What do you use to square up your MFT-3 fence

[B_Swanson]

I recently purchased an MFT-3 to go along with a small (but growing) stable of Festool (TS-55, CT-26, RO-90) in an effort to get the workshop space up and running.  One question for you MFT-3 owners, what rule/guide/square do you use to check or adjust the fence and rail for square?  The Woodpecker 12" Precision Woodworking square has certainly caught my eye, but its a good amount of coin.  Any other suggestions?  

Brad

 

[mouppe]

Yes, I use the Woodpecker's 12" square. You need something thick as the fence and guide rail are different heights. There are some useful videos on youtube about the MFT squaring process- they use the same square in these videos.

It's not expensive for what it is.

 

[woodie]

I held off on getting the Woodpecker precision square too. I tried different squares for setting up my MFT/3 with little luck on achieving the accuracy I was hoping for. I finally just took the plunge. Boy what a difference it made.  Another slightly lower cost option is the Pinnacle Precision Square from Woodcraft. From what I understand it's the same as the Woodpecker square. The only difference being a black anodized finish instead of red. It's $85 instead of $99.

 

[mouppe]

Shop around. I paid $70 several months ago.

$80 here.

http://www.incrementaltools.com/Woodpeckers_12_x_8_Precision_Woodworking_Square_p/wp1281r.htm

 

[davee]

I now use a woodpecker square, but for years I used a simple speed square purchased from a big box store.  It is an inexpensive solution that worked well for me. 

 

[B_Swanson]

Thanks for the link Richard.  I think I'll take the plunge with the Woodpecker's square.

Brad

 

[woodie]

Yeah, I bookmarked that site for future reference. Thanks!

 

[Brice Burrell]

Here's another option, Qwas dogs.  That's what I've use.  Throw the dogs in the MTF's holes and use the to align the fence and then the rail, done.  Plus they are just plain handy to have around.

 

[PaulMarcel]

Like Brice, I use the Qwas dogs for both the back fence and the guide rail.  No eye-ballin' just squeeze against the dog and tighten whatever needs tightening.

 

[Frank-Jan]

If there were a square available with my name on it, I would prefer one of those  

http://www.swansontoolco.com/

 

[GPowers]

I now use a woodpecker square, but for years I used a simple speed square purchased from a big box store.  It is an inexpensive solution that worked well for me. 

Same here to start with i also used a speed square. But now I have both the 1281 square (got it when it was on sale) and the one-time-tool Woodpeckers 660 mm Precision Square. Works great.

 

[mlfaber]

I use Qwas dogs, then check it with the 1281 Woodpecker Square!  ;D

 

[B_Swanson]

Brice and Paul,
  I'm eagerly awaiting the QWAS dogs to come back into stock at Bob's.  That's a great idea.  

F-J,
  My own personal line of measuring tools.  Very cool!

Brad

 

[b_m_hart]

another +1 for qwas dogs here - takes all of 30 seconds to square things up after moving the table around...

 

[sancho57]

I use the Pinnacle from Woodcraft.

Its the same exact square as the 12" Woodpeckers square, different color and name..

Thats the square that Steve taught us to square the MFT with in the cab class.

 

[Bainiet]

Hi Brad,

You probably got some idea what will work for you by now but Hey let's get the SYSTEM working for you  I use the mfs-700 not the cheapest solution but it's there on the shelf  [big grin]

How about some math? A square + B square = C square Just use a long enough ruler and you get the precision you need.

 

[Bruce]

I used to set it up with the Qwas dogs and then check with an engineering square.  Now I just use the Qwas dogs and be done with it.  As long as those holes in the table don't move, I have full confidence in it [big grin].

 

[peter halle]

I concur with the Qwas Dogs.  Take those dogs for a walk. 

Peter

 

[williaty]

I use the Qwas dogs to align the guide rail parallel to one column of holes. The I use Qwas dogs to align the fence to one row of holes. By definition, the fence and the rail are now square to each other. In practice, this gets it closer to square then you can extract precision from the rail. It you've never done it, pick the rail up and put it back down 10 times, using feeler gauges to determine exactly how out of square the rail is. Then do this same test with the rail flat on the table, with the rail at the height for 3/4 sheet goods, at the height for 4/4 lumber, and at the height for 8/4 lumber. You'll be surprised how much scatter there is at any one given height and the amount that it can change with height is quite an eye opener.

The precision and accuracy of the MFT rail and fence is very good for a quite easily portable worksite tool. However, to get that last gasp of precision and accuracy, it's not as much of a no-brainer as a crosscut sled.

 

[billg71]

I used to set it up with the Qwas dogs and then check with an engineering square.  Now I just use the Qwas dogs and be done with it.  As long as those holes in the table don't move, I have full confidence in it [big grin].

Me too(or three or four or five).

Or you could use one of these. A bit pricey for a framing square but at least it won't rust. I like mine!

Bill