The MF-TC is a homemade tool cart, in my workshop I have my sysport workbench and for small job site work I designed the MFTB tool box.
But when I started doing larger job site work helping out other woodworkers I noticed something was not right. Often working on the floor or on shabby work horses at best didn’t feel right. So I started thinking what I could come up with to make working on site as enjoyable and practical as working in my own shop.
While thinking about this I tried to find as many problems and issues I found with how most woodworkers work on site, and tried to fix as many of those problems as I could in one solution.
That is how after about 10 months of planning, building and testing prototypes I came up with the MFTC!
Basically it is a portable workshop, a folding worktable on wheels that contains the basic tools, and can be moved around as a hand truck.
It features a tool shelf with room for a shop vac underneath, which also makes the workbench very stable.
Adjustable feet, 4 systainer drawers and a bottom drawer for accessories.
The worktop has the same length as a Festool MFT table, only it is 1 row of holes less wide to allow easy passage through doorways and in staircases.
The feet of the MFTC have the same holes as my sysport workbench, these allow me to insert clamps and pegs to support work pieces vertically. below you can see the many clamping options and also note the holders on the side for drill bits.
Below you can see the size of the workbench when folded and unfolded, it has the same height and length as a Festool MFT, when folded up it takes less than 50cm in depth, this is ideal to store against a wall in the garage or in the trailer/van.
Here you can see the bottom drawer which contains all the necessary accessories and more. When designing this I really tried to incorporate as much as possible into the same design, so that you greatly reduce the amount of moves needed to get everything from the van/trailer to the site. The reinforcements at the front allow me to pull the cart up into the trailer or truck bed without damaging it.
The homemade accurate hole pattern allows me to use bench dogs to make accurate cuts without any cumbersome or delicate guide system. The longer dogs that support the rail are parf dogs.
On the left side of the MFTC I put 2 screws that allow me to hook my battery charger to it.
One of my gripes with other portable worktable designs was that the size was fixed, they would often be too large to work in small rooms, or not big enough to work outside. That is why my design had to be made so that it could be adapted to any type of space or work requirement.
So I came up with simple folding extension tables, i made two tables that can be attached all around the MFTC by sliding them into the T-track. That way you can adapt the table to your needs, when using a mitre saw on the table you can make it longer on both ends to support long pieces.
But by placing both extension table on one end you end up with a table large enough to easily support full sheets. These extension tables have sacrificial strips of wood on top of them so you can saw into it, and replace them when worn too much.
Here you can see a full sheet of MDF being supported by the table, while working with this on site I also discovered that placing my systainers underneath this table was very practical.
I paid great attention to reducing weight as much as possible, below you can see how these weight reducing openings also serve to store rails while working. there never seemed to be a good safe place to put them while on site before!
Below you can see that you can also slide two 1400mm rails into the MFTC table for transport, in my trailer I attached two blocks against which I can hook the MFTC easily for safe transport, because of that I can use the MFTC as a sysport and still
access all the drawers from the front. Push locks prevent the drawers from opening while driving or when moving the MFTC around!
With the extension tables many options are still possible, you could build in a router table, saw table or cover them with a MDF sheet with holes. Anything is possible and they are quite easy to build!
Below you can see the rear of the MFTC and on the front you can see the transport handle extended.
Below you can see a picture i took while building a built in library and testing the unfinished MFTC, clients were really impressed! The right extension table allowed me to cut parts without cutting into the mdf worktop. It also supported the Kapex at times.
You can use these images to try and build you own MFTC, or simply buy the plans. Remeber it took me 10 months of work and building 2 prototypes to get to this result. It is only by selling the plans for a reasonable price that I can make this work worth my time as an independent furniture maker!
Here is a list of tools i used to build the MFTC, some are required(R) strongly suggested (S) or optional (O)
- table saw /track saw R
- router R
- drill R
- jig saw R
- domino joiner S
- planer O
- band saw O
- jointer O
- mitre saw O
- sander O
- brad nailer O
- pocket hole jig O
Contact me if you have any questions or requests at timothy@benchworks.be
Those who wish an invoice with separate VAT can contact me with their details and European VAT number.
If you built an MFTC I would be delighted to post pictures of it here on my site, so don’t hesitate to send me some.
Press the below button if you wish to purchase the plans, MFTC plans are available in metric and adapted to imperial, they are also available in French and in German. French translation graciously made by Manu from the kokumotsu blog
Plans page here
The plans contains a 50 page pdf instruction manual with pictures and explanations of the build process, but also simple layout sheets for each part with quotations and obviously the sketchup model.
