18 Months Later - How I've Been Using My DIY MFT Workbench

Just over 18 months ago I built this do it yourself MFT (multi-function table) with the plans of it becoming the center point of my shop. In this video I show you how I've been using it over this year and a half, highlighting what I like and what I would change.

CHAPTERS:
0:00 Introduction and overview of bench
0:56 Durability of finish
1:24 How I use the MFT
8:02 Accessorizing the MFT
9:56 Still a mess underneath
10:26 Future improvements
12:15 Planning to build a miniature version
14:14 Additional MFT accessories
16:53 Final thoughts

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Please note that this video is not sponsored by any of the brands in the video and all products have been purchased with my own money. As a member of the Amazon Associates program, I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

#woodworking #mft #festool

[MasonWoodshop]

Do you have any other ways that I can improve the way I use my DIY MFT? Leave a comment below!

[reinhardpaul]

For the dust cable you could mount a sliding door steel rail at the ceiling with a small rolling “holder” that has a hook attached to have the dust cable following what you are doing

[thomasfisher]

Great video, really appreciate a fellow Canadian woodworker! 🇨🇦 Your shop is looking amazing!Your a couple years ahead of mine and you give me great inspiration. Cheers !

[gwademytube]

BenchDogs UK imperial and metric (dual scale) fence with multiple stops works great. Take a look at that instead of the t-track idea.

[aberba]

Only God knows how much we are addicted and get excited about new toys.

[garrydye]

I simply 3D printed some bench dogs with a U shape on top of each to help glide the hose around. Can easily move it from dog to dog and at least you have control over the hose versus you putting it down and then it sliding back to where you don't want it. Easy to make...easy to move...easy on the wallet solution.

[danielbroadbelt]

Before I built my large shop, I worked out of a 1 car garage shop for 30+ years. It forces you to think out of the box to fit all of your tools and still have enough space to build things. I built a similar tracksaw table and got around the hose problem by mounting a couple of small pulleys to the wall and ceiling. Just thread the 550 cord thru the pulleys and tie off to the hose. Pull up vacuum hose as needed.

[craigjok]

Nice video and tour of your mft. I’ve done a similar build for a second table top/crosscut station. I built a rack which I can store the top in a vertical position when not in use. The mft top mounts on top of a foldable set of saw horses. The parf guide system is awesome as you mentioned. I also installed dog holes in my main off feed and assembly table as well.

[dtoux]

Bechdogs has a very good (and inexpensive) fence that would fit perfectly your setup 😉 …that you don’t need to deal with t-tracks

[williamdoyle]

First of all, I love your bench and your philosophy behind it.But have you thought about storing your sustainers under the bench using pull out trays and draw slides.That way you'll have more wall space.

[keanMechanic]

Flipping the rail on its side to push the material through! Why didn’t I think of that, genius.

[ericaddington]

I just ordered a set so I don't have an opinion on their workability but Rockler has a set of 2 "Dust Right 2-1/2'' Clamping Hose Holders" which might help with your hose aggravation.

[R-.]

Maybe you should check out the Benchdogs fence, I love mine! The UJK one is very well made but I think it mostly works best with the Domino joiner.
The hose is always an issue in my shop too, I’ve resorted to using bungee cords to lift it up a bit.
Lastly the Dashboard guide rail bracket is a piece of kit well worth looking into. Pricey but rock solid and worth every penny

[markoasdadriver]

Have you thought about spinning the table around for the hose. It would always be behind, not in the way 😊
Edit: at least the fence👍🏼

[tomjudkins]

I've been following your videos for ideas on a new outfeed mft. My shop tour is on my shorts listing on my channel. The best solution I've found so far for managing my dust extractor hose is the rockler 2" hose spring clamps. They are cheap which is nice, but I'm also tall and I can reach my floor joists easily.

[cherbhy]

Thanks for the great overview. I’d be really interested in a video detailing when you use MFT vs Sawstop jobsite and why. I am setting up a shop and considering omitting a table saw altogether.

[UpcycleFab]

Great video! You just saved me money on the Orange camber clamps that I’ve been thinking about over the last year. Check out Benchdogs rail, I believe it have markings on it. But you might be like me…not wanting to change the heavy duty support bars. Maybe move the dust collection stuff under the table and extend a little. I’m clumsy and I would trip over that hose. This way you can have a boom(even though you don’t want one) but maybe on that same boom utilize the upright and have some vertical storage. My planet to create a carriage for my track saw to dock in between cuts. Too many times I’m moving wood after cutting it and the dang saw is in the way.

[iiTsHawk]

Could always run the track saw hose under the table then to the saw. That way it’s out of the way and it won’t want to slide down off the top of the table all the time

[FearsomeWarrior]

Love the videos. Love seeing the toys I am interested in.

I dare you to price check epoxy floors and consider it. Maybe even laminate you just put down without glue. Just curious because the floor could make your shop more comfortable.

[AngieWilliamsDesigns]

I really would like to get a better way to handle my dust hose as well.

It looks like the table is working out well for you.