Thread: MFT Inspired Torsion Box table/bench

Thought I would show you guys my Festool inspired work table. Mainly to be used for assembly, hand held power tool use and occasional hand tool use.

The base is designed off the simple workbench plans from Matthias Wandel at Woodgears. Here are the plans http://woodgears.ca/workbench/plans.html

Ive previously built one of these benches, as can be seen in the background. Its a general purpose shed bench and has served well, being mounted hard against the wall, no vice and ho hold down points it is not really ideal for doing larger work or using hand tools. I have hand planed on it by clamping the piece to the main frame and holds up well. One day I would love to build a traditional hand tool workbench but I just dont use them enough to warrant it yet.

The base is all made from stock sizes available from most places. For transport issues I had to buy mine in all 2.4m lengths. Legs are 90x45 and Large rails are 140x35. All Treated Pine. I Used 2 lengths of 90x45 and 3 of the 140x35

This one is larger. The top measures 1200x2000mm and once finished will be 100mm total height by making a torsion box sub frame. I plan to drill holes in the sides for clamping, and install a proper quick release woodworking vice.

Now. The top in this type of design is usually everyones biggest concern. Not so much for me (although its not an exact copy, Festools MFT is based on 96mm spacing, all my holes keep the 20mm size, but are 100mm spaced). My dad runs a CNC router at his work and cut this out in his lunch break for me out of some hybrid material. Looks like MDF, has a white gloss underside and a hard, gloss layer on top. this piece of 16mm feels to almost weigh the same as a whole sheet of 18, very heavy for its size. It came in from Laminex as a packer sheet.

The frame is very simple. Built the same was as the plans call for with through dowels. The length is the same but the overall width has been stretched to 1000mm. It is not shown in the pictures but I have also added cross support pieces spanning the gap to support the bottom layer of the torsion box.

Hopefully will get it finished next week.

John