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.
Replaceable Top
The replaceable MDF top is secured with four bolts placed into threaded inserts
Using the Festool MultiFunction Table
The instruction manual for this table stinks. Festool has an outstanding video that outlines how to assemble and use the table, and we highly recommend it.
In our shop we have a 10-inch contractor table saw with a dedicated cross cut sled. The MFT/3 not only replaces this one-function machine, but it doubles as an assembly and clamping station. Plus it folds up and stores compact, if I need the floor space. Try doing that with a contractor size saw.
I used it with my Festool track saw to rip, miter, and cross-cuts materials all with splinter-free cuts. The integrated guide-rail system was stable and accurate, and allows you to make cuts 27-9/16 inches wide and 3-inches deep. Securing work for sanding and planning on this table was fast and easy.
The table excels in clamping operations and we loved how the L-shaped claps allow you to rotate and grab in any direction allowing the ability to clamp odd parts.
I think that this system is more accurate than my dedicated contractor saw, with the cross cutting sled, however I don’t think it would replace a production style panel saw in a mill shop.
The miter angle head is well designed and has stops at all the common angles such as 15°, 22½°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 67½°, 75° and 90°.
A flip stop that mounts to the track system allows you to make multiple, same sized cuts and parts – well done.
We especially like the safety that this table coupled with a track saw offers!
Improvements
I always try to look at tools and accessories with a “constructive open eye.” The Festool MFT/3 is a tough one to offer improvement to, but I do have a few points to offer:
- Festool should advertise the setup video on the packaging
- Festool should consider replacing the tensioning knobs on their legs and instead opt for a faster “leg-lock lever,” similar to the folding legs on the Dewalt work stand DWX725.
- Festool should include their cross support legs with their tables. The MFT/3 is a folding-leg table, it has a slight wobble. We recommend purchasing them if considering this table.
Specifications
- Height: 35 7/16″
- Working Table Area: 43 3/8″ x 28 1/4″
- Weight: 54 lbs.
- Overall Size: 45 9/16″ x 30 7/16″
- Supports 260 lbs.
Conclusion
Immediately after I started using this table I started thinking about eliminating one of my bulk assembly tables and replacing it with the MFT/3. The Festool MFT/3 Multifunction Table will not replace your table saw or miter saw but it might replace larger machines, like my dedicated cross cutting table saw.
This table delivers precision, flexibility and efficiency to get a project done well, and to get you that often sought after, but not always received, “well done!”
Festool is all about being part of a system that provides precision accuracy, excellent dust collection and a seamless connection with other Festool tools.
Frankly it’s a nice addition to any workshop or finish carpenters job site. You never get a second chance to make a first impression! This table is the “job site Mercedes of job site tables.”
Cost
The Festool MFT/3 Multifunction Table sells for $665.00 online here: Festool-MFT-3-Multifunction-Table
Festool MFT/3 Video Review
Photo Gallery
