TS55 cross cutting tips

[Psych101]

I am thinking of buying a TS55 mainly for cutting down sheet goods and for cross cutting wider materials (I already have a jet proshop table saw and a Kapex).  I don't really want to spend another $1,200 for an MFT 3 (yes that is the ridiculous price in Australia) as I already have a good traditional style workbench that I built myself and I don't really have the space for another work bench (although I appreciate the MFT folds away). 

Can someone suggest some alternatives approaches for doing quick repeatable and accurate crosscuts without the MFT? 

One possibility is modifying my existing workbench (possibly augmented with some MFT festool parts) but would appreciate some tips about where to start.  In particular, drilling the 20mm holes in an accurate layout. 

I am also interested in simpler solutions (if there are any).

 

[Stephen B]

[size=11pt]

In my head at least, I am planing a hybrid MFT/traditional workbench. At the moment I am just looking at benches here on the FOG and elsewhere.  Anyway, as part of the bench I was considering just purchasing the Festool MDF replacement at $165A and save time/frustration in cutting holes.

http://www.festool.com.au/epages/tooltechnic.sf/en_AU/?ObjectPath=/Shops/tooltechnic/Products/495543

Are you able to modify your existing bench, or perhaps frame the Festool MDF to rest on top of your existing bench, and use ParfDogs to hold guide rail.

Just some thoughts.  [smile]

 

[Stone Message]

I am thinking of buying a TS55 mainly for cutting down sheet goods and for cross cutting wider materials (I already have a jet proshop table saw and a Kapex).  I don't really want to spend another $1,200 for an MFT 3 (yes that is the ridiculous price in Australia) as I already have a good traditional style workbench that I built myself and I don't really have the space for another work bench (although I appreciate the MFT folds away). 

Can someone suggest some alternatives approaches for doing quick repeatable and accurate crosscuts without the MFT? 

One possibility is modifying my existing workbench (possibly augmented with some MFT festool parts) but would appreciate some tips about where to start.  In particular, drilling the 20mm holes in an accurate layout. 

I am also interested in simpler solutions (if there are any).

Dad used to have a 1/3 sheet of plywood with a 2x1 screwed along the top for a fence and a couple of bits of 2x2 screwed in place against which he put a straight edge to guide his old circular saw. That was 40 years ago. This is the essential concept behind the Parf Dogs. You do not need to use Parf Dogs on an MFT3. In my Parf Dog video I do show the impromptu cutting station which simply consists of a piece of MDF with three or four 20mm holes cut accurately through it. You just put it on some trestles to use it and lean it against a wall in the workshop when not required.

Here is a link to the video - the particular part is from 5min 40secs:



Peter

 

[Psych101]

Thank you for both replies which have given me some ideas.

I do need a stowable outfeed table for my tablesaw so am thinking I could buy an MFT replacement top and use this in the design.

 

[kris]

Great video, Peter! You've given me some wonderful ideas!

 

[Paul G]

Helpful video Peter, thanks

 

[Jonhilgen]

Get this for one of your rails, you will not regret it!  I use it daily in the field for accurate, square cuts.  Livht

 http://www.qwasproducts.com/QwasSquare.html

I really can't praise this little gem enough.  I believe you can purchase it from Bob Marino.

Jon

Edit:  just noticed you're down under...my bad.

 

[Stone Message]

I understand from a previous thread that Parf Dogs are available in Australia from Carbatec.

Peter

 

[Stephen B]

I understand from a previous thread that Parf Dogs are available in Australia from Carbatec.

Peter

[size=11pt]
Unfortunately they are hardly promoting them. Not on website, suggest direct contact.

 

[James Watriss]

Search the archives for a cutting table by Steve Jones.

The whole shebang might be overkill, but the premise is very workable in a simple sheet top.

 

[Psych101]

I got a quote from a cnc place and it only costs $65 for cad file setup and then $50 per mft top I want milled in mdf.  I found a cad file on the seneca woodworking blog so I can just go this route.  Cheaper than $165 per replacement top from festool.

 

[Stephen B]

I got a quote from a cnc place and it only costs $65 for cad file setup and then $50 per mft top I want milled in mdf.  I found a cad file on the seneca woodworking blog so I can just go this route.   Cheaper than $165 per replacement top from festool.

[size=12pt]
Yes but does that include cost of MDF sheet?  [unsure]

 

[Psych101]

I got a quote from a cnc place and it only costs $65 for cad file setup and then $50 per mft top I want milled in mdf.  I found a cad file on the seneca woodworking blog so I can just go this route.   Cheaper than $165 per replacement top from festool.

[size=12pt]
Yes but does that include cost of MDF sheet?  [unsure]

Good point. No it doesn't but mdf is cheap and it still works out cheaper.

 

[Stone Message]

I got a quote from a cnc place and it only costs $65 for cad file setup and then $50 per mft top I want milled in mdf.  I found a cad file on the seneca woodworking blog so I can just go this route.   Cheaper than $165 per replacement top from festool.

[size=12pt]
Yes but does that include cost of MDF sheet?  [unsure]

Good point. No it doesn't but mdf is cheap and it still works out cheaper.

You can make up 3 replacement MFT tops from one sheet of HDF or MDF.

Peter

 

[Psych101]

I found this on youtube which is pretty much what I want to make: MFT/Table Saw Outfeed Table

Does anyone know which parts I need to by for the rail support fittings that allow a rail to pivot up and down and fix to the table on the MFT? 

Is there aftermarket aluminium profile that matches the festool profile for these fittings? (there is the alternate home-made approach in the video but am hoping for something more straight forward)