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Walko
Jan 23, 2014 6:00:16 GMT -5
Post by jonathan on Jan 23, 2014 6:00:16 GMT -5
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Walko
Jan 23, 2014 6:37:06 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by wrightwoodwork on Jan 23, 2014 6:37:06 GMT -5
Never seen but looks good on first impression need to read up on them
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Walko
Jan 23, 2014 10:42:27 GMT -5
Post by jalvis on Jan 23, 2014 10:42:27 GMT -5
I've always wanted a Walko. Although the USA doesn't have any distributors if I remember correctly.
Last year I did find one supplier that had one still in stock but the price was really high.
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Walko
Jan 23, 2014 11:38:24 GMT -5
Post by Tom Gensmer on Jan 23, 2014 11:38:24 GMT -5
I remember a few years ago reading about the Walko workbench. At the time they had very limited distribution in North America and were relatively expensive.
For much of my work I use two MFT/3 tables set next to each other with 2x "cleats" installed to help elevate the work above the MFT/3 table surface. This works great for processing framing lumber and 4x8 sheet goods. However, it does occupy a somewhat large foot print. Not a problem if I'm setting up for a few days, but a bit much for the quick in-n-out project.
I just watched the "WALKO Your Mobile Workstation" video and was reminded of just how handy this table could be!!! Maybe not the best suited for projects where you're dealing with lineal lengths of materials (12'-16'+) where my 2xMFT/3 system maybe works a little better (Compared to a single Walko), but yeah for general carpentry use this would easily surpass my current system, and I suppose (money permiting) a guy could always get a second Walko!
A big "Plus" for the Festool MFT tables was their track integration for using the table as a cross cutting station. In my opinion, the KSS saws would, for most tasks, fulfill the same utility as the MFT cutting function, plus if you're still set on using tracks there are now a multitude of 20mm "Dogs" designed to integrate into the perforated surface of the MFT tables as well as the Walko, precluding the need for the aluminum track surrounding the MFT tables.
Darnit, now you've got me rethinking my system…..
Curse you Jonathan, you can't just go around spending my money like this without asking!! j/k
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Walko
Jan 24, 2014 0:42:23 GMT -5
Post by 7 on Jan 24, 2014 0:42:23 GMT -5
I watched the videos- to me it looks cool in theory but not as "real world" useful as many other designs. I think the best ones are homemade options. Impressive idea and engineering for sure.
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Walko
Jan 24, 2014 3:04:41 GMT -5
Post by jonathan on Jan 24, 2014 3:04:41 GMT -5
I'm really intrigued by the Walko, but I'm also not on the fence just yet. I do however think it's better than the MFT/3 i currently have, which is just a wobbly table top with holes in it and T-Tracks on the edge.
I fear the problem lies in the fact the bench has to be more or less cleared before you can transform it. Or at least the table you're adjusting. On the other hand, the fact you can ajust the height, tilt the tables etc makes for a very nice assembly platform. A number of additional custom table tops could also make for useful CMS-like inserts. And I also like the fact you can attach a table at a lower height to quicky put tools on.
I think I'd have to use one on a project first to actually be sure.
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Walko
Jan 24, 2014 5:14:33 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by wrightwoodwork on Jan 24, 2014 5:14:33 GMT -5
Certainly an interesting idea and one where space is a premium worth looking at. You get clamps for making panels called Plano which go on the wall and would be an interesting idea
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Post by jonathan on Mar 7, 2014 7:18:47 GMT -5
Small update, I but the bullet today and ordered a small Walko 3. I'll post my findings for you when I've put it through some use.
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Walko
Mar 8, 2014 0:34:33 GMT -5
Post by MrToolJunkie on Mar 8, 2014 0:34:33 GMT -5
They used to carry these in North America but not any longer. I was always intrigued by them. I hear that the bamboo tops can become warped/de-laminated if they get wet at all so you might want to seal the holes or something if used outside the shop. I think they are pretty ingenious.
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Walko
Mar 8, 2014 2:32:00 GMT -5
Post by jonathan on Mar 8, 2014 2:32:00 GMT -5
They don't come in bamboo anymore for some time now. The tops are now rubberwood. Regardless, the tops that come with it go straight to the bin as I don't like the hole spacing. I make my own HDF tops.
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taz
Junior Member
Posts: 67
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Walko
Mar 17, 2014 21:14:49 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by taz on Mar 17, 2014 21:14:49 GMT -5
They don't come in bamboo anymore for some time now. The tops are now rubberwood. Regardless, the tops that come with it go straight to the bin as I don't like the hole spacing. I make my own HDF tops. Isn't the hole spacing 96mm same as the mft/3's spacing? What spacing are you going for?
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Walko
Mar 18, 2014 1:32:55 GMT -5
Post by jonathan on Mar 18, 2014 1:32:55 GMT -5
I haven't received mine yet, but accoring to what I managed to find on the web, apparantly the spacing is 90mm. That's not what irks me though. If my info is correct, what does irk me is that the spacing isn't uniform across the surface. And most importantly I want to make custom tops that are both smaller & larger for ie drill stand, vice, router table, etc. Therefore I've decided I won't be using the standard tops.
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Walko
Mar 18, 2014 2:50:44 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by wrightwoodwork on Mar 18, 2014 2:50:44 GMT -5
I see what you mean, that would irk me as well. Saying that there might be some reason for doing it might be worth sending an email to see what the logic is in the madness. Might be so 22.5 degree angle is easily achieved
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Walko
Aug 10, 2014 20:32:58 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by checkmax on Aug 10, 2014 20:32:58 GMT -5
No one in the US sells these? Are these superior to MFT/3? I was going to purchase 2 MFT/3 tables but keep reading how fidgety they are to setup properly.
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Walko
Aug 10, 2014 22:13:49 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by GhostFist on Aug 10, 2014 22:13:49 GMT -5
For myself, I don't see the benefits of an mft3 given the price. It's essentially a fold down table with a grid of dog holes punched in it and an unstable one at that. Nothing that can't be made myself more specific to my needs. Admittedly, it irks me when I see MFT mods that are nothing more than a rolling cabinet base with a folded mft on top. The walko has some interesting functionality to it that is not as simple to replicate. I know some users on here own the mft and have even modded it to use the mafell tracks.
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