Which MFT to buy?

[hockey_magnet]

I'm thinking of buying an MFT for my Kapex and general use - assembly, portable work surface, sanding, etc.  I do not have a TS55 or 75 or a Festool router, nor do I intend to buy one anytime in the near future. Mainly doing very small home reno stuff and hobbyist stuff. I know the MFT/3 with the protractor, fence and track is a good deal but given no TS or router, I can't see using them much. I'm therefore leaning towards the basic table or the Kapex table. The Kapex table is 10 lbs lighter but obviously smaller. At the same time, it supports using all the clamps, etc. as the "full size" table. and is $100 cheaper. Any comments or suggestions from users of either of these tables would be welcome.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[dltflt]

It really depends on what size projects you are planning to use this for.  But remember the MFT/Kapex is 4 5/16" shorter than the MFT/3 which is huge if you are a tall person, you would not be comfortable using the shorter table.  You may just want to get the MFT/3 and pay the $100 difference because there is a good chance you will buy more Festools and if not you can probably sell the fence.

 

[Kev]

The MFT/3 in conjunction with track compatible Festools is, to me, part of the core of the Festool system. I can't imagine embracing Festool and not ultimately getting a green track saw, router, etc.

The relative value of spending the extra would seem a good future investment, but only you know your own plans.

Then you have the extra size to consider, which I only believe to be a positive.

If ultimate weight and price are an issue and you never plan to use Festool track systems, maybe you should look at cheaper options than MFT altogether ...  

Other thinking though ... If te MFT is mostly to house the KAPEX - the MFT/3 would be cumbersome ...

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I use my kapex mft/3 more then I do my regular mft/3.  Mostly due to its smaller size. 

At this point and time, I can't remember where my full size mft/3 is or the parts for it.

Hmmmmmm, maybe I should try and find it.

 

[tbellemare]

The MFT/3 Kapex height is such that the Kapex table is at the same height as the MFT/3 or MFT/3 Basic so that they can be used as out/infeeds. It also makes it the proper height for using either of the Kapex extension sets.

Tom

 

[semenza]

I have the MFT/3 and it is a more useful general work surface simple because it is larger. But I also just got an MFT/Kapex partly for the Kapex , but also to have a handier  portable bench when I don't need the  surface area.

It really depends what you are going to use it for.

I suggest getting a piece of cardboard or plywood and a TV tray or card table or whatever. and make a little mock for each. Just to get a feel for the sizes and Heights. Might make your decision easier.

Seth

 

[hockey_magnet]

Thanks - still undecided - One advantage of the larger table is that the extra 11 inches in length would allow me to use 2 Systainer 1's as supports with the Kapex. I've found them to be useful for that in the past.

 

[hockey_magnet]

The MFT/3 in conjunction with track compatible Festools is, to me, part of the core of the Festool system. I can't imagine embracing Festool and not ultimately getting a green track saw, router, etc.

The relative value of spending the extra would seem a good future investment, but only you know your own plans.

Then you have the extra size to consider, which I only believe to be a positive.

If ultimate weight and price are an issue and you never plan to use Festool track systems, maybe you should look at cheaper options than MFT altogether ...  

Other thinking though ... If te MFT is mostly to house the KAPEX - the MFT/3 would be cumbersome ...

THanks, I think the MFT is worth considering because of it's versatility vs something else. It's hard to find a protable workbench that matches it. Perhaps one day, I will get a TS or router but it's not something I feel I need at this point as I already have a good router and portable table saw and I don't have a ned t obreak down a lot of sheet goods. If I need to replace one of them, I would consider Festool first of course but at this point the full MFT/3 with fence, etc. is over $100 more than the basic MFT/3 and over $230 more than the Kapex version

Chris

Edit> Moved reply out of quote box.

 

[tjbier]

For the $100 I would definitely buy it, if you don't want it sell all the parts and track and you most likely will make all your $ back and then some.

But I use my guide edge and clamp the track down, and square up drawer boxes to it while I am building drawers.

 

[mouppe]

I would definitely buy the MFT/3 with the fence, rail etc. It's worth it for the rail alone, and you can buy rail connectors to attach it to your TS55 rail if you buy one in the future and end up with a longer rail.

If you want a smaller table, I would hunt around for a used 1080 or 800 and buy a replacement top for it.

 

[GPowers]

Have you considered the UG cart for the Kapex? Makes it a lot easier to move around and store the Kapex.

 

[hockey_magnet]

Yes but I felt the table would serve more than one purpose. Actually, for me, it's easier to transport and store the Kapex on it's own, takes up less space..

Have you considered the UG cart for the Kapex? Makes it a lot easier to move around and store the Kapex.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

As others have said, it depends on whether the height is a big issue for you or not.  The MFT/3 is such a great tool that I wonder how/why I did not get one as one of my first Festool purchases...and I have a big, heavy solid maple bench that I made and I still use the MFT/3 way more for assembly and all hand-power tool use.  If height is an issue, get the MFT/Kapex.  If not, then get the standard MFT/3.  I echo what others have said and get the fully kit if you ever think you will add a router or TS saw to your collection...if not, then the basic will certainly suffice.  A couple of the quick clamps and a set of clamping elements and you are good to go.

