Would you be interested in a Height-Adjustable MFT? Let us know!

[harry_]

I really don't see the need.

It is a certain height for a reason, it works with the other stuff (kapex/mft/3/kapex extensions).

I guess whatever floats your boat though.

But sometimes the other stuff ain't the right stuff so you have to adjust your stuff to make the stuff work!  [laughing]

 

[Mirko]

These tables, for what they cost should come with ajustable legs no questions asked.
I own 4 of the big ones, its a @#$% to get them ALL level when only ONE leg is ajustable.

I think 4 adjustable legs would make more sense than hight ajustment at this point.

Mirko

 

[jmbfestool]

....I think making the MFT height adjustable would just increase the weight and I don't seen any benefits really for me

JMB

I can see some usefulness in an adjustable table but adding weight isn't a good thing in my book.   

Yeah that's why I put I can not see any benefits for me.  It will have benefits/uses for other  people.

But the weight is heavy enough and adding more like you said is a no no for me.

Like mentioned above be able to use the adjustable legs on current MFT would be a good idea saves people buying a complete mft bench again.

JMB

 

[jmbfestool]

I would absolutely love adjustable height MFT.  Here is my reply to how I would use them and what else I would like to see:

How I would use them:

1 - Infeed and outfeed tables for table saw
2 - Infeed, outfeed, AND machine stand for portable planer, like the SYSPLANER.   [tongue]
3 - Assembly/work table - lower for taller cabinets, etc, higher for close up work
4 - Adjustable paint/finish table (would love to have protective cover, too)
5 - Alternate to MFT/Kapex.  Larger Kapex table would provide larger area for tools and wood.  This would provide more stable platform for Kapex with right and left extensions attached.  The extensions could be supported from the table sides and an outrigger from the crossmember between the MFT legs up to the extension.  Put this MFT on wheels and you now have mobile saw station with extensions.

What else I would like to see:

Wheels!!  Quality locking casters (like those on systainer cart or sysport would be welcome additions.

Interconnection:  the ability to lock MFTs together (even at different heights) and move as a unit would be welcome.  The ability to precisely align holes between adjacent MFTs.

Lower shelf spanning between cross members on the legs for storage.  How about a CT on the shelf under a mobile Kapex station.  Faster, easier, smarter.   ;D

Ease and uniformity of adjustment:  would be nice to adjust both left legs (or both right legs) with a single adjustment/crank.  Should be able to make quick, precise (more or less) height adjustments.

Storage cart for multiple MFTs. Cart could be an MFT, too.

I already own three MFT.  If these modifications were available, I would modify all three I currently own, PLUS buy and additional two.  If no retro-mod is available, I will buy additional three new.

Jezus!!!!  For a work shop that's sounds all good but for transporting! No way!  Your MFT design will way a TON  with shelves and everything no way would I buy one of those.  I would say they would have to be accessories you can buy after really.

JMB

 

[upscale]

Festool is constantly refining and optimizing product designs to suit the needs of our customers. We are considering the development of a  MFT and would like your feedback.

I use a wheelchair so my needs are relatively unique. A height adjustable MFT to me would be the first step, but I'd want an additional option. That option is an on the fly adjustable height mechanism. Essentially, I've want to be able to wind some type of crank to raise or lower the MFT to a comfortable working height for the current project at hand.

Considering how any woodworker needs easy access to all parts of their project at different times, real time height adjustability is a necessity as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Jesse Cloud]

Festool is constantly refining and optimizing product designs to suit the needs of our customers. We are considering the development of a  MFT and would like your feedback.

I use a wheelchair so my needs are relatively unique. A height adjustable MFT to me would be the first step, but I'd want an additional option. That option is an on the fly adjustable height mechanism. Essentially, I've want to be able to wind some type of crank to raise or lower the MFT to a comfortable working height for the current project at hand.

Considering how any woodworker needs easy access to all parts of their project at different times, real time height adjustability is a necessity as far as I'm concerned.

