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Author Topic: Kapex MFT as workbench?  (Read 687 times)

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Offline hmlee2008

  • Posts: 9
Kapex MFT as workbench?
« on: October 14, 2020, 01:01 PM »
I've been thinking of investing in one of Festool's benches/workstations and am wondering if anyone has used the Kapex MFT as a workbench over the MFT/3? I'm pretty short (5'4" on a good day) and I feel like the shorter height of the Kapex MFT may possibly be better to work with than the full size MFT/3 as a result. From what I've seen online, the Kapex MFT is also about ~20lbs lighter than the standard MFT table. Seems like it would be easier to move around, though now I'm wondering if its as (or more or less) sturdy than the standard MFT table...

Bonus points for answers from folks who are also vertically challenged like me  [big grin]
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Offline ChuckM

  • Posts: 2066
Re: Kapex MFT as workbench?
« Reply #1 on: October 14, 2020, 02:02 PM »
The MFT tables -- Kapex or MFT3 -- are too light weight, not rigid and too small as a workbench for me, not to mention that they don't have a vise as is.  For that kind of money, I can build a proper solid workbench. Of course, your bench needs could be much different, depending on how you plan to use it.

My bench is heavy; I made it mobile with casters like this: https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/hardware/casters-and-wheels/110198-workbench-casters
« Last Edit: October 14, 2020, 04:06 PM by ChuckM »
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Offline Birdhunter

  • Posts: 3171
  • Woodworker, Sportsman, Retired
Re: Kapex MFT as workbench?
« Reply #2 on: October 14, 2020, 02:28 PM »
I have two MFT benches joined together. I love the hole pattern and the flip down track saw rail. I didn’t like the lack of a vise and the wobbles associated with the MFT. I added an extension to one of the MFTs to mount a big vise. The extension had heavy steel legs. That fixed the wobbles.

A “do over” would be to buy the MFT top and build a workbench around it.

That would allow you to have the work surface at any level you like.
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Birdhunter

Offline Sparktrician

  • Posts: 4033
Re: Kapex MFT as workbench?
« Reply #3 on: October 14, 2020, 02:33 PM »
Quote from: Birdhunter on October 14, 2020, 02:28 PM
I have two MFT benches joined together. I love the hole pattern and the flip down track saw rail. I didn’t like the lack of a vise and the wobbles associated with the MFT. I added an extension to one of the MFTs to mount a big vise. The extension had heavy steel legs. That fixed the wobbles.

A “do over” would be to buy the MFT top and build a workbench around it.

That would allow you to have the work surface at any level you like.
 

As long as you're going to build the base, why not build the top to a size/configuration that works better for your needs?   [smile]
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Offline FestitaMakool

  • Posts: 634
Re: Kapex MFT as workbench?
« Reply #4 on: October 14, 2020, 03:26 PM »
Sure, why not use the Kapex MFT/3 as an alternative.
It is exactly the same table as MFT/3. You may use it as a cutting station, with the same accessories as with the MFT/3 kit.
You may also make a trolley/cart underneath to be able to move it around, and still keep it lower than it’s larger brother.

Recently I saw Ron Paulk made his carts for his workbenches. Just as I’m about to make for my Kapex MFT. Only, I’m being tall, so I’ll match the height of the MFT/3 - so that for me I can use it as a rolling table in conjunction with the other accessories and as a widening table and an outfeed table.

It is as sturdy as MFT/3 no less, but by using the same dimensions for the legs, frame and top the smaller size makes it feel a bit more stable and chunky. And it is very portable in comparison.
I’m having mine collapsed to grab and quickly extend outside for rough cutting, jigsaw use, small sanding tasks and so forth.
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Offline SRSemenza

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  • Posts: 9351
  • Finger Lakes Region, NY State , USA
Re: Kapex MFT as workbench?
« Reply #5 on: October 16, 2020, 12:07 AM »
MFT s are portable workbenches for me.  I have an MFT/3 and a Kapex MFT.  Both have the same sturdiness. I use them for site work. So having both sizes is nice. If I don't think I need  the big one I take the small one. That 20 pounds makes a  difference carrying into places especially upstairs.  Sometimes the small size is good for confined spaces.

But if this will stay at home / in your shop then I would opt for the larger due to more surface area. If you find that it is too tall just cut a couple inches off the legs.

One note in my usage ....................  I almost never use the track mount cutting system on it. So if you plan to use that the surface area will matter more and you will probably want the MFT/3

Seth
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Offline Jim_in_PA

  • Posts: 152
Re: Kapex MFT as workbench?
« Reply #6 on: October 16, 2020, 10:05 AM »
If there's a way for you to physically do so, try to stand in front of both the MFT and the Kapex bench to see which height will be more comfortable for how you work and what you work on. You may be surprised that if you generally do smaller work, the 900mm height of the MFT may actually be comfortable. (This is the reason I have an adjustable height bench...little things and detail work can be up higher so I'm bending less and bigger assembly things can be lower where overall the project components are at a comfortable height to work) As others have eluded, you may need to stabilize these setups for "woodworking bench" use, particularly if you use hand tools that exert more lateral movement. MFT does have braces available; 'not sure about the smaller bench.
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