MFT type top and parfdogs

[DiscoStu]

I've got a slightly off the wall idea.

I am thinking of making a unit with an MFT style top. The unit will be in total 1500mm x 1000mm and around 800mm high.

My idea is to make two 1500mm x 500mm x 800mm units and hinge them together along one vertical edge and on the opposite edge I will have a clasp that will keep them together. The whole thing will be on casters. The idea is that you can un-clasp the two units and split the top in half so that you can use the inside of the unit for storage. I'm not sure if I'm explaining this well.

Anyway I would like to put an MFT style top on the whole thing so that I can use a track saw on it. So my real question is, does the underside of an MFT need to be hollow or can I just whack it on too of a sheet of MDF. I'm thinking mainly of the use of parf dogs here.

Also if I were to have a gap underneath what depth does it need to be for the use of the Festool clamp (the quick locking can type one)

Thanks in advance and apologies for my ramblings.

 

[mindthatwhatouch]

Ron Paulk has lots of ideas and inspiration, also some homemade MFT type workbenches on youtube!

 

[Stu_2]

Afternoon Stu

To use the table to its full potential, you need to have a minimum of 60mm clearance underneath. This allows you to use Festool rail clamps (or similar) as bench clamps, too.

You will also be able to insert the taller Parf Dogs upside down, which allows the TS motor housing to pass over the rail pins with thinner material or deeper cuts. Finally, the MFT clamps come with securing knobs for the underside of the table, which require clear access underneath, although I've never really found it very necessary. That said, the clamps can tend to want to lift at the point of clamping if a lot of pressure is required, and the securing knobs would then need to be used.

Hope that helps.

Cheers
Stu

 

[DiscoStu]

Thanks Stu, I thought you might reply on this!

Could you make me a top that is 1500 x 1000 that can be cut half way down its length or two 1500 x 500 that will fit together.

 

[Stu_2]

I'd struggle with those sizes to be honest Stu, but I'll ping you a PM with my number to discuss options.

Cheers
Stu

 

[Waka]

Thanks Stu, I thought you might reply on this!

Could you make me a top that is 1500 x 1000 that can be cut half way down its length or two 1500 x 500 that will fit together.

Not sure how much they are now but you can buy the MFT table to separately. I have incorporated this into my table saw outside table, ,this is fold down, and find it very useful to work from.

 

[DiscoStu]

I've been trying to clear out part of the garage, it was quite organised with racking but basically holding odds and sods and stuff that I needed to rid of. Mainly IT kit. So I've cleared all that and put a high shelf in for storage and then below that some storage for wood. So I'm gradually getting some floor space. The aim is to have a work bench with an MFT style top and eventually a track saw. I'm now just debating what storage the unit should have before I make it. I did buy a load of castors from wickes today 75mm rubber wheels and locking - £1 each as they are end of line.