You might not wish to wait for this future product.  I have seen articles where woodworkers use a simple, expensive (eg, Harbor Freight) hydraulic table to raise and lower a worktable.  Another option is to mount a couple of supports onto an automotive jack and mount that under the MFT.  The table could be raised with the jack handle or a power drill could be fit to a socket to turn the jack....

 

[mouppe]

I have to say that it is not a feature that would interest me.

 

[monte]

My back would love an adjustable MFT!  I'm currently brainstorming on a way to put my recently acquired 1080 on stilts.   [smile]

Don't worry Shane, I filled out the survey too. [tongue]

Roger Savatteri raised his MFT180s by placing inverted flower pots that had a recessed base under the legs, raising the tables about 6".  They were quite stable.

hmmm, almost true! [big grin]

The table lifts were actually bed lifts sold by Bed, Bath & Beyond. (That cost way less than the time I would spend fabricating something.)
They are sold in sets of four and available in two heights, see the links below.
They are in fact extremely stable, and if you want to combine two 1080 tables together  "width wise" - where the two leg sets come together I had to modify the tops slightly by nibbing them on my bandsaw.

Highly recommended until Festool comes up with their fix. (perhaps a little less costly)  

btw, regarding the adjustable table I would be all for it - it should adjust down at least to the height of the 1080.
Better would be to knee height - to facilitate assemblies.

Also, in my humble opinion, I don't believe Festool will advertise the new table for use as a scaffold without selling side guard rails ................for liability issues.

cheers,
Roger

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=13262713&RN=404&

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=12106769&RN=404&

 

[clintholeman]

I would assume that adjustability meant being able to INCREASE the height of the table above its present height.  If so, then I am all for it!

 

[Wood_Junkie]

hmmm, almost true! [big grin]

The table lifts were actually bed lifts sold by Bed, Bath & Beyond. (That cost way less than the time I would spend fabricating something.)
They are sold in sets of four and available in two heights, see the links below.
They are in fact extremely stable, and if you want to combine two 1080 tables together  "width wise" - where the two leg sets come together I had to modify the tops slightly by nibbing them on my bandsaw.

I'm a shade over 6'1" and the MFT 1080s sometimes are murder on my back.  And the 2x4 scraps I raise 'em on aren't exactly awesome.      [thanks] [thanks] [thanks]

[not worthy]    [not worthy]

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

I would assume that adjustability meant being able to INCREASE the height of the table above its present height.  If so, then I am all for it!

Clint, there would be an ability to raise and lower the MFT based on the current concept. Imagine a crank mechanism, operated by either a handle or used with a drill, that could be used to adjust the height of all four legs simultaneously.

Again, be sure to record your thoughts using the survey.

 

[harry_]

I would assume that adjustability meant being able to INCREASE the height of the table above its present height.  If so, then I am all for it!

Clint, there would be an ability to raise and lower the MFT based on the current concept. Imagine a crank mechanism, operated by either a handle or used with a drill, that could be used to adjust the height of all four legs simultaneously.

Again, be sure to record your thoughts using the survey.

Umm, I like how it sounds functionally. Economically it sounds like a ~$500 table is going to become ~$1000, driving interest down significantly.  :'(

 

[Alan m]

wow this is getting very dear . the mft is allready a very expensive table and if it got any dearer i would not be getting one (probable :) i dont see the need for infinit adjustment , if each leg was like a crutch they would allow fast and easy height changes and still keep the weight down. the new mft has to be portable as that is the whole point of it as if you wanted a perment bench you would not want a mft , you would borrow some of the ideas but add weight and mass and shelfs etc.

 

[jmbfestool]

I would assume that adjustability meant being able to INCREASE the height of the table above its present height.  If so, then I am all for it!

Clint, there would be an ability to raise and lower the MFT based on the current concept. Imagine a crank mechanism, operated by either a handle or used with a drill, that could be used to adjust the height of all four legs simultaneously.

Again, be sure to record your thoughts using the survey.

