Is MFT Worthwhile?

[user22161]

My ancient circular saw bearings are complaining loudly so thinking of replacing with track saw instead of home made track, for breaking down large sheets.

I also need to make a bigger assembly table (maybe 2 part for storage)and thinking of Paulk style with MFT top so it also doubles up as cutting table with the track saw. Just how useful is an MFT top, bearing in mind I have a table saw? I've looked at various Youtube videos and wonder if they are as accurate as displayed by makers. Also, needing to keep weight down, will Parf dogs and similar work in a 1/2" ply top?

 

[Distinterior]

I have a Festool MFT and also a large 2440mm x 1220mm x 18mm cutting board made of MRMDF that I had made by someone I know with a CNC machine.
I use them both for cutting up sheet materials and for clamping to. The Parf Dogs will fit into a 1/2" thick top but if you were planning on fixing them from under the table top, the dogs will poke out underneath.....as they are designed to be fitted in an 18mm thick top.

I also use a table saw for cutting up thinner sections of solid timber, but the sheet materials are easier imho, to cut on the MFT type tables. Here's a picture below of the large cutting board on site during a recent kitchen installation.

Both are spot on for accurate cuts.

 

[user22161]

The Parf Dogs will fit into a 1/2" thick top but if you were planning on fixing them from under the table top, the dogs will poke out underneath.....as they are designed to be fitted in an 18mm thick top.[/attachment]

Thanks for the reply. No, I'm not wanting to fix from the underside, was more concerned with whether they may be able to tilt if not supported by enough depth of table. As I said before, weight is the problem but, if I reduce the bottom to 1/4" ply, which should be adequate for a torsion box if the stands are under the stringers, then could increase top thickness.

 

[mbartlett99]

I've got a sliding table saw but still use the track saw all the time for sheet goods - the space the table saw is in is tight for throwing around a full sheet. Its probably my most used power tool; it is a festool but only because they were the only show in town at the time.

I also made an assembly table with an mft top and its very handy generally. The dogs are a very close fit so I wouldn't worry about tilting. Be aware though that you will inevitably damage the top so building it into something permanently might be a mistake.

 

[Distinterior]

As long as your holes in the sheet are a nice snug fit for your bench dogs, there shouldn't be an issue with them tilting.
I gave my CNC guy a couple of my Parf Dogs to measure and he cut the holes accordingly. They are far snugger in the top he made for me than they are in my original Festool MFT top.

 

[user22161]

I also made an assembly table with an mft top and its very handy generally. The dogs are a very close fit so I wouldn't worry about tilting. Be aware though that you will inevitably damage the top so building it into something permanently might be a mistake.

Good point thanks. Maybe build it similar to my current table, torsion box with 6mm ply top and bottom and a replaceable screwed down mdf top. May use ply on new one instead of mdf to lighten it a bit - I'm getting old