I'm adding a third, connected so they're long ways front to back. Full sheet breakdowns are a snap. I'm doing way more on my MFT(s) than on my table saw these days.
Anthony, just installed the new TSO extension. It’s a great product and I highly recommend it as it gives support to off cuts and a place to put my track saw after cuts. Thanks for sharing! BTW: TSO is a great company and worthy of the woodworking communities support! (No I am not affiliated with TSO just purchased several of their products and a fully satisfied customer.) blessings!
@@matthewwysocki5019 I have a video on the TSO extension table, I am an affiliate of TSO products, too bad you didn’t see that video first and purchase the products through my special affiliate link. Here is my affiliate link in case you decide to purchase any other TSO products, tsoproducts.com/?ref=Scolaro
Dashboard PWS is another alternative to the exact setup. I was looking at this same setup plus an STM1800 and ended up on the PWS system instead. Love the channel! Cheers!
Hey Anthony, good day to you pal, just caught your video on YT and I have to admit, you explain the pros and cons of the MFT perfectly. IMO, the only con is the price., Yeah 850 for an MFT3 (price plus tax) is a lot, but along with this price comes PRECISION. I've tried many other ways to make precise boards for building carcases, and let me tell you, if you are not dead on balls accurate with your cuts, your project will never come out perfect. By perfect I mean, square, no gaps, just a beautifully put together cabinet that doesn't require you to trim this, adjust that and hope you get a perfect fit. Expensive yeah, but dude, when I slide the back onto the carcass and it just slides in perfectly smooth, man, its worth the price. Thanks again. Festool is not perfect, but they are as close as you can get. Peace
Anthony, appreciate your videos; very informative. I've replicated your two MFT 3 set up in my 2 car garage. Just waiting on the STM 1800 to show up and I'll be set to go with my new hoppy of cabinet making. Nice thing is I can still get my Ram 2500 in the garage at the end of the day. Thanks
Good stuff anthony. I admire you because unlike so many other you tubers you are not motivated by profit. No corporate plugs,...... keeping it real! Therefore you are, in my opinion, a trustworthy guy who tells it like it is. Keep it up, there arent many like you out there.
Thank you, I have absolutely no sponsorship with these companies. So you are getting true opinions and demonstrations I’m sure you know the tools aren’t the main focus but the actual “how to” process. Explaining and showing the tools is just me keeping you guys informed.
Great video. Interesting that you were able to replace your table saw with mfts. I have the kreg system and I find I am using my table saw less and less. I find the track saw systems are better in a lot of ways: safer, less noise, less dust, better for repeatability, etc. looking forward to the next video in the series.
A table saw is a fantastic and versatile tool, I'd say, it's the most versatile tool you can have in the shop. If you want to make ANYTHING and you needed to have only one saw, it would have to be a table saw. Except for construction, in which case it would be a circular saw. And actually a big cabinet saw, with the right dust collection over and under, has perfectly fine dust collection. However, as both you and Anthony have noted, for specialized tasks such as breaking down sheet goods, particularly if you lack spac\, some specialized set-up such as here, a track saw with some jigs, will do better. Jack of all trades, master of none.
It's all about productivity especially if it's your living ! Even as a hobbyist I've just purchased a track saw. I've made do with home made guides and a conventional hand held circular saw for too long. Took a long time to set up for a cut, quality was variable and dust control a nightmare ! Cross cutting a panel was a thing of dread. I may go for a CNC cut MFT style worktop and some dogs / accessories in the near future.
Great video. I'm in the process to overthink a set-up for my small workshop (hobby+). I was considering MFT/3 and your video is clear to by one (two ;). Thanks a lot, have a nice day.
Your workflow using festool continues to impress Anthony, nice job. I do plan on an MFT setup at some point, but that's a bit further down the line for me; I'm still working out the details of my own setup. I'm leaning towards either buying an MFT top and building my own base, or getting a parf guide system to drill my own MFT tops. Regardless of how I get there, an MFT is definitely in the plans. Looking forward to the next video in the cabinet making series. Enjoy your weekend as well!
