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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2001
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    Perth
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    Default Multifunction table (MFT)

    Who has made a MFT with 20mm holes set in a grid? What I am interested in is building a top (in MDF) as cheaply as possible. I've looked for templates - preferring one which uses a 20mm router bit with a 30mm bush - but these are all far too expensive (hundreds of $$).

    It should be easy-peasy with a CNC machine. Anyone here (especially in Perth) able to do this - that is, make up a simple template for me, such as 3 rows of five or six 30mm holes, spaced 96mm apart? Or link to an existing template?

    Regards from Perth

    Derek
    Visit www.inthewoodshop.com for tutorials on constructing handtools, handtool reviews, and my trials and tribulations with furniture builds.

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  3. #2
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    Jun 2005
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    Helensburgh
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    Default

    This one is made without special layout tools

    CHRIS

  4. #3
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    Nov 2020
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    Newcastle, NSW
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    Default

    Would something like this help?

  5. #4
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    Default

    Many thanks for these links. I have seen them before - done quite a bit of research already, but finding downsides to all (above). I will explain.

    First of all, why a MFT table?

    I did recently cheaply purchase a Festool track saw, albeit 20 years old ... but with minimal use time. The blade is still new. I already had a Makita track (1400, which has been cut into 600 + 800, and goes back together with connectors). While I was not ready to become a "tracksaw user" - as I do not work with sheet goods - and, in any event, I have a great Hammer K3 slider, it did occur to me that the tracksaw would be useful for larger work which would be cumbersome on the K3, such as trimming the ends of house doors (there is renovation in my future). To this end I built a workbench, which also saves space since it can store power tools.



    With the protective foam top for sawing ...



    It was going to stop there, and then I realised that there could be a good use for an MFT top - work holding for parts that would not go on my Roubo workbench ...



    Plus the dog holes here are 20mm, and not the 19mm on my bench for hold downs.

    The idea is to use a template to drill holes into a replaceable MDF top. But I do not plan to use it that way (although I could do an MDF top anyway). I want the holes n the wooden top on the bench.

    There are two templates which stand out as the ones to get. The first is the Trend - $260 from Amazon ...



    The other is the UJK Parfguide from Carbatec for a mere $429 ...



    I like the Trend as it is simple: a set of 30mm holes which use a 30mm bush in a router with a 20mm router bit. All done in one pass. The UJK is very fiddly and uses at least two passes, with drill bits.

    The problem with the jig linked by johknee is that it uses an offset bush, that is, it involves a circular scribing rather than a single downward push. Again fiddly, and also likely to be inaccurate. The method in the video, like the UJK, uses two passes, which introduces errors.

    I do not have a CNC, but possibly could make a version of the Trend using my drill press, working very carefully. It would also require the extra expense of a purchase of a 30mm forstner bit. On a CNC a template should be a 10 minute process! Happy to pay someone.

    Thoughts?

    Regards from Perth

    Derek
    Visit www.inthewoodshop.com for tutorials on constructing handtools, handtool reviews, and my trials and tribulations with furniture builds.

  6. #5
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    Jun 2005
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    Helensburgh
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    Default

    I am going to make one for jigging and clamping during assembly with fixtures which will hold things and square them up at the same time. What problems do you see with the links?
    CHRIS

  7. #6
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    Sep 2009
    Location
    Newcastle
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    Derek,

    Ridiculous that the Trend one costs $260.

    If you can't find someone in Perth, then I should be able to knock something up for you and send it over.
    (I have a CNC with 1200x600 cutting area)

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
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    3,579

    Default

    NEWS FLASH NEWS FLASH

    derekcohen derekcohen talking about using MDF ...the world is coming to an end
    I would love to grow my own food, but I can not find bacon seeds

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2001
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    Perth
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Chris Parks View Post
    I am going to make one for jigging and clamping during assembly with fixtures which will hold things and square them up at the same time. What problems do you see with the links?
    Hi Chris

    I suspect that our posts crossed as I did provide reasons for issues with the links provided.

    Here is a video with a UJK parf. This will illustrate how time consuming/fiddly it is ...



    And here is the other jig being used ...



    Verses the Trend ...




    Regards from Perth

    Derek
    Visit www.inthewoodshop.com for tutorials on constructing handtools, handtool reviews, and my trials and tribulations with furniture builds.

  10. #9
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    Default

    Another Trend template, but also with illustrations of work holding.



    Regards from Perth

    Derek
    Visit www.inthewoodshop.com for tutorials on constructing handtools, handtool reviews, and my trials and tribulations with furniture builds.

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    Brisbane
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    Default

    This looks like a option except I don’t think the holes are 30mm
    NEW V2 MFT 20mm Hole Jig - For Use With Router, Includes Expandable dogs. | eBay
    Might be worth contacting seller to see if can modify the hole size.

    update: looking at eBay details again, the guide bush holes are 25mm. So if you can use a 25mm bush & 20mm router bit there is no moving the router around the hole.

  12. #11
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    Apr 2001
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    Perth
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    Default

    Hi Pete

    That is the same template linked to earlier. It has issues. Basically, the 20mm dog holes are make with a router bit inside a bush, but this relies on a specific wall size of the bush and then the hole is routed in a circular action, not directly. You need the exact wall thickness of the bush used by the maker, otherwise it will not work. It resembles the Trent guide but is not the same.

    Regards from Perth

    Derek
    Visit www.inthewoodshop.com for tutorials on constructing handtools, handtool reviews, and my trials and tribulations with furniture builds.

  13. #12
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    Redlands area, Brisbane
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    1,489

    Default

    I found this printable jig set on Thingiverse: Festool MFT DIY Drilling Jig by J-Max - Thingiverse

    I have not used it so I can't comment.

  14. #13
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    Apr 2001
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    Perth
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    Default

    Thanks Mark.

    Kind regards

    Derek
    Visit www.inthewoodshop.com for tutorials on constructing handtools, handtool reviews, and my trials and tribulations with furniture builds.

  15. #14
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    Nov 2004
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    Derek

    For when you have resolved the template issue. Some clamps to suit:

    How to make the Ultimate Worktable Clamps - YouTube

    Regards
    Paul
    Bushmiller;

    "Power tends to corrupt. Absolute power corrupts, absolutely!"

  16. #15
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    Apr 2001
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    Perth
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    Many thanks Paul. Marius' work is excellent.

    This video also demonstrates the huge potential there is in using a MFT bench top for work holding. I see it for carving chair seats, holding parts for biscuits and dominos, routing edges, sanding parts .... most of the tasks I would not use my Roubo bench to do. LOTS of potential.

    Regards from Perth

    Derek
    Visit www.inthewoodshop.com for tutorials on constructing handtools, handtool reviews, and my trials and tribulations with furniture builds.

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