Using a longer guide rail on the MFT table?

[jlcichocki]

This maybe a stupid question, or a stupid idea, or simply impossible.  The current MFT comes with the FS 1080 rail.  Has anyone tried to use a longer rail in place of the 1080?  I don’t have a table saw and as much as I’d like one, I just don’t have the space.  I have 3 MFT tables.  I frequently use the MFT like a miter saw and/or find myself cutting material just outside the 1080 capacity.

I wonder if I joined the MFT’s such that the guide rail support with the notch could be moved to the second table and would allow me to utilize the MFT’s fence system.

Should I just forget this and buy the TSO triangle and parallel guides?  I hope this makes sense.  I appreciate anyone’s guidance.  Thx.

Jeff

 

[johnredl]

You can join guide rails together.  I have 2x 1400 rails that I join so I can cut a full sheet lengthwise. Is this what you mean?

 

[Mark Katz]

I don't have an MFT/3 but I do have an older MFT 1080. Rather than joining MFTs, couldn't you just switch the guide rail around so that it runs the long way across the table and use an FS1400 rail? This would require you to reposition the factory-set stops to the shorter extrusions and do extensive calibration.

Since you said you have multiple MFTs, you could leave one set up as-is and set up a second one for the lengthwise rail. If the second table doesn't yet have the rail hardware (i.e. it's just an MFT/3 Basic), you can probably buy all the rail-mounting parts from Festool to outfit it. Be aware that swinging an FS1400 up out of the way will require a bit more overhead clearance and a longer reach.

 

[FestitaMakool]

There shouldn’t be any problems using a longer rail.
You can connect your MFT’s either longside or short side. You would only have to move everything including stops and calibrate to your choice of set up.
I think [member=67555]mattbyington[/member] uses his MFT’s this way. You’ll have the capacity to handle quite large formats this way.

 

[Picktool]

Should I just forget this and buy the TSO triangle and parallel guides?

Just get TSO anyways, wish I could but this damn [mad] virus has me on hold for now

Since you said you have multiple MFTs....

What about selling one of the MFTs and replacing it w/ a table saw?

 

[PeterK]

Not sure how you would reach across the longer rail to complete the cut. As suggested, running it the long side of the MFT would be easiest if that gives you a enough length. If not, I would maybe consider the extension table -https://www.festoolusa.com/accessory/203457---tsb1-mw-1000
It costs $250, attaches easily to the MFT/3, is only 19 1/2” wide. It could be used attached to the front of the MFT and as such would allow you to still reach the saw for the full travel of the track. Could possibly even leave the front track support on the MFT and just have the longer rail extend down the table. This is something I am considering doing.

 

[lshah72414]

If you have three mft tables you can break down sheet goods. You really only need two. Tables don't have to be butted up together to break down goods. I took Greg Paolini class in Asheville and he had us breaking down sheet good on two tables using guide rails.

 

[jeffinsgf]

Doesn't Festool still sell the joining bars to lock two tables together? It's not really necessary, but it would avoid alignment problems if you bump one of the tables.

I routinely set up my table with a 1400mm rail running the length of the MFT. I have a second table (one of the old  800s) that I put beside the 1080 to support the off-cut.

 

[peter halle]

This video might prove interesting whereas it addresses your question in addition to general MFT questions.



Peter

 

[sancho57]

I rip full sheets of ply all the time using 2 MFTs and a 3000 guide rail.

You can use just the MFTs  after ripping the factory edge using tick marks measuringwith a tape measure or folding rule,

You can use parallel guides,

Use a long straight edge and a folding rule and a tape measure/ folding rule to measure and mark your cutting line

You can buy a set of the old style Kapex wings which can be set up one MFT accuarately and expend out to over 10ft

lots of different ways

 

[johnredl]

This video might prove interesting whereas it addresses your question in addition to general MFT questions.



Peter

That’s quite an informative video. Thanks for posting