Question: if you have two full MFT/3 setups, why not use your second track instead of the stop block/flag with the two tracks spaced apart at the target length of the cut (e.g., 1344mm) plus/minus the width of the blade kerf? Then you wouldn’t need to flip your material over for the second cut-just take your saw over to the second track to make the second cut. Seems like it would be a little less motion and still accurate, as long as the fences are aligned straight and the tracks are both square, of course. Thanks for sharing your video tips!
Aligning the fences is a big no-no, just like having a miter saw extension wing in line with the miter saws fence, if there is any variation in the board or even the slightest misalignment of the fences, the cuts would not be square. Festool even teaches that in their training.
Anthony, I've been wondering whether to build a Ron Paulk Smart bench or just get an MFT3. The advantage of the MFT3 is that it has all you need to measure and cut accurately. A Smart bench with the TSO triangles, pus some straight edges end up cost about what an MFT3 costs so, I like your thinking.
In my honest opinion and professional opinion as well, I like both and it’s more of a preference. I say this because the MFT/3 is very versatile and accurate for mostly crosscuts only, it’s portable but trust me it’s still heavy as heck to drag around. I had to buy two MFT’s plus the extension table for supporting long crosscuts. There’s also no storage for tools when working on an MFT, so you have to put tools elsewhere. The Paulk bench is also versatile. I actually bring it to every job and use it in my shop everyday. My MFT’s now just live in my shop as a permanent crosscut station. With the smart bench, you can choose the size of the surface you want, which is key for cabinet making. Plus the storage underneath keeps the tools close and off the top of your work surface. TSO products and their UJK lineup have everything you need to make you smart bench crosscut ready. So you have options, now it’s just what you need. Make sure you use my affiliate links for anything on the TSO site if you purchase from them, I also have Amazon affiliate links to the Festool tools I use.
Anthony Im.ordeding a bunch of festool stuff I needed to know about the 96 inch guide rail. I want a guide rail for ripping plywood. Suggestions? Putting two together or buying one solid one.. where can I find it?
I always link the Festool stuff I use in the description box of each video. I hope you are purchasing them from my Amazon links. As far as the 3000 guide rail(118”) I don’t put a link because Amazon doesn’t have it. If that’s the one you are looking for, you’ll have to do a google search and see who actually has them. Otherwise you can connect two 55” guide rails. Remember, the 3000 rail is much harder to store than two guide rails that can be broken down.
Was it pretty easy to get the fences in line with each other? I just bought a second MFT/3 with the hardware from Festool recon site. Got the connectors too. Working on getting them setup as I type this and was looking around to see other setups. Thanks for the video buddy.
Do Not, I repeat, Do Not line up the fences. Set the second tables fence back about half an inch. This way if the wood has any twist, it will not hit the second fence and throw off your square cut at the first MFT.
@@AnthonyScolaro1that makes sense now, glad I asked the question prior to setup. I installed a KREG fence system on my Kapex miter saw station and want to replace it with a recessed t-track stop system. Even though I left a bit of space further out from the fence, I still run into issues with breaking down materials with bows. Especially if they’re home depot 2x4’s 😂
@@AnthonyScolaro1had another question as I’m setting mine up. The deflection stop that sits on the short end of the table to stiffen the fence. When I install that, I can’t get the connectors to use all four grub screws. Did you find a work around or just connect with three of the four screws? Thanks. 😊
@polishmatt82 you have to use only 3 or just one on each table works fine also. The connectors are only to keep them together for consistency on the stop blocks. So the lengths don’t change in between cuts if you bump the tables
Do you think this setup can replace miter saw and table saw? I already have a mft and track saw. I have limited space, and I am only a hobbyist. Thanks for any advice, and this video.
It has replaced my table saw. But it you do any kind of moldings, especially crown molding then you still need a miter saw. But if not then this can do almost anything. The fence has a protractor to cut angles, not just 90 degrees. Check out my latest videos on the TSO products I use, you may be able to get some more ideas.
