Festool MFT/3 Multifunction Table
Festool MFT/3 Multifunction Table – Review
A stable workbench is critical to most, if not all, cutting operations, assembly work and much more. It’s often the corner stone to a projects precision, quality and efficiency. Every work shop, including most job sites, have a workbench for these tasks. Work benches range from crude sawhorses and plywood to elaborate break down units.
The key to a good work bench is functionality– in the shop, as well as, to a jobsite. We recently took a peek at the Festool MFT/3 Multifunction Table System, model 495315
Why Use a Festool MFT/3 Table?
The Festool MFT/3 is a versatile, flexible and innovative solution that allows easy transport to the jobsite or in the workshop.
The Festool MFT/3 Multifunction Table has working space of 43-3/8 x 28-1/4-inches, and can support up to 260 pounds. It’s not just a table, but also a very accurate and sophisticated clamping system. The evenly spaced 20mm holes across the table surface offer multiple attachment points. “T” slots around the perimeter make the table well suited for holding work for cutting, routing, planning, joining and sanding operations.
Cost
Like all Festool products, the cost raises eyebrows but not when you stop to think about the different functions this table allows such as:
- Easily carried to job-site, compact size and low weight.
- Super accurate, splinter free cuts with the guide rail.
- Clamping table – clamps faster with uniform holes and Festool clamps.
- Can be used with legs folded out, at full height, or folded in and set on the floor, for flooring projects.
- Accurate and repeatable cuts with the guide rail and plunge saw or routers.
- Precise — accurate cross- cut station
- Folding legs to allow two working heights; waist height and legs folded, resting on the floor.
The Festool MFT/3 Multifunction Table also makes sense when combined with Festool track saw or router. You may not realize this but the Festool Kapex Miter saw will set right in the table — the four feet are on the same metric grid as the holes in the table ….. and any of their single height systainer boxes are quick out feed supports for the saw….. pretty cool.
Where I see this table excelling is in small shops and on the finish carpenters jobsite doing built-ins, wainscoting, clamping and other finish work. I also see this table as extremely useful in making angle cuts in larger wood or sheet stock. These are the tough to make cuts on a table saw that we all dread; cuts that are either too long for a table saw or too wide for the miter saw to make.
Many folks balk at the Festool price tag, I can tell you, as a remodeling contractor and finish carpenter, this table will save you money, as well as make you money thru increased efficiency, safety and accuracy.
Solid Construction
The Festool MFT/3 Multifunction Table has a work height of 35-7/16 inches. As a rule of thumb, the working surface on workbenches is somewhere between 33″ and 36″ high, assuming your between 5’9″ and 6’0″ tall.
The table is rugged and well designed with high quality connection and materials. When set up, [legs unfolded] the legs have rubber feet, to protect floors and also adjust for uneven ground and the result is a stable portable work station.
When used with MFT connectors, you can interconnect multiple MFTs together to increase your workspace.
Festool Multifunction tables (MFTs) are offered in two sizes and three versions:
- MFT/3 basic version. The basic version is sold with just the table
- MFT/3 full version. This version includes guide rail supports, angle unit, fence rail and clamp, adjustable stop, and FS guide rail. This makes for the ultimate work station for sawing, routing, sanding, and clamping.
- MFT/3-MINI. This is a smaller version of the MFT/3 and is designed for use with the Kapex miter saw. It is lower in height and has a smaller work surface than the MFT/3, providing a more comfortable work surface for miter saw station operations.