On this forum thread you can read tips and comments from MFTC builders over the world!
Below are no less than 3 MFTC workbenches made in Pittsburgh USA!
with a comment from the business owner:
“I also would like to add that Tim’s plans were excellent and the design/engineering is great!
Only changes I had to make we’re that when I made the top my t slot purchased from McMaster-Carr was too thick to route in So we ripped the inner layer of the frame down and applied a band of hardwood around the top to go above the t-slot. And we also used 3/4″ ply for systainer drawer bottoms that we cut as Tim showed but also routed to accept the bottoms of the original Style systainers”
Below is Rich’s MFTC from the US and his comment:
“Thank you for your work on the design, it’s extremely useful and mobile. I’ve gotten a ton of good reviews from customers and even turned a few other carpenters on to your design. Look for more purchases of your plans from Massachusetts, US. I haven’t drilled the holes in the top yet until I get the LR 32 system from festool and will be building the table extensions as soon as my schedule permits. Thanks again!“
Below are Pierre’s MFTC’s from France, note the added router table:
This one was was made by Alan in the US, also check out his cool MFTB living room table!
This one was made by Zoltan in Slovakia, used in his living room with different tops for the extension table, here seen with a scroll saw mounted.
Below is Sébastiens interesting MFTC with added router table extension:
Below is Bjorn’s MFTC from Germany
Below is Dominique’s MFTC from France:
Below is Freddy’s MFTC of frswoodworks.com in the old LA Lakers stadium!
Below is Richard’s MFTC from the Georgia, USA and his comment:
“I have enjoyed building the MFTC and the two extension tables, Excellent design. As i get more Festool gear i will build a second MFTC. Attached are some photos.“
Below is Geoff’s MFTC from the UK:
Below is an MFTC made in New York
Below is an MFTC made in London UK:
Below you see the MFTC made by Stefan C. From Oregon (USA)
He used baltic birch ply to build his, and for the legs he used a foot meant for a pre threaded metal table leg, with a 2″ all-thread coupler embedded in the wood. He recommends waiting till the end of the contruction to build the legs and side supports so you can adjust them to the actual size of the body or table, in order to make up for slight deflections.
He also used a different method for securing the drawers in place, by running a pole through a hole at the back of the drawers. A sturdy option i had considered as well, but was afraid it would not look practical in the video.
Here is another MFTC made by Eddy-V from France
This one was made by tristan in the UK
This one is from George from Canada
Hi Timothy
How do I get the plans for the work bench (MF-TC)?
I dont have Pay Pal.
Thank you in advance
Hello Tee, take a look here. You can also buy them by bank transfer, just send me an email.
Hi Tim great designs other than wood and my tools to do the job what sort of things would I need to source to make this? How much do you think these items would cost?
Regards
Mat
Hope the finished arrival is as amazing as it looks
Hello Mathew,
You basically need wheels, an axle, drawer glides and T-tracks, nothing very special or hard to find. Builders reported costs between $200 and $300.
Hi Tim. What T-Tracs you used?
Hello Arkady,
I used tracks that I found in a DIY store where they sell them as curtain rails, a bit flimsy but they do the work. I can also give you some online stores that sell “real ones”, just send me an email.
Hello, I purchased all of the plans through Paypal. How long before I should get the plans?
Hello, it looks like your mail provider blocked my emails, I have just sent them with another account.
Hi,
I have a question regarding tools required to make the table;
Is domino Jointer mandatory? I have all the required tools plus a bisquit jointer.
Thx and regards
Hello Matteo,
You don’t need the domino, for assembly work you can use your biscuit jointer instead or just screws. And to make the peg holes in the legs you can use a round drill bit. The holes will be round instead of oblong, but it works just as well.
Great portable workbench.
Have you thought about installing lockable wheels to prevent any “rolling” or movement when working, especially with larger sheets of wood?
Roy
Hello Roy,
It turns out that the feet are enough to keep it from rolling. In my case at least, it has never really been a problem.
Hi
I bought your plans over an year ago and now im planning on building it.
Do you know a way how to lock all the drawers with just one lock and no lose components?
Thanks in advance
I know that some have blocked theirs by inserting a vertical rod through the cabinet, it goes through a hole in each drawer bottom and locks them that way. It’s simple and effective.
I feel this is one of the best portable tables and tool carrier I have seen. Your demo of how it all works is also quite well done.
Hello Tim, what kind of Festool systainers do you insert in the drawers ?