Hi Anthony. Just found your channel. I will defiantly check your other videos as I am trying to be a competent cabinet maker myself. Self tort. I like your tool bag you have on your hip. Which one is it please and I will check it out. All the best. Keep up the good work. Adrian UK
The tool pouch is actually kobalt from Lowes. They market them as an electrician’s tool pouch but they’re perfect for my needs. They only cost about $10
Can you do long rip cuts with the MFT? I know it's great for cross cutting but I do long panels and have to use the table saw and fence for repeatability. I would prefer a track saw method. I do have the TSO 50 inch guide rail set but wondering if theres an MFT solution? I commented previously blaming you for tempting me to get the 118 inch guide rail! I pulled the trigger and it arrived today. I have the cordless Makita track saw but the Festool rails are shipped in a sturdy box with long wooden supports inside to prevent damage. Makita rails are just in a box and I couldn't risk it. Only issue is the anti tipping gizmo doesnt work with Festool rails but I can live with that. I thought it would have been funny if your answer to the video title "why do I have two tables...." would have been "why not?" Followed by a big smile and two thumbs up 😂. You should do a video with Q&A about the MFT. Maybe a live stream and questions in the comments for those that missed it. I like what your doing! Keep it up. Smashed the like button!
Vertically? You mean standing up? Because You can only cut plywood vertically on a stand up panel saw. When you lay plywood on a surface to cut it, that is horizontally. And if you wanted to cut a full sheet of plywood on an MFT, you need two of them and turn them sideways and spread them apart a little bit to support the entire 4x8 sheet. I hope that makes sense, because I don’t think I understand the question if that’s not the answer you’re looking for. I hope this helps.
Cam action t-bolt clamps, threaded through 18mm plywood and there’s a solid wood lip at the bottom of the plywood as a rest support. here’s a link to the clamps- amzn.to/3n1FQ9K
Hi Anthony. Just discovered your channel, it’s great! Question, do you take the MFT’s to the worksite or are they strictly at home? I just finished a small job and was crawling around the floor with a foam board and a rail square. I thought “what the hell am I doing?”. Picking up my MFT next week. Keep the videos coming!!
Crown molding and all other trim work for one, which is what I do a lot of. plus you’ll see in the next cabinet series video on face frames why I use a miter saw.but if you only do woodwork like furniture and cutting boards, you could eliminate a miter saw with this setup.
this is so disingenuous, i own a cabinet shop and i will take you up on your 3 mfts vs my sliding table saw i will finish an entire sheet by the time you manage to do the 12", 24" straight rips, is it because the sliding table saw literally left no room for anything else? is what we see in the video the entirety of your shop? if so i guess i understand...
@@heruvey87 unfortunately back when I had this small area of basement as my shop, yes that was all the room I had. Sliding table saws are absolutely amazing, however they take up a lot of room and most people don’t have them if they’re not a pro cabinet shop because the good ones that have a 10 or 12 foot stroke cost about $10k-$20k
Good video brother, I'm a pro cabinet guy like you, I have a two car converted garage/shop, so i have room to do stuff, I have a jet vac system ( fantastic), I have one MFT , but I use it strictly for routing with my 1400 Festool router, I also have a Powermatic Table saw, which I would never give up, I use a Delta radial arm saw for my cross cuts, ( Extremely accurate), but your setup, for the space you have is very smart, BRAVO, do you assemble on site??
I assemble certain parts on site, it all depends on the size of the job and the clients door openings. Glad you liked the video. Make sure you check out my channel, plenty of content showing my cabinet making and assembly process.
@@AnthonyScolaro1 I watch a lot of shop videos to compare myself and methods with others, I'm much more impressed by guys like you who improvise with less space, and find different powertools to supplant bigger power tools, your double MFT setup is very cool, and I've not seen it before. Necessity is the mother of invention.
I'm adding a third, connected so they're long ways front to back. Full sheet breakdowns are a snap. I'm doing way more on my MFT(s) than on my table saw these days.
@@ChrisHornberger that also makes a great assembly table in that orientation
@@AnthonyScolaro1 Absolutely. The two I have now are currently holding a set of stools for some choir benches I'm making.
Great video, Anthony. Also, great use of space! Thanks for sharing.
Anthony, just installed the new TSO extension. It’s a great product and I highly recommend it as it gives support to off cuts and a place to put my track saw after cuts. Thanks for sharing! BTW: TSO is a great company and worthy of the woodworking communities support! (No I am not affiliated with TSO just purchased several of their products and a fully satisfied customer.) blessings!
@@matthewwysocki5019 I have a video on the TSO extension table, I am an affiliate of TSO products, too bad you didn’t see that video first and purchase the products through my special affiliate link. Here is my affiliate link in case you decide to purchase any other TSO products,
tsoproducts.com/?ref=Scolaro
Dashboard PWS is another alternative to the exact setup. I was looking at this same setup plus an STM1800 and ended up on the PWS system instead. Love the channel! Cheers!