Scot

 

[hockey_magnet]

As others have said, it depends on whether the height is a big issue for you or not.  The MFT/3 is such a great tool that I wonder how/why I did not get one as one of my first Festool purchases...and I have a big, heavy solid maple bench that I made and I still use the MFT/3 way more for assembly and all hand-power tool use.  If height is an issue, get the MFT/Kapex.  If not, then get the standard MFT/3.  I echo what others have said and get the fully kit if you ever think you will add a router or TS saw to your collection...if not, then the basic will certainly suffice.  A couple of the quick clamps and a set of clamping elements and you are good to go.

Scot

Thanks Scott, I doubt height will be a big issue so I'm leaning towards the standard table. Of course I just realized Festool has the bundle of the MFT/3 and the TS 55 hich would save me about $100 on the combination - so now I have something else to think about  ??? Going to do a bit of research into the TS 55 to see how much table saw use it will eliminate

Chris

 

[builderbob]

I use my kapex mft/3 more then I do my regular mft/3.  Mostly due to its smaller size. 

At this point and time, I can't remember where my full size mft/3 is or the parts for it.

Hmmmmmm, maybe I should try and find it.

Darcy, if you don't want your MFT/3, send it my way!!!

Bob

 

[RussellS]

Going to do a bit of research into the TS 55 to see how much table saw use it will eliminate

Personally I think the TS55 saw is great for breaking down plywood in one off situations.  On-site or workshop where you need one piece cut to a particular size.  But when you get into multiple pieces, say cutting up a 4x8 sheet of plywood for drawer bottoms, or kitchen cabinet sides, then the repeatability of the table saw is superior.  Even if it is hard to maneuver the plywood against the rip fence and through the blade.  You set the fence to the number you need and then run the plywood through over and over and over.  With the TS55 you have to move the guide rail over and over and measure each and every time.  Lots of potential for inaccuracies if you want mutiple items exactly the same.

TS55 and a long rail is also good for putting a straight edge on a rough board before you size it to final width in the table saw using the rip fence.  With the table saw you would use a sled to get one edge straight.  Much easier with the TS55 abd a long rail.  So just because you have a table saw does not mean the TS55 will not be used right along side it.  Ripping narrow boards is not where the TS55 shines.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

Going to do a bit of research into the TS 55 to see how much table saw use it will eliminate

Personally I think the TS55 saw is great for breaking down plywood in one off situations.  On-site or workshop where you need one piece cut to a particular size.  But when you get into multiple pieces, say cutting up a 4x8 sheet of plywood for drawer bottoms, or kitchen cabinet sides, then the repeatability of the table saw is superior.  Even if it is hard to maneuver the plywood against the rip fence and through the blade.  You set the fence to the number you need and then run the plywood through over and over and over.  With the TS55 you have to move the guide rail over and over and measure each and every time.  Lots of potential for inaccuracies if you want mutiple items exactly the same.

TS55 and a long rail is also good for putting a straight edge on a rough board before you size it to final width in the table saw using the rip fence.  With the table saw you would use a sled to get one edge straight.  Much easier with the TS55 abd a long rail.  So just because you have a table saw does not mean the TS55 will not be used right along side it.  Ripping narrow boards is not where the TS55 shines.

And that is where the Parallel Guides come in -- perfect parallel rips with the guide rail that are repeatable and accurate -- works great for wide pieces and with the extension set, narrow rips too.  I highly recommend them.

Scot

 

[semenza]

Picked up my MFT/Kapex today. It will indeed be handy to carry around compared to the MFT/3 for those tasks where the full table is not needed.  It will be waaaaay easier to move around a house etc. And could even be put into the backseat of a car or small trunk.  [thumbs up]  I would not want to be without the larger surface of the MFT/3 for though, for most things.

Kapex sits very nicely on it too.

Seth

 

[builderbob]

Picked up my MFT/Kapex today. It will indeed be handy to carry around compared to the MFT/3 for those tasks where the full table is not needed.  It will be waaaaay easier to move around a house etc. And could even be put into the backseat of a car or small trunk.  [thumbs up]  I would not want to be without the larger surface of the MFT/3 for though, for most things.

Kapex sits very nicely on it too.

Seth

I purchased the MFT/Kapex when I first purchased the Kapex as that was release day and the only Festool option available for the saw. I have since purchased the UG cart for the Kapex and use the MFT/Kapex on site. As Seth said, it's easy to carry around and my pick up truck has to fit many tools...it's good for me!  I also picked up the fence and protractor for the MFT/3 from a fogger that was getting rid of his, so now I have a mini table for site cuts! I'm actually waiting for Mr. Marino to restock the qwas super dog set and I'll use the rail dogs combined with the fence and won't need to have the two rail components & tie up one of my rails specifically for that!

Bob