Thread: Worktable with UJK parf guide system

I keep meaning to get a small sheet CNC drilled and also keep forgetting about it. I think it will make a great fixture for assembly with the right jigs also CNC cut. I will get it done in 25mm MDF and throw it on a couple of saw stools when I use it and then it can lean against a wall the rest of the time.

Sounds good Chris, I used 18mm just so I can use the festool accessories like their quick clamps that clamp through the holes. Too thick a top and they won’t fit.

A good looking bench. Well done!

Yes MDF is definitely a better product for a dog hole bench. I also find it's more stable. I discovered the dogs/rails/fences from "Benchdogs" in the UK are just as useful for a cutting station using a Festool or other track saw as the parf guides. https://benchdogs.co.uk/collections/all
I also found that adding T-Track provided even more versatility but if you intend to cut through the bench using your guide rail then that's not a good idea. I too have the UJK parf guide system and have been astounded how accurate is and my first dog hole top was made using but I added one row, one column and two edges of T-track for maximum flexibility. Anyway you'll see in my post below that I upgraded to a Stanton bench, probably a waste of money given I own the parf guide system but I really love it.

Don’t you use the parf guide system to make the hole pattern for Dave Stanton’s bench anyway and then add t-track and festool non-slip rubber strips?

If you make it yourself then yes you'll use the parf guide system but I bought the whole bench from Dave Stanton as a kit and the boards are CNC made which sort of does make it a splurge purchase but given time restraints and a recent birthday it made the decision easier. I'll still use the parf guide system for my other benches, including portable ones and I'll also make them for other people but in this case I wanted the whole bench and I'm really glad I did. That apron and its perfectly aligned dog holes to the top dog holes makes it great for assembly/screwing/gluing etc. No regrets except for my bank balance

As I was knocking up a bench seat/ storage box today I thought I’d do a quick follow up.

This table design is really useful and I’m very happy (apart from the plywood, I’ll replace with mdf when its destroyed). Being able to use the festool quick clamp and dogs to hold things in place while putting dominos in, using the rail clips to trim doors square, using the dogs to help align things square while assembling etc.

I certainly wouldn’t be happy with a real mft, the bigger size makes a difference to the type of work I can do on it (this project wouldn’t fit on an mft!)

So, the parf system is highly recommended. Maybe one day when I become a hand tool woodworker I’ll build a great solid bench with vertical and horizontal vices (they look amazing) but for now this is a great practical option for general woodwork.

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just sharing my experience here with using UJK Parf guide on Saligna.


I am not sure if its the timber or weather, I can not use the dogs supplied by UJK without giving each hole a light sand.

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The tolerances are tight, I would not be surprised if the natural timber expands slightly from being exposed to the air or having the stresses relieved by the material that you drilled out, or the holes becoming slightly misshaped by the top expanding. I’d also be concerned with solid timber expanding and taking the hole pattern out of square.

I definitely think mdf is the right material if you are using it out of the weather, as much as I like the look of my ply and your timber top.

Are you finding the patterned top useful though?

I made this table for clamping, square or not or out by 1-2mm ... doesnt really concern me. got my panel saw to do the angled cuts.

so, yes, the patterned top is very useful - however I bought a Festool Vac Sys clamping system shortly after I made this table, the VAC SYS does 90% of the clamping work and the vacuum clamps is not in the way. so this table has become a secondary table if the vac sys is being used by someone.