Hey Anthony, good day to you pal, just caught your video on YT and I have to admit, you explain the pros and cons of the MFT perfectly. IMO, the only con is the price., Yeah 850 for an MFT3 (price plus tax) is a lot, but along with this price comes PRECISION. I've tried many other ways to make precise boards for building carcases, and let me tell you, if you are not dead on balls accurate with your cuts, your project will never come out perfect. By perfect I mean, square, no gaps, just a beautifully put together cabinet that doesn't require you to trim this, adjust that and hope you get a perfect fit. Expensive yeah, but dude, when I slide the back onto the carcass and it just slides in perfectly smooth, man, its worth the price. Thanks again. Festool is not perfect, but they are as close as you can get. Peace
Anthony, appreciate your videos; very informative. I've replicated your two MFT 3 set up in my 2 car garage. Just waiting on the STM 1800 to show up and I'll be set to go with my new hoppy of cabinet making. Nice thing is I can still get my Ram 2500 in the garage at the end of the day. Thanks
Good stuff anthony. I admire you because unlike so many other you tubers you are not motivated by profit. No corporate plugs,...... keeping it real!
Therefore you are, in my opinion, a trustworthy guy who tells it like it is. Keep it up, there arent many like you out there.
Thank you, I have absolutely no sponsorship with these companies. So you are getting true opinions and demonstrations I’m sure you know the tools aren’t the main focus but the actual “how to” process. Explaining and showing the tools is just me keeping you guys informed.
Great video. Interesting that you were able to replace your table saw with mfts. I have the kreg system and I find I am using my table saw less and less. I find the track saw systems are better in a lot of ways: safer, less noise, less dust, better for repeatability, etc. looking forward to the next video in the series.
A table saw is a fantastic and versatile tool, I'd say, it's the most versatile tool you can have in the shop. If you want to make ANYTHING and you needed to have only one saw, it would have to be a table saw. Except for construction, in which case it would be a circular saw. And actually a big cabinet saw, with the right dust collection over and under, has perfectly fine dust collection. However, as both you and Anthony have noted, for specialized tasks such as breaking down sheet goods, particularly if you lack spac\, some specialized set-up such as here, a track saw with some jigs, will do better. Jack of all trades, master of none.
This is the setup I have been looking at putting together. Along with a SMT for breaking down sheets
Always excellent videos Anthony, you have taught me so much, thanks. Andy
It's all about productivity especially if it's your living !
Even as a hobbyist I've just purchased a track saw. I've made do with home made guides and a conventional hand held circular saw for too long. Took a long time to set up for a cut, quality was variable and dust control a nightmare ! Cross cutting a panel was a thing of dread.
I may go for a CNC cut MFT style worktop and some dogs / accessories in the near future.
Great video. I'm in the process to overthink a set-up for my small workshop (hobby+). I was considering MFT/3 and your video is clear to by one (two ;). Thanks a lot, have a nice day.
Your workflow using festool continues to impress Anthony, nice job.
I do plan on an MFT setup at some point, but that's a bit further down the line for me; I'm still working out the details of my own setup. I'm leaning towards either buying an MFT top and building my own base, or getting a parf guide system to drill my own MFT tops. Regardless of how I get there, an MFT is definitely in the plans.
Looking forward to the next video in the cabinet making series.
Enjoy your weekend as well!
Great video thank you. The system you use is something to think about. Keep up the good work, thank you.
Benchdogsuk
You’re welcome 🙂
Great video, I have two set up as well in my shop 👍
Love the setup, love the accent
Great idea ! Would love to see an mft xl someday
Nice setup
Great job Anthony! I was wondering who makes the small table mounted to your MFT table to hold wood off of the table for domino work?
That’s the Festool Vacsys. It was discontinued quite a few years ago.
Another great one, Anthony! Thanks!
Question: if you have two full MFT/3 setups, why not use your second track instead of the stop block/flag with the two tracks spaced apart at the target length of the cut (e.g., 1344mm) plus/minus the width of the blade kerf? Then you wouldn’t need to flip your material over for the second cut-just take your saw over to the second track to make the second cut. Seems like it would be a little less motion and still accurate, as long as the fences are aligned straight and the tracks are both square, of course.
