Technique: 20mm Holes in an Outfeed Table?

rjboch

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Joined
Jun 21, 2019
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Hi FOG! I am making a new outfeed table for my SawStop PCS and wanted to add 20mm dog holes to facilitate clamping and other tasks (e.g., domino, sanding, etc.). The table will be 4’x6’ and it will also serve as a table to break down sheet goods (using TS55), assembly table, and sanding table.

I do not need perfect accuracy or want to drop $200 for a special purpose jig (e.g., Woodpecker) and I do not need perfect accuracy since I am just looking to clamp and hold various materials (with dogs, Festool clamps, etc.). I was considering using a Festool 20mm boring bit, my hole drilling set, and my holey track attached to my TSO GRS-16PE. Theoretically, after squaring up the top, I assume that I can bore a hole every 96mm and then start a new row every 96mm. Again, conceptually, I should end up with a consistent set of holes across the table. Any thoughts on this approach? And other suggestions or recommendations. Am I just wasting my time with an approach that won’t work?

Lastly, as a hobbyist, I am rarely suing my MFT/3 and I was considering selling it since I now use my table saw for all cross cuts. The MFT/3 is only one year old and in great shape. Any recommendations on setting a price? Since they are pretty heavy, I am thinking of local pick up only. Any intel if there is a large market in San Diego for used Festool?

As always, thanks for your time and thoughts!
 
Regarding making an mft style top with the LR32 kit there is a great video by [member=43117]Kriss[/member] that you can watch on youtube. Video

You can probably sell your mft for 80-90% of new. It seems that’s at least what people always start at for asking. What you accept is up to you and how quickly you want it to move.

Best,

Reed

Edited for all sorts of personal failures
 
Use your existing MFT top as the template for your outfeed table.  Find a way to center a small drill bit in the hole, then route.  You should be able to buy a 20mm router bit.  When done, sell the MFT.
 
The “Search” tab will supply you with countless examples and ways Others have accomplished  just what you’re wanting to do..it’s very useful...but sounds like your on the right track for what you want them for
 
Do consider purchasing the 20 mm Festool router bit, it's well worth the money and produces beautiful holes. I used it in 18 mm Baltic birch.

Then check the fit of the Festool 20 mm bit in the holes of the MFT. If there is no interference, then I like the suggestion that you use the MFT as a template.  [smile]

If there is an interference issue, then go back to using your LR 32 with the holey rail.

 
Looks like they are out of stock right now but I used a Woodrave router base to bore 20mm holes on 4 inch centers using pegboard.  It is surprisingly accurate.  I did this on my outfeed/assembly table (3x7) and a side counter for my RAS/CMS.  Both are dual level out of plywood inspired by Ron Paulk.  The side counter has flip stops.  If you can find one, it sounds like a woodrave router base would be a good option for you. 
 
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