I only have regular T-locs but the original systainers work just as well. The combination of sizes are vast but mine is always set up for 2x sys1, 1x sys 2 and 1x sys3.
Tim- deep in the process of building the MFTC. The Tee-track I have for the edging for the top is the exact same depth as the 12mm outer face of the sides. That would mean no space to route a dado for the track unless I use the 18mm ply for the both layers of the edging or, alternately, just use two strips of the 12mm for the edging and attach the Tee-track directly to the inner layer of the 18mm edging. The last alternative seems to create a less strong top piece. Do you have any suggestions?
Jim, If you increase the outer face to 18mm, You will want to increase the width of the folding leg assembly and the front legs as well so that they all line up in the same plane for vertical board operations.
Awesome workbench, just bought the plans. Now all I need is a workbench to build my workbench.
That’s what I call a catch 22 🙂
hi tim
can i buy a ready made MFTC from you
regards
steve
Hello Steve,
Not at the moment or any time soon, I have enough “regular work” and whenever I can make time I prefere to spend it on new projects.
Hello, wich drawer runners did you use? In the movie I saw, that you unlock the drawers by pressing on them. That’s neat. Nothing can fall out, when moving the MF-TC.
Thanks!
I used normal full extension runners, and installed a latch at the back, but you can also get runners with a built in push to open latch.
Bonjour
Quel est le poids du MF-TC Vide et plein
merci
Tim, I purchased your three sets of plans a few months ago and I believe I requested the imperial plans. I only received the all metric plans. Can you please send me the imperial version? thank you.
Dave
Hello Dave, as mentioned on the plans and project page, the US plans are adapted to imperial sheet goods thickness but the remaining measures remain in metric. I’m sorry if that wasn’t clear when you bought.
Timothy,what is the weight of the product?
Tim, where did you get the adjustable 100mm feet from?
Hello Russel,
I got them from a local hardware store which happened to sell those, the brand is Camar and they are made in Italy.
Hi Timothy,
you could call yourself now “Sir Timothy” ! Have you seen the new FESTOOL MW1000 ? Clearly a copy of your design by FESTOOL ! Well done !
https://www.festool.de/zubehoer/203802—mw-1000-set – it is in German, but I am sure you understand it.
Hi Timothy, a lot of people are interested in what you are doing. Festool as well.
https://www.festool.nl/producten/noviteiten/noviteiten/203454—mw-1000
I hope yhe link works, and i hope you have received a lot of money from them.
The changed a lot, but the idea is yours.
I am witing untill festool produces your MFSC.
Oeps. Did have an old site open. Did not see the post before me.
Sorry to bother you but is the flip up/mft style hinge able to incorporated into your design?
thanks
It should be if you place the T-track on the bench table at the right height, but I have never been able to check this for sure.
Ok thanks for taking the time to answer – I have just bought your plans.
HI I’d like to know where I can purchase the “real” T-tracks from.
That would be great.
Thanks
Hello,
I do not have a workbench yet! Is this one goos to start? Especially, il it stable enought to use hand tools like plane or chisel? The feet look quite slim for this?
Regards
Hi Timothy,
Just discovered your YouTube channel and website. Nice to see Eben Emael again, just live across the Dutch border. Sorry to bother you, but would the plans work on another system as well? Just invested in makita tools and boxes and was wondering if the makita trolley would do the trick as well.
Good luck with the farming and woodworking.
Anyone know where to buy readymade MFTC in the US?
Hi Timothy,
I don’t have a Domino jointer so will have to improvise with dowels where possible. However, I would like to have the domino slots in the legs. Can you tell me the sizes of all of the Domino slots so that I can make a jig to mill with a router and suitably sized bits?
Hello, i think that i noticed you visited my website so i got here to go back the favor?.I’m trying to find issues to enhance my
website!I assume its ok to make use of a few of your ideas!!
Hi Timothy
I just want to buy below tools for my work. Please give me a better idea how cost if I buy these tools?
jig saw R
domino joiner S
planer O
If you are playing online slots using real money for sure, you should pay
attention to some of this past you finally fail to bring house the victory.
In this advocate times you can fake online slots all but
everywhere, even to create transactions you can then use
online bank transfers or even on some sites you can create
deposits using credit.
Some things that you have to pay attention to are actually quite common, but
people often ignore them and underestimate them, as a result
in the stop what happens is that the person loses every of the
initial capital to bet. fittingly you should start reading
once again and listening to some of the next that will make you
accomplished to enjoy online slot games without painful not
quite losing.
