Track Saw Setup

[Mike Goetzke]

I've been a track saw user for close to 20 years. I'm a serious hobbyist. I currently have a Makita cordless and really like it. I have a question about track saw setups.

I have parallel edge guides and a Eurekazone UEG (universal edge guide) for accurately ripping sheet stock. I recently bought a TSO GRS-16 PE for making square crosscuts. I've been on the fence about purchasing an MFT/3, but, at times think what will it do that my current setup won't?

Appreciate feedback from others.

(I also have TS, BS, DP, jointer, planer, SCMS ...)

Thanks,

Mike

 

[tjbnwi]

I like my MFT-3's, you'll find a lot of uses for them.

There is the 30 day return policy.

Tom

 

[jarbroen]

Sounds like you have the cutting figured out with your current equipment - might not be a whole lot you can't do with it vs MFT.
However, the MFT is great for things besides cutting and it can make some of the cutting jobs easier/repeatable.

I have the GRS-16 PE and use it on and off the MFT.  On the MFT I can attach it to the flip bracket which is nice to pop my rail out of the way.  You can also use a fence or blocks via dog holes to set up for repeat cuts using the GRS on the MFT.

The real awesome thing about the MFT for me is all the clamping options.  Using the quick clamps from above or below or on the side makes working on projects so much easier. 
I had a huge custom work table before and find the MFT much more functional for my needs.

 

[ear3]

There are a bunch of different ways to get square crosscuts on panels, which it sounds like you already have the capability of doing.  My own preference is to set the rail with a 26" Woodpeckers framing square.  Where the MFT comes in real handy however is if you will be doing a lot of batched/repeat work.  Parallel guides can also do this, but let's say you need to be switching back and forth between different size cuts -- then it's as simple as setting multiple flag stops on the MFT fence.  And if you have space to keep your MFT setup all the time, then there's all the additional workholding capabilities you can get out of it.

 

[Klemm]

I've been a track saw user for close to 20 years. I'm a serious hobbyist. I currently have a Makita cordless and really like it. I have a question about track saw setups.

I have parallel edge guides and a Eurekazone UEG (universal edge guide) for accurately ripping sheet stock. I recently bought a TSO GRS-16 PE for making square crosscuts. I've been on the fence about purchasing an MFT/3, but, at times think what will it do that my current setup won't?

Appreciate feedback from others.

(I also have TS, BS, DP, jointer, planer, SCMS ...)

Thanks,

Mike

Mike - the core of the MFT is the 20mm hole pattern - that alone can have huge benefits with your woodworking.While you can make your own 20mm worktop with a Parf Guide System, the MFT is instantaneous arriving ready to go and folds up to make room when needed. If you decide it's not the right solution for you after some time of using it, there is always a ready market for a used MFT.

You can't lose!
Hans

PS: I hope you're on our subscriber list for TSO INSIDER becausse we have a number of very affordable accessories coming out extending the usefulness of any MFT/3 or just plain 20mm worktop

 

[DeformedTree]

Indeed, MFT/3 is a great table/work bench, it's all about the clamping.  If I had space and a flat floor I'd have a bunch of them set up.

While not cheap, as others learn, you can't make "the same thing" for the price.  While it's overpriced for what it is, alternatives are going to take a lot of work to make, be heavier, and cost as much or more since your not a manufacturing plant. 

Just a basic folding table starts getting you towards the price of a MFT, but the MFT starts the right hight, has all the clamping option and as was mentioned, you can sell them.

 

[nixy]

Hello I am also thinking of buying an MFT because it seems so versatile with clamping and cutting. One question...

Can the whole thing be folded up to bring in and out of a garage setup. E.g working outside or inside without having to set up for accuracy again. For example can you leave the cross cut drop rail still attached when its folded up or does it have to be removed everytime and re-attached when packing away?

 

[ctvader]

Take a look at this thread
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/mft-3-folding-up/

 

[Jiggy Joiner]

I bought an MFT/3 and have zero regrets, I love it deeply. However I also bought the Parf Guide Mk2, and have since made more MFT tables, including a large one for handling sheet material easier.

My MFT/3 has the accessories but, lately I have been doing my square cuts differently. I have the TSO GR-16 and GR-16 PE which I’ve been using to break the sheets down, quickly and efficiently even when mobile. Then it’s onto the MFT/3 or one of the home made ones for the more detailed cutting. I have added Parf holes on the edges of my tops in between the 96mm spaced holes at 48mm using the Parf sticks.
These holes house the longer dogs that hold my guide rails square. Being in the centre of the other holes means not putting a kerf accross the holes on the straight cuts.
I saw it in one of Peter Parfitt’s videos, and now use it on my tops, I’ve added the extra holes to the edge of the MFT/3 too.

Nice square cuts, and achieved quickly.
If you’re not sure about the MFT/3, maybe as mentioned, buy the Parf Guide system, the options are endless, and will be a saving until you decide?

 

[Mike Goetzke]

Thanks for all the great ideas. Should have added that I have two Kreg Mobile Project Centers that I use. Guess for now I will stick with what I have. (attached is how I use it with my track saw - for the smaller pieced thinking a sacrificial cutting board would work better, thus, question about MFT)

Thanks,

Mike

 

[sancho57]

I have 3 MFT 3s and a Kapex MFT. Im wanting to add a 4th.

 

[Kodi Crescent]

I'm wanting to sell my MFT's.  I find them frustrating.

 

[duburban]

I'm wanting to sell my MFT's.  I find them frustrating.

take all the cross cutting stuff off them and they become quicker to use (for me). I've found the aftermarket solutions to be much less clunky.

 

[GoingMyWay]

Thanks for all the great ideas. Should have added that I have two Kreg Mobile Project Centers that I use. Guess for now I will stick with what I have. (attached is how I use it with my track saw - for the smaller pieced thinking a sacrificial cutting board would work better, thus, question about MFT)

Thanks,

Mike

I made an MDF tracksaw cutting station top using the Parf Guide System.  I place that top on the Kreg Bench Dogs on my Kreg Mobile Project Center.  It makes for a very stable platform.  The rubber tip of the Kreg Bench Dogs grips the MDF surprisingly well.  This was my setup before I got my MFT/3, which I still occasionally use.  I think it would be even more versatile if the top was 3' x 5', but I made mine using the "grab and go" 2' x 4' pre-cut pieces of MDF from Home Depot.

[attachimg=1]

I do prefer the MFT/3 though because it has a fence, flag stop, and the guide rail is supported at both ends.