Festool MFT/3 table

Jun. 24

There are some operations that were cumbersome in the shop, including cross cutting boards or panels. Since I just changed the shop's layout I needed a table that could address some operations and the Festool MFT/3 was the chosen solution.

Operations

By choice, I do not have a table saw nor to I have a chop saw, mainly for space consideration in my one car garage. Also, this was a conscious choice and so far, been able to move along fine. Granted, I am not in the shop as often as I would like, but the lack of these tools have not limited me yet.

One of the main operation that I had issues with was cross cuts operations. For the time being, my abilities using hand tools for this operation, specially on the finer cuts are not that good on larger parts. This was a task I left for power tools, specially my Festool TS-75.

In order to keep dust in the garage portion of the shop, using the table for other tasks like sanding or cutting with a jigsaw is also possible. Actually, all tasks that will need work holding to use a power tool will most probably end up on the MFT/3 table through the process somehow.

Models

This is why I was looking at the Festool MFT/3 table for a while, mainly for getting stock to length. I would also gain a table that has hold down capabilities for other operations on the power tools side of the shop.

As of this post, Festool has evolved the table in different versions to address different needs. I've picked up the MFT/3 version that includes the following :

guide rail
Angle unit
Guide rail supports for height support

These accessories where necessary as this is to facilitate crosscut operation. Granted, it does not have an infinite capacity between the guide supports, but for what I need to crosscut, the capacity of the table should suffice for good majority of the needs.

Also getting an extra rail, although the smallest in the offering, is still a bonus for the odd occasion that I would need it outside of the table itself. The angle unit is also something that might prove usefull on the long run as some angle cut will be on the horizon so although most of my cuts will be at 90 degrees to the rail, having the possibility to vary this angle, I see it as a plus to the whole package.

Features

Other features include the possibilities to connect multiple tables together. This might be interesting, but for my personal situation, there is only space for 1 table in the shop. As for stabilizing the table for racking forces, I will see if the bars between the legs will be necessary. I don't intend to use the table where this might be necessary, as the operations that would require this type of stability, I got the workbench that can handle it perfectly. I guess only time might tell if this proves to be an accessory worth adding.

The perforated top permits clamping through the top to secure a work piece. This is a nice feature combined with the variety of Festool Clamps, the system works quite well here. Using other clamps here is also possible without too much effort either.

Good points

Included in the Festool MFT/3 table, specifically on the guide rail is the splinter guard on the rail itself. It was already included on the rail, well boxed and protected. Also, the rail deflector is also included, which really help for the dust hose and power cable of the tool that rides the track.

Here are some pictures :