Using MFT3 as in-feed to a Kapex

[JMDUK]

Just got a Kapex set up on the UG cart and wondered if anyone has found a fool-proof way of using the MFT3 with a fence instead of the UG-L for feeding material in?

From left to right I'd have MFT3, Kapex UG Cart, UG-R or a second MFT3. Just need to find a way of aligning a fence across the two MFT3s with the fences on the Kapex - aligning it 'by eye' with a level and some Fencedogs takes forever and there's too much margin for error across such a long plane.

Currently trying some Fencedogs and aluminium fence for the MFT side, but would love some ideas on how to make sure that after setup / takedown I can get consistently aligned fences on each side without spending 20 minutes wiggling the cart backwards and forwards and having to re-level the feet thanks to uneven concrete floors.

 

[ChuckM]

Two general points:

1) The fence that matters is the saw's fence where the workpiece is referenced against. So set the aux./long fence a hair back from the saw's fence so it won't affect the registration in case the workpiece isn't dead straight.

2) Where possible, mark on the ground the position of the legs after the perfect set-up is done. Use those marks to guide the set-up next time.

 

[Mortiser]

I'm with [member=57948]ChuckS[/member] on this. I have infeed and outfield tables, cabinets actually, for my Kapex and I only reference the fence on the Kapex. The in and out surfaces are used for board support, and sliding flip stops in t-tracks, which are set approximately 1/2" behind the face of the Kapex fence.
Good luck with your set-up.

 

[JMDUK]

Ah ok, that makes sense - I haven't cut pieces this long before so was playing it safe and tring to butt at least 50% of the length up against a fence just to feel confident it was straight. I have started marking the floor but I just wanted something a bit slicker.

I was initially thinking of a mitre station where I can set up the MFT, wheel the UG cart into place against a hard stop, setup the MFT on the other side and 'fix it' so it's all in line. Much like the below but with the cart in place of the suspended platform:

View attachment 1https://twitter.com/drgladd/status/675139128124657664

I think I'll just extend the fence out from the MFT to get the cart square to the table and then follow the recommendation from you guys.

 

[sancho57]

MFTs work great as Infeed out feed tables thats what they were designed for. Dont sweat the fence it doenst have to me perfectly aligned with the kapex. Only thing that matters is that the stops and the measuring tape are accurate. even then if you measure yerself and mark the material then set the stops for repeatability yer good

 

[elfick]

Don't forget that the UG wings have an extension built into them that affectively doubles the total possible length for stops (IIRC, I can't reach mine right now to verify).