Thanks for sharing your video tips!
Aligning the fences is a big no-no, just like having a miter saw extension wing in line with the miter saws fence, if there is any variation in the board or even the slightest misalignment of the fences, the cuts would not be square. Festool even teaches that in their training.
Anthony, I've been wondering whether to build a Ron Paulk Smart bench or just get an MFT3. The advantage of the MFT3 is that it has all you need to measure and cut accurately. A Smart bench with the TSO triangles, pus some straight edges end up cost about what an MFT3 costs so, I like your thinking.
In my honest opinion and professional opinion as well, I like both and it’s more of a preference. I say this because the MFT/3 is very versatile and accurate for mostly crosscuts only, it’s portable but trust me it’s still heavy as heck to drag around. I had to buy two MFT’s plus the extension table for supporting long crosscuts. There’s also no storage for tools when working on an MFT, so you have to put tools elsewhere. The Paulk bench is also versatile. I actually bring it to every job and use it in my shop everyday. My MFT’s now just live in my shop as a permanent crosscut station. With the smart bench, you can choose the size of the surface you want, which is key for cabinet making. Plus the storage underneath keeps the tools close and off the top of your work surface. TSO products and their UJK lineup have everything you need to make you smart bench crosscut ready. So you have options, now it’s just what you need. Make sure you use my affiliate links for anything on the TSO site if you purchase from them, I also have Amazon affiliate links to the Festool tools I use.
Anthony Im.ordeding a bunch of festool stuff I needed to know about the 96 inch guide rail. I want a guide rail for ripping plywood. Suggestions? Putting two together or buying one solid one.. where can I find it?
I always link the Festool stuff I use in the description box of each video. I hope you are purchasing them from my Amazon links. As far as the 3000 guide rail(118”) I don’t put a link because Amazon doesn’t have it. If that’s the one you are looking for, you’ll have to do a google search and see who actually has them. Otherwise you can connect two 55” guide rails. Remember, the 3000 rail is much harder to store than two guide rails that can be broken down.
I'm so jealous of your vac sys.
Was it pretty easy to get the fences in line with each other? I just bought a second MFT/3 with the hardware from Festool recon site. Got the connectors too. Working on getting them setup as I type this and was looking around to see other setups. Thanks for the video buddy.
Do Not, I repeat, Do Not line up the fences. Set the second tables fence back about half an inch. This way if the wood has any twist, it will not hit the second fence and throw off your square cut at the first MFT.
@@AnthonyScolaro1that makes sense now, glad I asked the question prior to setup. I installed a KREG fence system on my Kapex miter saw station and want to replace it with a recessed t-track stop system. Even though I left a bit of space further out from the fence, I still run into issues with breaking down materials with bows. Especially if they’re home depot 2x4’s 😂
@@AnthonyScolaro1had another question as I’m setting mine up. The deflection stop that sits on the short end of the table to stiffen the fence. When I install that, I can’t get the connectors to use all four grub screws. Did you find a work around or just connect with three of the four screws? Thanks. 😊
@polishmatt82 you have to use only 3 or just one on each table works fine also. The connectors are only to keep them together for consistency on the stop blocks. So the lengths don’t change in between cuts if you bump the tables
Got it 👍 thanks again buddy
Do you think this setup can replace miter saw and table saw? I already have a mft and track saw. I have limited space, and I am only a hobbyist. Thanks for any advice, and this video.
It has replaced my table saw. But it you do any kind of moldings, especially crown molding then you still need a miter saw. But if not then this can do almost anything. The fence has a protractor to cut angles, not just 90 degrees. Check out my latest videos on the TSO products I use, you may be able to get some more ideas.
Hi Anthony. Just found your channel. I will defiantly check your other videos as I am trying to be a competent cabinet maker myself. Self tort. I like your tool bag you have on your hip. Which one is it please and I will check it out. All the best. Keep up the good work. Adrian UK
The tool pouch is actually kobalt from Lowes. They market them as an electrician’s tool pouch but they’re perfect for my needs. They only cost about $10
I'm sold 👍
hmm, maybe I should return my sawstop job site and purchase a couple of MFT3s? about the same price...
