Festool MFT Questions

Re: Festool MFT Questions

jessecloud

Hey Barry,

The MFT 1080 is the model that came before the MFT3. Its longer and wider, but lower to the ground than the mft3.

The perforated tops are considered consumable items, since they get saw kerfs in them. When one side is all kerfed up, you can just flip it and use the other side.

I haven't ordered a top for a couple of years, so I don't know whether Festool still sells them or not. Last time I bought one I paid about $100. There are a number of third party jigs that allow you to make your own from a sheet of mdf. So that's my plan for the 1080.

Anyhow, you got a good deal!

Maybe not as good as I thought

Barry Irby

I thought what I found was new top still in the box...not so much. The auction preview was winding down when I spotted this box. It was labeled Festool MFT and I peeked in the box and the top appearred new. I bought it as mentioned and brought it home. Turns out it was not exactly new, at least not unscathed. It appears the guy made his first cut with the saw set way too deep and nearly sawed the end off the top. At this point I am assuming this was when his MFT was nearly new and he ordered a replacement, put the cut one back in the box and set it aside.

Oh well, I guess this solves my dilemma as to whether to use it or save it. If I finishing cutting it down It will fit my shop cart even better and take up less room. Some day, I will have to figure out how to replace the top on my MFT, or it may out live me. At worst, I figure I can either buy one of the boring devices or just use this one as a template and bore right through it.

What is this MFT used for

Bill Tindall, E.Tn.

I Googled the name and some sort of table came up with holes in it. But for what purpose?

Re: What is this MFT used for  *LINK*


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eO89bDhC0UE

Re: What is this MFT used for

Barry Irby

Excellent question....

MFT stands for Multi Function Table (here is the South that may be translated to MF Table). Festool seems to have a different approach to woodworking that is not centered around the table saw. This table is something like a heavy duty folding card table. You can transport it to a job site and set up "shop". There is a fence system that allows for the use of a track and track saw. The holes allow for clamping to the top and there is a rail around the perimeter the clamps will slide into and you can clamp work to the edge vertically. (Might take the place of your Moxon vice.)

My main interest in the table was to use it with the tracksaw to break down slabs and perhaps to miter one together to create a waterfall end on a desk. The tracksaw will cut 70mm which is close to 3" and does a beautiful Job.

The dogs available for the top add lots of possibilities.

The only bad thing is the table is wobbly, not as solid as I would like.

Re: What is this MFT used for

jessecloud

One thing I would add to Barry's description is that the holes are cnc drilled at precise parallel and square locations. Makes it easy to pop in a pair of dogs to set the track or other fence at 90 or 45 degrees to the workpiece.

The multitude of holes make it easy to clamp odd shapes such as chair legs, circles, elipses, etc.

When I have just about worn out the mdf top with kerfs, I save undamaged areas of the sheet for using as clamping surfaces in jigs.