Using dogs on MFT3 table

[skronk]

Hi all,

Are all dogs interchangeable? I mean that providing they fit the table hole, various makes can be used, or does one stick to 1 manufacturer only ?

Thank you.

 

[JakeS]

Are all dogs interchangeable?

No. Shiba Inu are most definitely the cutest ones, but from what I've heard they're eternal puppies and never stay still. Some breeds (e.g. toy poodles) look more ridiculous than others, and some (e.g. collies) are more trainable than others - albeit requiring high-maintenance that a hobby user may shirk at.

I mean that providing they fit the table hole, various makes can be used, or does one stick to 1 manufacturer only ?

Generally speaking, bench dogs are purely mechanical devices that will stay in any hole of the right dimensions, so yes - you could use any manufacturer's dogs in any [appropriately-sized] table hole.

However, while I've never seen an MFT in the flesh, from what I recall the table top is relatively thin compared to a 'normal' workbench? You may find that normal dogs sometimes don't work so well if there's not enough depth to the holes to keep them steady and you're using them to support a workpiece which is taller with some kind of undercut so it doesn't hit against the base of the dog? A thin table is not so much of a concern with dogs as with holdfasts, mind, since generally you're pushing your workpiece against the part of the dog level with the surface of the table, so the part sticking in the hole will still provide resistance. If you want to use the fancy ones with a screw-thread section to clamp stuff in place mid-table it might be worth buying just one and trying it out first before investing in a second or third? Given that Festool seems to sell something of their own which works on a similar principle they're probably fine too, though.

 

[skronk]

Thanks

 

[Roughcut]

I bought the Veritas Parf Dogs and Bench dogs, they are perfect for the 20mm holes on the MFT table.
I got mine from Axminster: http://www.axminster.co.uk/veritas-parf-dogs

 

[custard]

There are differences. Some are machined to different diameters, most are different heights, have different "collar" diameters, and are made from different materials.

Given that you may need three or more dogs to line up perfectly, you're best sticking to one manufacturer. The exception is if you really get into MFT based making and end up with a dozen or so dogs for specialised applications, then there's an argument for getting different features from different manufacturers, but try to get four of each kind.

 

[aldy]

20mm round electrical conduit fits snugly into mft table holes for cheap alternative to use as dogs

 

[skronk]

I bought the Veritas Parf Dogs and Bench dogs, they are perfect for the 20mm holes on the MFT table.
I got mine from Axminster: http://www.axminster.co.uk/veritas-parf-dogs

Seen these on Axminster. 5 reviews.......2 don't fit are are 3 are great ](*,)

 

[Roughcut]

I bought the Veritas Parf Dogs and Bench dogs, they are perfect for the 20mm holes on the MFT table.
I got mine from Axminster: http://www.axminster.co.uk/veritas-parf-dogs

Seen these on Axminster. 5 reviews.......2 don't fit are are 3 are great ](*,)

Yeah I read that too.
I suspect a slight difference in hole size on older mft tables or maybe even wear, one reviewer does mention his table is 5 years old.
I can only go by my own experience and I have a new table and both the Parf dogs and the shorter bench dogs are a spot on fit.
If they were not I would have sent them back.

 

[JJ1]

Seen these on Axminster. 5 reviews.......2 don't fit are are 3 are great

They work superbly with the MFT tops. The MFT tops from many years ago had slightly smaller holes hence the tight fit one reviewer could be experiencing.
The other reviewer that mentions a slightly loose fit. They're supposed to be that way to ensure they are always easy to mount in the holes. The accuracy of the cut isn't affected and if you want to be absolutely certain they don't move at all, they just need securing from underneath, hence the reason they're threaded.
If you haven't seen it already have a look on Youtube for a demonstration of them in use by Peter Parfitt (New Brit Workshop).

 

[skronk]

What sizes to buy from Axy....large and small. How many of each are required....(or rather how few)?

 

[pcb1962]

What sizes to buy from Axy....large and small. How many of each are required....(or rather how few)?

2 tall ones and 2 short ones.
Best to watch Peter Parfitt's video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX8j-eCz5Og

 

[JJ1]

I use a pair of the tall ones and a pair of the short ones.
I find the Festool Fixed Clamps are extremely useful too. They work well in keeping the wood you're cutting nice and snug against the parf dogs and come in very useful when you're cutting smaller pieces with the track saw and want to make sure the wood doesn't move at all. They are also useful for 1001 other jobs too. Also, the threaded knobs they come with will secure your parf dogs too.