Can you do long rip cuts with the MFT? I know it's great for cross cutting but I do long panels and have to use the table saw and fence for repeatability. I would prefer a track saw method. I do have the TSO 50 inch guide rail set but wondering if theres an MFT solution?
I commented previously blaming you for tempting me to get the 118 inch guide rail! I pulled the trigger and it arrived today. I have the cordless Makita track saw but the Festool rails are shipped in a sturdy box with long wooden supports inside to prevent damage. Makita rails are just in a box and I couldn't risk it. Only issue is the anti tipping gizmo doesnt work with Festool rails but I can live with that.
I thought it would have been funny if your answer to the video title "why do I have two tables...." would have been "why not?" Followed by a big smile and two thumbs up 😂.
You should do a video with Q&A about the MFT. Maybe a live stream and questions in the comments for those that missed it.
I like what your doing! Keep it up. Smashed the like button!
You can do long rips by setting up the fence system on the long side of the MFT but it doesn’t make sense to do that when you have parallel guides.
The only down side is, you can not cut verticaly.. right?
If you wanted to cut plywood sheet verticale
It is only 77 cm lengte I saw
Vertically? You mean standing up? Because You can only cut plywood vertically on a stand up panel saw. When you lay plywood on a surface to cut it, that is horizontally. And if you wanted to cut a full sheet of plywood on an MFT, you need two of them and turn them sideways and spread them apart a little bit to support the entire 4x8 sheet. I hope that makes sense, because I don’t think I understand the question if that’s not the answer you’re looking for. I hope this helps.
What are those clamps you are using to attach the VACSYS to the MFT table?
Cam action t-bolt clamps, threaded through 18mm plywood and there’s a solid wood lip at the bottom of the plywood as a rest support. here’s a link to the clamps-
amzn.to/3n1FQ9K
@@AnthonyScolaro1 Is it the 1/4"-20 you went with or the 5/16"-18?
No nonsense, straight forward information and no BS music. Subscribed.
Hi Anthony. Just discovered your channel, it’s great! Question, do you take the MFT’s to the worksite or are they strictly at home? I just finished a small job and was crawling around the floor with a foam board and a rail square. I thought “what the hell am I doing?”. Picking up my MFT next week. Keep the videos coming!!
I mostly take one with me but if the job requires big builds on site, I take the two plus the extension.
Are you the same Anthony that’s very active on FOG?
I’m not very active on FOG, I do comment once in a while to help someone with a question or problem.
Just curious. If you have this setup, why would you need a miter saw?
Crown molding and all other trim work for one, which is what I do a lot of. plus you’ll see in the next cabinet series video on face frames why I use a miter saw.but if you only do woodwork like furniture and cutting boards, you could eliminate a miter saw with this setup.
this is so disingenuous, i own a cabinet shop and i will take you up on your 3 mfts vs my sliding table saw i will finish an entire sheet by the time you manage to do the 12", 24" straight rips, is it because the sliding table saw literally left no room for anything else? is what we see in the video the entirety of your shop? if so i guess i understand...
@@heruvey87 unfortunately back when I had this small area of basement as my shop, yes that was all the room I had. Sliding table saws are absolutely amazing, however they take up a lot of room and most people don’t have them if they’re not a pro cabinet shop because the good ones that have a 10 or 12 foot stroke cost about $10k-$20k
@@AnthonyScolaro1 got it, thanks for clarifying.
Good video brother, I'm a pro cabinet guy like you, I have a two car converted garage/shop, so i have room to do stuff, I have a jet vac system ( fantastic), I have one MFT , but I use it strictly for routing with my 1400 Festool router, I also have a Powermatic Table saw, which I would never give up, I use a Delta radial arm saw for my cross cuts, ( Extremely accurate), but your setup, for the space you have is very smart, BRAVO, do you assemble on site??
I assemble certain parts on site, it all depends on the size of the job and the clients door openings. Glad you liked the video. Make sure you check out my channel, plenty of content showing my cabinet making and assembly process.
@@AnthonyScolaro1 I watch a lot of shop videos to compare myself and methods with others, I'm much more impressed by guys like you who improvise with less space, and find different powertools to supplant bigger power tools, your double MFT setup is very cool, and I've not seen it before. Necessity is the mother of invention.