Festool MFT - Should you buy one?

In this video I review the Festool Multi Function Table AKA the MFT/3. I'll discuss why I bought one, what I like about it, what I don't like and if I think you should buy one.

Contents of the Video:
00:00 - Intro
00:43 - What's included
02:00 - What I DON'T like
05:05 - What I DO like
09:25 - Some Accessories
10:34 - Slop Stop
11:28 - Summary

[chevyimp]

Thanks very much for taking the time to make this video.. Really appreciate your no nonsense approach.. You make some really valid points I had one of these for installation work but the weight combined with finicky nature of keeping it square while moving from job to job and the general amount of finessing that needs to be done just to get it accurate was a total time waster.. I ended up selling it for nearly what I bought it for and then purchased a couple of after market mft tops, from which i made a couple of light weight mini Polk style benches.. This together with an aftermarket fence really suits my needs and requires minimal set up..If I'm honest I couldn't personally recommend the festool mft to anyone who earns their living in the craft professions.. (btw I'm not festool bashing I'm well invested in there ecosystem to the tune of many £thousands)

[louiesworkshop]

Great video mate, very well explained, I love my festool tools but simply drew the line at the mft, clever table but disgustingly over priced, limited table surface, wobbly legs only marginally helped with stabilising supports, I decided to build my own workbench which I enjoyed, its completely flat and rock solid, anyways stay safe.

[Normambo]

Glad you mentioned the pricy side of the equation of Festools. No one denies the quality and ingenuity of the Festool products. However, Festool Evangelists are not too prone in mentioning this price aspect; probably shy to admit it publicly as if they might feel or think they'd be judged as unfaithful to the Festool Cult. We must admit there is a bottom of truth. Anyways, love the Festool products; will continue to buy them.
Thanks for your honest review.
Norm from Montreal, Canada.

[stephenshipley]

No portable bench is going to be sturdy enough for serious hand woodworking. Great tip about double clamping on the side for steady routing. If all you want is a portable surface for reliably square panel work a top with a fence from Benchdogs on a couple of 2x4s on Stanley saw horses will give you 9-% of what you need. It is an expensive piece of kit. Mine stays in the workshop and I am tossing up whether to try bracing the frame or just giving up and just folding the legs and mounting it on a solid bench. You should see 10 minute workshop for that kind of set up and lots more.

Any time you want to do a video about making an MFT alternative with extrusion sides, I'll be watching it!

[davidhayter]

Good vid mate. You got it sorted. I pretty much agree with every point you made. To do some serious planing with an hand plane the bench does seem a bit wobbly.

[MysticBlue]

Hi, Just would like to say. First the holes are 96mm centres. this is in line with the euro 32 increments. Look at the Festool LR32. Also all holes are accurate. if you put dogs in x &y you will be able to square up perfectly with the table. Or you can just use a fence with dogs. never moves.

[philipjones]

Totally agree, very expensive 🤬 I don’t even use the fence anymore I just use the dog’s. And you’re correct again, it’s blinking heavy

[andrelagerburg]

Just a thought. If you make a replacement top of which you can't trust on the squareness of the holes, you can still square it up. That is maybe why Festool does not want you to rely on the whole.

[misterforest]

Thanks so much for sharing. Now I know what to expect when and if I purchase one.

[Tensquaremetreworkshop]

To answer your question- No, you should make one.
The fence and rail are keyed to the frame (rather than the top) because MDF is not stable. It moves (quite a lot) with changes in humidity.
I recommend making your table using 18mm Baltic ply, using a CNC cut template.

[chevyimp]

Spot on ... Thanks for your opinions...much appreciated

[pietpuck]

Hi, you wondered about the, ,96mm,, distance between the Benchdogs ?
The answer is probably in the Cross Plates of Consealed Cabinet Hinges, the screws are 32mm apart (lr32 Guide Rail) in the cabinet and also exactly above each other, that, s where the lr32 Rail comes in !
To place benchdogs 32mm apart is silly, but if you place them 3 holes futher 3x32= 96mm makes a reasonable distance and more sense !
That, s the only reason i can think of !!!
BTW, Great vid, Greetings piet!

[deansankey]

Would really appreciate the follow up video with your opinions on it along with how you square it up as I’m looking into purchasing one next month👍🏽 keep up the good work

[mattbrooks]

Thanks for the video mate, I’m thinking about buying one just Duno if it’s worth the money, 🤦🏻‍♂️ great content mate thanks again

[AMG]

I do love the drop down rail mechanism but I will adapt one to my diy mft.

[paulhook]

Surely if you put two dogs in the second row of holes and two in the centre rank the put the rail and square together the holes will automatically square itself

[azza]

I know that Peter Millard from 10 minute workshop has his built into his work bench setup which i guess has helped make it sturdier but to see it wobble that badly makes it look like a piece of crap which some people (comments best kept to myself) are apparently happy to throw their money away on.

[thebird]

I don't like that I can see the table rocking and moving just as you lean on it a bit. Gives off a folding table vibe, not a Festool quality vibe. Good video, thanks for putting it out.

[wetcat]

The holes wear over time and the dogs start wobbling which would make them unreliable as a squaring reference.

[superchip]

Works on the 32mm multiple system, it’s great bit of kit