Ultimate MFT height adjustment and storage upgrade

[festoller]

Having my MFT/3 for quite some time I really appreciate the design and the multi functionality, except the missing height adjustment.

The original height is perfect for most of my applications, but the desire for some height adjustment is increasing lately.

Additionally I think the space under the MFT could be used for storage, although I sometimes appreciate the space if you have to get really close or even prefer to sit.

Most of the substructure designs I found completely fill this space and limit other applications such as the great member invention (table saw) and even clamping from the bottom. The one solution with a scissor lift table I found is a great approach, but has similar effects.

I am somehow stuck in the initial design process still looking for a proper example or idea, therefore any comment about design, material, equipment and whatever would be greatly appreciated

 

[festoller]

I've probably found a solution to my problem, that would at least limit the substructure to a minimum (space and weight), although it looks quite expensive.

http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=4297.0

It would be interesting to see some member projects with this Bosch mechanical element or any other. Anyone ever built something like this?

I'll try to get some information and pricing together and maybe even ask the dutch company for more information.

 

[ezdrive]

Wow, now that is a great product!  Basically an Erector's Set for the big boys.  I was informed about this product last year by a member.  I am sure it is expensive, but think of the potential!  Here is the US website:

  http://www.boschrexroth-us.com/country_units/america/united_states/en/index.jsp

There is a limited amount of the product measured in inches, but who cares, I am starting to like the metric system.  I have not tried to register yet, but once you have signed-on, you can see the pricing.  I really love the MFT Table with rollers and Systainer Drawer slides.  Can this set-up be any more expensive than the Sysport? 

I have just finished plans for a rolling work table made of Baltic Birch Plywood.  Now I see this set-up and I now have a use for my extra MFT.

Thank You...Thank You...Thank you Festoller!  If I find any additional details, I will make a follow-up post!

Ray

 

[festoller]

Unfortunately that version is the MFT 1080 and it seems the old corner fitings are slightly different from the actual model and therefore attaching the aluminum profiles to the MFT/3 might be a little more complicated, at least it?s probably not possible without some damage to the structure, especially the four corner fittings. Someone has to figure out how to attach the aluminum without harming the structure.

The profiles used are most probably 40x40 mm and I don?t think the budget will be that different from a wooden structure.

Festool offers aluminum blades for the TS55/75 as well as for the Kapex, but I have no experience with cutting aluminum. Maybe someone can educate us on how long such a pricy blade would last and if it?s even recommended to make your own aluminum cuts.

 

[ezdrive]

I noticed that the MFT used was a 1080, but I did not think about how the aluminum would be attached.  My extra MFT is a 1080, which I purchased a couple of months before the MFT/3 was introduced.  I then purchased the MFT/3.  I like is over the 1080, so I have been looking for ways to use the 1080 in other ways.  Making a custom Sysport with a working MFT work surface appears to be the best use of the old design MFT.  I have been spending my available time in landscaping projects, but come fall I will have more time in the shop.  When I have a minute, I will look at methods of attaching the aluminum to either MFT model.  Thanks for identifying the challenge.

Ray

 

[festoller]

I've talked to another manufacturer Item http://www.itemamerica.com/ and from what they told me the 40x40 mm profile seems to be perfect for this project. I thought the 60x60 would be recommended, but 40 is obviously enough, just as seen on the dutch MFT 1080. I would assume (without those nice drawers) the table will be something like US$ 200.

Cutting should also not be a problem with a Kapex and the proper balde.

 

[festoller]

Here's the perfect equipment for height adjustment and minimal structural space under the MFT. You can get these lifts as manual and electrical version.

http://catalog.item-international.com/Onlinekatalog/web/EN/artikel/Work_Bench_Design_1000019378/48649

Unfortunaltely the price is more than $1,000 for the 1500 N pair and more than $2,000 for the 2000 N pair. The manual 2000 N pair is a little less than $1,500. There's also a single 2000 N column.

Still it would make a perfect base for the MFT/3, especially with just one 200x170 mm column in the middle that could carry 440 lbs (200 kg).

 

[kkeus]

I've probably found a solution to my problem, that would at least limit the substructure to a minimum (space and weight), although it looks quite expensive.

http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=4297.0

It would be interesting to see some member projects with this Bosch mechanical element or any other. Anyone ever built something like this?

I'll try to get some information and pricing together and maybe even ask the dutch company for more information.

I live in the Netherlands and asked for price information about a year ago... then it was 1600 euro's which is about 2255 dollars... errrr.... i'll make one myself before i pay that amount.

 

[festoller]

kkeus:

as mentioned in my earlier post if you're just looking for the frame/ substructure without the drawers it shouldn't be much more than EUR 150 - 200. Item told me the price for their leight 40x40 mm profile is EUR 10,- (plus VAT) per m. Even adding a few more profiles for some Sysport like drawers or a base for the CTM shouldn't increase the price that much. I just hope someone comes up with a decent design.

Still I didn't figure out how to attach the frame to the MFT/3 without damaging the corner fixings and I still didn't find a solution to a cheap height adjustment.

 

[Deke]

On the budget end of things, I raised my MFT to serve as an outfeed table for my TS. It only needed about two inches. I glued up blocks of 1" plywood squares, about 5 x 5 and 3 inches thick. I drilled holes into this with a Forstner bit - about 1 3/4 - 2" diameter or so (to fit the MFT feet) and about 1 inch deep. I put one under each MFT foot and used large washers inserted in the hole under the feet as needed to level it all out. For storage, I laid across some mdf from each brace and that is one large shelf for my pocket jig, tennon stock, jigs and other stuff. 

Not at all like what you saw above, but for the opposite end of the spectrum, it worked for me.