What accesories to get with the MFT

[Dan Clermont]

Told my wife tonight I was getting a MFT 1080 ;D and she was happy for me. I think its gonna be my brithday present

Like always my wife likes to make sure I get all of the accessories right off the bat as I have to cross the border and pick this stuff up in the US. I was planning on getting some of the Clamping elements and maybe some of the shorter clamps (FSZ120) as I already have the 300mm version. What about the Longitudinal Stop and the Quick clamp and teh FS-Z rapid clamp?

Thanks
Dan Clermont

 

[Greg in Memphis]

Those quick clamps, as well as those shorter clamps are worth every penny.
Those clamping elements are nice, too. Pricey, but nice.
I'm really not sure about those rapid clamps or the longitudinal stop. Maybe someone else here could explain their benefits. I wouldn't mind reading that, myself.
If you already have a  Festool saw, it probably wouldn't hurt to get an 800 mm rail also. They're handy for those quick short cuts without having to set up the MFT.

Hope you have a great birthday

Greg

 

[Bob Marino]

Told my wife tonight I was getting a MFT 1080 ;D and she was happy for me. I think its gonna be my brithday present

Like always my wife likes to make sure I get all of the accessories right off the bat as I have to cross the border and pick this stuff up in the US. I was planning on getting some of the Clamping elements and maybe some of the shorter clamps (FSZ120) as I already have the 300mm version. What about the Longitudinal Stop and the Quick clamp and teh FS-Z rapid clamp?

Thanks
Dan Clermont

Dan,

The Quick clamps are nice, very nice, but twice the price of the FSZ 120's. The Longitudinal Stop is useful for repeat cuts - I use mine quite often.

Bob

 

[The Dude]

Good Morning All, it is Junkie contention that the quick clamps are extremely handy (not to mention a bit sexy), but, they are "pert near" twice the price.  They are a kewl product, but like I say, if you are on a budget you can get two clamps instead of one.  The Rapid clamps are along the same line.  The rail sits atop the two components of the clamping mechanism.  This allows Mr. User to line up the rail to his/her mark, squeeze the trigger and lock the rail in place.  Again a sexy little item, and really not that expensive at 37 bucks. 

The Clamping Elements in my opinion are a must have...even though they are 84 bucks.  There are two components to the clamping method; a "stop block" or bench dog as it were, and a cam levered adjustable sliding block.  Both these components fit into the holes on the MFT and can be secured under the table with a screw on knob.  The Festoolvian will place the object between the two components, slide the cam piece (while it is wide open) and then close the lever on the cam thus squeezing the product tight against the work piece.  I have actually picked up an mft 800 while these clamps were holding the wood in place...picked up the table while holding the wood...strong clamp. The applications are many; blocking the workpieces in a "pocket hole" (come on guys...not everyone has the domino), holding pieces in place during hand tool work (Bailey 4 1/2), using the "cam" side and the angle gauge together for hold down, etc. etc. etc..

Greg, I do like the 800 rail for quicky jobs...it is very handy...glad you mentioned it.

 

[Dave Rudy]

Good Morning All, it is Junkie contention that the quick clamps are extremely handy (not to mention a bit sexy), but, they are "pert near" twice the price.  They are a kewl product, but like I say, if you are on a budget you can get two clamps instead of one.  The Rapid clamps are along the same line.  The rail sits atop the two components of the clamping mechanism.  This allows Mr. User to line up the rail to his/her mark, squeeze the trigger and lock the rail in place.  Again a sexy little item, and really not that expensive at 37 bucks. 

Quick clamps are fantastic!  I held off for a while because of price, preferring several of the regular clamps, but once you use them it's hard to go back.

I haven't really checked out the rapid clamps though, and I'm not sure I get how they work from your description -- could you add some more description and pics if possible.

Thanks

Dave

 

[Dave Ronyak]

Told my wife tonight I was getting a MFT 1080 ;D and she was happy for me. I think its gonna be my brithday present
... What about the Longitudinal Stop and the Quick clamp and teh FS-Z rapid clamp?

Thanks
Dan Clermont

Dan,

For example, you can use FS Rapid clamps Part No, 489790 [http://www.festoolusa.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProdID=489790&ID=0] with any guide rail - to attach the guide rail on a box or casement work, even one that is already finished, where the normal L-shaped clamps such as FSZ 120, Item # 489570 or the 300 mm version or FS-HZ 160, Item # 49159 cannot be used.  You could use that Rapid Clamp with Guide Rail to guide your router for inlay work.  However, the gripping power of FS Rapid Clamps is not nearly as high as the FSZ 120, Item # 489570 or 300 mm version you have.  My opinion is that a woodworker can never have too many clamps or too great a variety of clamp types and sizes - I am always wishing I had a few more, and that Festool would make FSZ or FS-HZ clamps with a rotary joint attaching the foot of the L-shaped member to its shaft so that I could rotate the head of the clamp to exert downward force on a work piece resting on the top of the side rails of the MFT.  I highly recommend getting at least a pair of FS-HZ 160, Item # 491594.  They are expensive, but convenient, and they seem to hold their grip better than FSZ 120, Item # 489570 or 300 mm version when subjected to vibration, as occurs when using a router, and even the sanders. 

Dave R.

 

[Corwin]

I'm with Timmy C in choosing the FS and Clamping Elements as the most bang for the buck clamps.  Cannot see using the MFT without these clamps.

One of the slick things about the MFT is having both the field of 20mm holes and the outer profile with incorporated T slots.  Kind of the best of both worlds.  And this allows for a multitude of various clamping options.

Dave can easily make the clamp he desires that would attach to the outer T slots.  Simply make a mounting plate (from ply or MDF) for a toggle or other type clamp that you can mount to the MFTs profile with T track hardware.  And by removing the T nuts, you can also use FS clamps to attach this same setup to the table top -- unless you make the heavy duty mounting plate that wraps the top and side of the profile for added support.

 

[Matthew Schenker]

I'm with Timmy C in choosing the FS and Clamping Elements as the most bang for the buck clamps.  Cannot see using the MFT without these clamps.

Agree absolutely!  I use the MFT-SP Clamping Elements constantly while sanding or holding items down for chiseling or other work.  Lately, I've been using the Clamping Elements to help when running the Domino.

Also, strongly agree with those who suggest the FSZ 120 clamps.  I use these all the time, and in fact I am considering adding a couple more to my collection soon.

Matthew

 

[Dan Clermont]

I'm with Timmy C in choosing the FS and Clamping Elements as the most bang for the buck clamps.  Cannot see using the MFT without these clamps.

Agree absolutely!  I use the MFT-SP Clamping Elements constantly while sanding or holding items down for chiseling or other work.  Lately, I've been using the Clamping Elements to help when running the Domino.

Also, strongly agree with those who suggest the FSZ 120 clamps.  I use these all the time, and in fact I am considering adding a couple more to my collection soon.

Matthew

Thanks for all of the input

I ordered the Element Clamps and the FSZ 120... along with two of the 4 drawer sortainers and one of the 9 drawer sortainers.

Dan Clermont