Using sacrificial cleats, use your MFT/3 as a sawing station
Jan 1, 2014 16:35:27 GMT -5
charley1968 likes this
Post by Tom Gensmer on Jan 1, 2014 16:35:27 GMT -5
Hi there gang! Ok, so, for those of you who are using the Festool MFT/3 tables, here's a pretty easy trick to expand their versatility.
I have built various versions of these cleats, that have allowed me to use my MFT/3 table in lieu of saw horses for general carpentry, and custom cut tables for breaking down sheet goods.
I have made a few different versions of these cleats, but in general they are made of either 2x4 material (1.5"x3.5") or MDF that is glued and ripped to those dimensions, cut to length at roughly 30". Different generations have used 3/4" wood dowels or 3/4" OD stacked fender washers (19mm) to interface with the 20mm holes in the MFT table surface. These "pegs" are used to keep the cleats from sliding around. I have them spaced to fit in the 2nd hole in from either edge of the table, so as to give some versatility in how I can lay them out. I also route a 3/4" wide dado in the tops of the cleats to allow them to nest, making them more compact for transport, and allows me to stack them on the tables. Also, the 3/4" dado allows you to slip in 3/4" thickness cleats to further elevate and/or widen the work surface.
When cutting 2x framing materials, the cleat raise the material high enough off the table surface that, even with a 7.25" saw set to full cutting depth, I do not have to worry about cutting into the table surface or, even worse, cutting into the aluminum profiles that form the frame (!!). At the end of a 11 hour day, it's VERY nice to not have to worry about constantly dialing the correct cutting depth. Also, with the extra support, my off cut still lands on the table, so I'm not constantly picking up scraps off the ground.
For breaking down sheet goods, these cleats are nice because they provide plenty of support (I like to set them up so there's support roughly every 7" or so), without having to transport and store sheets of foam. When used with two MFT/3 tables (and depending on how you size your cleats), you get roughly 87"x28" of support, plenty for most 4x8 sheet goods.
Finally, these cleats have been really handy for use when cutting with a jig saw. Because the cleats can be nested together, you can stack them so you don't have to worry about striking the table surface, while still giving you plenty of support.
Anyways, I'd be happy to hear any input you gentlemen may have in regards to these cleats, particularly if there are improvements I can make or if there are uses I am not thinking of.
PS: as I have a chance, I'll try to add better photos in the future!
I have built various versions of these cleats, that have allowed me to use my MFT/3 table in lieu of saw horses for general carpentry, and custom cut tables for breaking down sheet goods.
I have made a few different versions of these cleats, but in general they are made of either 2x4 material (1.5"x3.5") or MDF that is glued and ripped to those dimensions, cut to length at roughly 30". Different generations have used 3/4" wood dowels or 3/4" OD stacked fender washers (19mm) to interface with the 20mm holes in the MFT table surface. These "pegs" are used to keep the cleats from sliding around. I have them spaced to fit in the 2nd hole in from either edge of the table, so as to give some versatility in how I can lay them out. I also route a 3/4" wide dado in the tops of the cleats to allow them to nest, making them more compact for transport, and allows me to stack them on the tables. Also, the 3/4" dado allows you to slip in 3/4" thickness cleats to further elevate and/or widen the work surface.
When cutting 2x framing materials, the cleat raise the material high enough off the table surface that, even with a 7.25" saw set to full cutting depth, I do not have to worry about cutting into the table surface or, even worse, cutting into the aluminum profiles that form the frame (!!). At the end of a 11 hour day, it's VERY nice to not have to worry about constantly dialing the correct cutting depth. Also, with the extra support, my off cut still lands on the table, so I'm not constantly picking up scraps off the ground.
For breaking down sheet goods, these cleats are nice because they provide plenty of support (I like to set them up so there's support roughly every 7" or so), without having to transport and store sheets of foam. When used with two MFT/3 tables (and depending on how you size your cleats), you get roughly 87"x28" of support, plenty for most 4x8 sheet goods.
Finally, these cleats have been really handy for use when cutting with a jig saw. Because the cleats can be nested together, you can stack them so you don't have to worry about striking the table surface, while still giving you plenty of support.
Anyways, I'd be happy to hear any input you gentlemen may have in regards to these cleats, particularly if there are improvements I can make or if there are uses I am not thinking of.
PS: as I have a chance, I'll try to add better photos in the future!