an insert for a full set of clamps: Quick clamps, clamping elements, 4 & 11 inch clamps. This insert should be size matched so that the user could simply 'bump-up' a systainer size. For example, if you use your clamps primarily with , you could bump up the

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I found all those extra parts for my mft/3 this weekend.

Some were under the out feed table for my TS, some were on the top shelf in the trailer and I think I found one behind the DC.

I hope I remember where the box is, I tossed them in this time.