Ummm!  Im liking the idea of using a drill to adjust the height!  I dont know how it would work but I would like it if it would allow you to adjust each leg separately as well with the drill props with 1 inch play in each leg.    I find the current MFT with just the one adjustable foot is not good enough I often have to get a piece of MDF or something to get my MFT stable on site.  Also it does turn its self when you put weight on it I have noticed when you have it at fully turned.

JMB

 

[Brice Burrell]

Umm, I like how it sounds functionally. Economically it sounds like a ~$500 table is going to become ~$1000, driving interest down significantly.  :'(

I think the Walko tables didn't survive here because of their high price tags, a new height-adjustable MFT might suffer the same fate.....

 

[Neill]

Shane,

As many of us do, I have a bad back.  If I could perform some operations, such as sanding, sitting down it would be very helpful.

Also, If I could do some things like routing and not have to bend over so much to keep an eye on the bit, it would be great.

Neill

 

[NuggyBuggy]

wow this is getting very dear . the mft is allready a very expensive table and if it got any dearer i would not be getting one (probable :) i dont see the need for infinit adjustment , if each leg was like a crutch they would allow fast and easy height changes and still keep the weight down. the new mft has to be portable as that is the whole point of it as if you wanted a perment bench you would not want a mft , you would borrow some of the ideas but add weight and mass and shelfs etc.

Just because the current MFT is designed with portability in mind doesn't mean that all future MFTs have to be equally portable.  Similarly, the existence of a height-adjustable MFT wouldn't necessarily preclude a more portable model existing side-by-side. 

I bet a lot of MFTs rarely or never move outside the shop; in these cases the portability issue would become moot for many when compared to the flexibility an adjustable top could offer. 

 

[Jesus Aleman]

I love my MFT/3 due to its versatility and ease to move around.  However, I rather see something like the MFT Kapex with height adjustment than the MFT/3.  

I would like to propose two product offerings oriented more for shop use than portability (perhaps limited time offerings):

1) Problem.  It is challenging to cut narrow wood with the parallel guide extensions because it is very difficult to support the guides and the wood reliably between two co-planar surfaces when there needs to be a gap between the surfaces (due to u shaped extensions).  I have tried a few things, but none very practical.
Solution:  A method to join two MFTs while leaving a 6-10" gap in between (with the top surface coplanar).  Look for example at how routers and the parallel guides are used by Jerry Works in his tutorials.  He doesn't join the table per se, but having this functionality would be awesome when the floor surface is not level.  Perhaps this could be two short aluminum profiles with braces.

2) I want a bench with the versatility of the MFT top and side profiles, the working area of 2 MFTs, but with a base that is customized for handplaning (mass), storage, and my height.  I already have a MFT that I intend to keep, but I want a permanent bench for my shop.  The challenge is that not all parts are offered by Festool in NA nor cost-effectively. How about a kit?
Solution: A MFT erector set.  Essentially 2 MFT tops, side aluminum profiles, and the two guide rail supports sold as a kit for a limited time.  You provide your own guide rail and the base to suit your needs.  

I looked at the spare part website yesterday and I think these two products can be offered (each) as a kit from existing parts.  No need to reinvent the wheel.

JGA.

 

[Jesse Cloud]

I wonder if there is a way to make the thing work with compressed air?  Maybe we could hook up a compressor and the air would push a piston in each leg to raise the table, bleed some off to lower?  It might be a way to go 'infinitely adjustable' and not add much weight.  I think most folk who work on site will have a compressor nearby and most of us shop types have one...

 

[harry_]

I wonder if there is a way to make the thing work with compressed air?  Maybe we could hook up a compressor and the air would push a piston in each leg to raise the table, bleed some off to lower?  It might be a way to go 'infinitely adjustable' and not add much weight.  I think most folk who work on site will have a compressor nearby and most of us shop types have one...

Oh no! Now we have gone from $500 to $1000 to $2000. Pneumatic air rams aren't really cheap.