It truly is no secret that Philippines is one of the
countries with typically the most number of wagering fans in the globe.
Every year, national areas fight over broadcast legal rights because they
know that football matches on TELEVISION are high-ranking subscriptions.
Plus this also invited 100s, if not thousands, in order to flock
to open wagering shelters, including trusted gambling agents Betberry participated
in opening their business in Indonesia.
Of course this particular is an advantage regarding fans of soccer betting games in Indonesia, the particular number of gambling
providers that appear allows all of them to access the numerous types of football
betting games available. But unfortunately, not necessarily only the
positive effects that arise because on the other hand that will also be dilemma for potential customers to select which trusted gambling real estate agent
sites that they may make the best playing partner.
Therefore Betberry is present as a portal that connects fans
associated with gambling in Indonesia with all varieties of games available on Sbobet.
Betberry is a Sbobet bookie agent, a site that provides been known as the particular best soccer gambling plus internet casino
gambling provider in Asia and even typically the world.
As a reliable gambling agent, Betberry provides the best service you may find.
Why Choose Betberry?
Choosing a bookie to become a play partner is 1 of the primary methods to
become successful in this business. If you choose wrong and fail in order to find a trusted gambling real estate agent, not only the material reduction you suffer but also non-material loss such as your own treasured time.
For that you should understand what sort of site you will elect
to play. Here are usually some reasons why you ought to
choose us or if you actively playing partner:
Site having an Official License
The first thing you have to make sure inside choosing a
web based gambling agent is to learn if the site you will select operates under an official license.
Betberry already offers official permission from PAGCOR
(Philippine Amusement and Video gaming Corporation), which means
resistant that the site works professionally and presents the variety of international-level games to ensure that your playing experience is unquestionably comfortable and pleasant.
Site with Complete Online games
The next thing you should pay attention to is the sort of
game that is given. There are numerous types of football gambling games available on the internet and this would be
very unfortunate if you did not really try them all.
As a result, the Betberry Site that you will choose has a complete
collection of grade-A betting markets.
Site along with the Safest Transaction
The particular next is the most sensitive thing when a person decide to play is financial transaction methods like deposits or withdrawals.
We might highly recommend a site that has a full transaction method and via
a leading local bank in Indonesia to facilitate the method and of course this will be faster plus safer.
Well here you will find the transaction process easily, since
Betberry presents a Popular Local Bank that a person can use for debris, such
as: BCA, BNI, BRI, CIMB. and Danamon.
Site with the Greatest Consumer Services
Consumer services are those that may help you whenever facing difficulties with
available games. Therefore, we assist members who are supported by online
customer service 24 hours a day.
Sites with Abundant Bonus deals and Marketing promotions
Of training course you want to benefit more than gambling winnings an individual play,
so on this site you will discover attractive bonuses and advertisements that will greatly help a person to succeed in the internet gambling industry.
The several conditions above are several of the huge benefits that you can get
playing together with us. For those of you who want to play gambling online, register your
self.
Hello Timothy
are the tools all available in switzerland? i have the MW 1000 from festool maybe i can take parts from this to build the other?
thanks
Alternative Links to Recognized Online Gambling Internet sites
Now in an all-sophisticated era, everyone can access the internet very easily.
So far many online games which can be enjoyed by everyone, one
example is online gambling games. With the appointment of wagering
that used to be only on land, now an online system has made
it quite simple for many gambling players to station their hobbies in the
world of gambling online.
Hey Timothy,
I’m searching for this kind of in-depth article. At every step of this article, you sheared a photo that helps to understand the topic clearly.
Thanks for sharing your idea and I would like to share it with my friends!
Tim are you still selling plan, please reply soon.
“upkar saggoo” , I noticed that Tim didn’t reply on this platform….. I am also planning to buy if this site is still operational.
Do you have to get in touch with Tim, or someone, or the plan is sent to you automatically when you pay for it? Anyone?
Thanks in advance.
I think he’s very busy with the farm now. You can by the plans via the link below. It’s automated ,the plans will be send to you after paying.
https://benchworks.be/en/plans/
hallo habe überall versucht kontakt aufzunehmen möchte gerne plan kaufen aber das mit bezahlung haut was nicht hin kommt immer wieder fehlermeldung
bitte schreiben sie mir wo ich sonst noch kaufen kann uóder mal schaut was mit bezahlung nicht hinhaut mfg.martin zoller
ps e mail gehört alles kleingeschrieben
ach ich schreibe da hinein martrinzollertirol@gmail.com