Three MFT/3 Tables and role of the STM 1800

[wworker]

I am rethinking my workshop layout and could use some perspective.

I currently run two MFT/3 tables as my primary work surfaces and also own an STM 1800, which I fitted with an MFT-style top and use it in extended form but without the expandable inserts. In theory, the STM gives me mobility and large panel support and I'm trying to use it as work-support when cutting long pieces on the MFT. In practice, however, it is less rigid than an MFT with cross braces and lacks the clamping flexibility I rely on. I only break down a few sheets at a time, and moving the STM upstairs from my basement shop is enough friction that I sometimes default to a simple frame out of 2x4s with adjustable feet.

I am debating whether to sell the STM 1800 and move to three MFT/3 tables instead, keeping one mobile (disconnected from the other two) for material support and assembly. It feels cleaner and more unified, but I am questioning whether this is thoughtful optimization or just shop restlessness. Or perhaps the pragmatic approach is to buy a third MFT, store the STM collapsed out of the way, and reassess in a year. If it has not been used, sell it then, without haste.

For those who have lived with both setups, which direction has proved more functional for you long term, and why?

 

[peter halle]

I admit that I don't have the number of mft's you have due to a lack of space, but the ability to get the STM folded up and out of the way is my primary reason for having it. I'd vote for experimenting with the STM on hand for 1 year and see how it plays out.

Peter

 

[wworker]

Thank you, Peter.

May I ask, what's your setup like and how it is working out for you? It sounds like one MFT + STM?

 

[peter halle]

I am a single mft + sim + sawhorses+ 2" foam when needed. I would love to have a second MFT because all to often mine current one ends up with stuff on it and needs to be cleared. But that is a problem of my own doing. I am different than many in that most of my woodworking life was as a mobile contractor working outside, so I still like to set up outside when weather permits.

Peter

 

[Michael Kellough]

I am a single mft + sim + sawhorses+ 2" foam when needed. I would love to have a second MFT because all to often mine current one ends up with stuff on it and needs to be cleared. But that is a problem of my own doing. I am different than many in that most of my woodworking life was as a mobile contractor working outside, so I still like to set up outside when weather permits.
Peter

Peter, you need one of these.

 

[peter halle]

Peter, you need one of these.

Not wanting to steer this off topic due to the OP need for info, @Michael Kellough those remind me of the plastic Keter tables, of which I had two and destroyed them by using them as cutting tables without protection. I liked them, but my Festool destroyed them with a smile on its little green face.

Peter

 

[Michael Kellough]

Not wanting to steer this off topic due to the OP need for info, @Michael Kellough those remind me of the plastic Keter tables, of which I had two and destroyed them by using them as cutting tables without protection. I liked them, but my Festool destroyed them with a smile on its little green face.

Peter

I had a pair of Kelter tables. One of them self destructed. I have more faith in the pair of Dewalt tables I now have. But I suggest them mainly for how quick they are to deploy so you have a place to put the stuff that’s making your MFT unusable.

 

[onocoffee]

Just an aside re: DeWakt table. I thought seriously about the Klein version when Lowe’s had them on sale for $100. Might we worth considering.

 

[wworker]

Peter, you need one of these.

I actually own one of those for that same reason! I do wish it were more reasonably flat -to center is bowed in pretty noticeably. But great to put tools/systainers/etc.

Not wanting to steer this off topic due to the OP need for info

Thanks, Peter! I would indeed appreciate any other comments on 2 MFTs + STM vs. 3 MFTs vs. stop overthinking and start building?

Thanks all!

 

[PaulMarcel]

The STM folds up so small that it seems like it could fit between a wall and a cabinet end. Or if there was space under a bench where it could lay flat; if so, attach 4 small casters to one flat side so you can fold it up and roll it away.

 

[twistsol1]

I have 3 MFTs and an STM 1800. My experience is that in my shop 900 square feet, three MFT's simply take up too much room. My current shop setup has two of them joined with one of three home made bridges. The one shown is 150mm, but I also built 500mm and 1000mm. After I built them I thought it night have been a good idea to make them the appropriate widths to maintain the 96 mm spacing of the holes, but never bothered. I have 1/2" pink foam that is easily replaceable and moved the track so it cuts on the foam instead of either one of the tables. This provides a full table to either side of the cut for material support.

I found that the 3rd MFT goes on site with me when needed as does the STM otherwise the 3rd MFT sits unused in the storage room. I've tried every configuration, U shaped, in a line, and long edge to long edge. I'm able to break down sheet goods in the shop on the STM, but have to move my ShopSmith out of the way to do so.