What accessories to get with a new MFT ?

[Brandon]

Just joined here and had a question. I'm finally going to break down and buy a MFT table. Just curious what accessories people are finding to be most useful to go along with it. I plan to use it with a variety of Festool tools that I already own. Thanks in advance

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

All the clamps, all the clamps. [big grin]

 

[Brice Burrell]

Welcome the FOG Brandon!  [welcome]

Not knowing what tools you have or applications you intend to use the MFT for it's hard to recommend the best accessories for you. I think Warner is on the right track with a recommending clamps, I like the Festool quick clamps but some people think the screw type clamps are a better value. Another popular accessory are Qwas dogs, a non-Festool item.

Good luck and again, welcome to the forum.

 

[Texastutt]

I'm going to have to get some of those Qwas, the guide ones look great as I never seem to have my parts small nuf to fit on the size prohibits of the MFT 1080

 

[Pyotr]

I like the clamping elements. The quick clamps are too expensive IMO, I got the screw clamps instead. I was slightly disappointed with the cross-members, they did not improve the rigidity as much as I had hoped.

 

[honeydoman]

brice, thanks for the lead on the qwas dogs,  they ;ook great I am going to get a pair.

 

[Martin Johnson]

I would say eventually...everything in the picture if your needs are there.  Some items in this picture are not available in the states yet, but here is how it is used in Germany...this shows that saw insert on the mft attachement, but there is a router table insert as well that was shown at IBS and AWFS. I have the qwas dogs and like them as well.  you could also use the non-slideing side of the clamping elements as dogs...The MFT is so functional, I use it to saw, assemble, and finish...

 

[monstrol]

I second, third and fourth,...Qwas dogs.

 

[Neill]

I agree with everyone except about the clamping elements.  I have them and don't like them.  The pieces that hold the workpiece exceed the height of even 3/4" thick material.  So as you sand your material you also sand the clamping elements.  Also it creates an unsanded gap along the edge as your sander rides up onto the clamp.  The solution is to keep moving your piece in the clamps.  That sucks.

In addition, if you try to hold a piece that has a narrow edge after routing it ususally slips.

The solution for both problems is to get some Bench Cookies from Rocker.

Neill

 

[Brandon]

Thanks for the suggestions. And to answer the one question, I have a 1400 router, rotex, domino, ts55 and jigsaw. Do most people dislike the clamping aspect of the mft? That is kind of a major purpose for purchaing it. I'm also hoping to use it for making more easily repeatable mortises with my router. I'd also like to use it with my Domino for making frameless cabinet boxes.
Thanks

 

[Wood_Junkie]

I agree with everyone except about the clamping elements.  I have them and don't like them.  The pieces that hold the workpiece exceed the height of even 3/4" thick material.  So as you sand your material you also sand the clamping elements.  Also it creates an unsanded gap along the edge as your sander rides up onto the clamp.  The solution is to keep moving your piece in the clamps.  That sucks.

In addition, if you try to hold a piece that has a narrow edge after routing it ususally slips.

The solution for both problems is to get some Bench Cookies from Rocker.

Neill

Umm... put a 5/8" thick by however-wide-you-like spacer between the clamping element and your workpiece.  That'll give you some working space and your sander can overhang the workpice without contacting the clamp.

I love the bench cookies, but your described situation just needs an iota of effort to overcome.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Martin- thanks for the tool porn!! [cool]

The clamping elements sit below 3/4" stock.

I really like the clamping elements.

I use my mft/3 more for assembly, clamping and a general work table than I do for sawing.
I have been using it more for sawing lately.

 

[Texastutt]

I have Jorgensen hold downs and use them all the time. I want the saw extension.  [crying]

 

[Corwin]

Thanks for the suggestions. And to answer the one question, I have a 1400 router, rotex, domino, ts55 and jigsaw. Do most people dislike the clamping aspect of the mft? That is kind of a major purpose for purchaing it. I'm also hoping to use it for making more easily repeatable mortises with my router. I'd also like to use it with my Domino for making frameless cabinet boxes.
Thanks

I think most people DO like the various clamping options for the MFT.  Mostly the holes which allow for their clamps.  Some may not like Festool's Clamping Elements -- others like 'em just fine. 

 

[Dan Clermont]

Definitely the Clamping Elements and a set of Qwas Dogs would be nice as well!

You may want some extra stops if you are planning to setup several cutting lengths

Dan Clermont

 

[Neill]

I agree with everyone except about the clamping elements.  I have them and don't like them.  The pieces that hold the workpiece exceed the height of even 3/4" thick material.  So as you sand your material you also sand the clamping elements.  Also it creates an unsanded gap along the edge as your sander rides up onto the clamp.  The solution is to keep moving your piece in the clamps.  That sucks.

In addition, if you try to hold a piece that has a narrow edge after routing it ususally slips.

The solution for both problems is to get some Bench Cookies from Rocker.

Neill

WJ,

Exactly my point.  Spend almost $100 for the clamping elements and then have to do backflips to get them to work properly?  You can get 4 bench cookies for $12 and no modifications required for them to work.

Neill

Umm... put a 5/8" thick by however-wide-you-like spacer between the clamping element and your workpiece.  That'll give you some working space and your sander can overhang the workpice without contacting the clamp.

I love the bench cookies, but your described situation just needs an iota of effort to overcome.