Yet Another Custom MFT

[cortes]

I was inspired by the MFT build that Ryan posted here some time back. His videos are on Garage Journal. I don't have the space he did so I went with a smaller version of 1 x 1.5m. Ryan's table had a 40x120 top rail. Mine is just 40x40. I rarely use the side rail on my MFT's other than to hold my two Vac Sys units. Is there any reason to go with a 40x80 or 40x120 top rail other than strength?

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[MikeGE]

I built a smaller version of Ryan's BF/MFT and documented my project here:

Thread 'Medium BF/MFT Workbench Build'

Oct 7, 2020

I have the cart a bit ahead of the horse on my medium version of the BF/MFT workbench designed by @AtomicRyan . My workbench will be one meter wide and two meters long. My shop is in a fully enclosed basement with no external doors and everything coming in or going out must pass through a hallway door and flight of stairs. I would have liked a workbench using a full sheet of MDF, but it would dominate the assembly area of my shop.

I ordered a lot of long lead time items for this and other projects, which included the Dash-Board guide rail kit for the T-track. The Guide...

• MikeGE
• Replies: 83
• Forum: Festool Jigs & Tool Enhancements

I used 40x40mm aluminum extrusion for all but the top rails. I used 80x40mm for the top rails so I could have two 8mm channels around the perimeter of the top for the various tools and fixtures I wanted to use. I could have used the same 40x40mm extrusion for the top rails without sacrificing any strength or stability.

After nearly four years of constant use, I am still happy with my workbench. However, if I was starting over, I would change the design slightly to take advantage of the dead space in the middle of the workbench between the backs of the sliding Systainer shelves.

 

[cortes]

I built a smaller version of Ryan's BF/MFT and documented my project here:
https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/medium-bfmft-workbench-build/

I used 40x40mm aluminum extrusion for all but the top rails. I used 80x40mm for the top rails so I could have two 8mm channels around the perimeter of the top for the various tools and fixtures I wanted to use.  I could have used the same 40x40mm extrusion for the top rails without sacrificing any strength or stability.

After nearly four years of constant use, I am still happy with my workbench.  However, if I was starting over, I would change the design slightly to take advantage of the dead space in the middle of the workbench between the backs of the sliding Systainer shelves.

I read through your thread some time ago as well. I'm planning on getting the Bench Dogs hinged rail system. It attaches to the top. I'm tempted to switch to 40x80mm just because the second slot might come in handy some day. I would just reduce the gap between the top and the pan to keep every thing else the same.