Festool MFT3 Multifunction Table Review

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• published: 16 May 2015
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A stable workbench is critical to most, if not all, cutting operations, assembly work and much more. The key to a good work bench is to be able to move it around – in the shop, as well as, to a jobsite. We recently took a peek at the Festool MFT/3 Multifunction Table System, model 495315. 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. 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. 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. 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. A few times when cross-cutting I did notice some flex in the fence and a slight drift from time to time, even with the fence clamp. I still think that this system is more accurate than my contractor saw dedicated, cross cutting fence, 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. 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. 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.