Benchdogs Quad MFT Hinge System [**Ad/Gifted][video 492]
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- čas přidán 14. 04. 2022
- In this video I take a quick first look at the new and as yet unreleased Quad #MFT #Rail #Hinge System from Benchdogs. As I mentioned in previous videos it’s hard to believe that there were only two - now three - commercially available rail hinges, so this is a welcome addition from Benchdogs, especially as they take a different approach to the other hinge systems. Enjoy!
NB: this is a pre-production sample, the shipping items will be anodised and laser-etched with all the usual Benchdogs goodness.
** This hardware was supplied for review; I have not been paid to make this video or say nice things about the product; as a Benchdogs.co.uk affiliate I may earn from qualifying sales, so be sure to use the offer code “10MINUTEWORKSHOP” at checkout for a 5% discount across the board at Benchdogs.co.uk, and I’d like to thank Benchdogs for extending that offer.
Pre-order your Benchdogs Quad MFT Hinge here - benchdogs.co.uk/products/quad...
Other videos mentioned:-
MFT Playlist - all my MFT & MFT-related videos in one place - bit.ly/MFT-related
Square Cuts: MFT or Rail Square? - • Square cuts: MFT or Ra...
Ikea Curtain track DIY MFT - • DIY MFT with Ikea Curt...
Extrusion Confusion - a guide to MFT hardware - • Extrusion Confusion - ...
Benchdogs FenceDogs - • Fencedogs 👍👍👍 [#212]
Benchdogs fence - • Benchdogs Fence System...
Pocket-money Rail Square - • Pocket-money Rail Squa...
DIY guiderail stops - • Guiderail Stops - simp...
New to the MFT or MultiFunction Table? Here’s a couple of explainers:-
Festool MFT - • Festool MFT #182
MFT follow-on - • MFT follow up #183
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My Etsy - bit.ly/10minuteShop
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Wherever possible links are to actual products used, but this is not always possible e.g. some products are not available in the US, so something [similar] has been linked to instead.
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eBay UK - bit.ly/Buy_eBay_UK
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Other handy gear:-
Hultafors Talmeter tape measure - amzn.to/2pHwnbH (US: amzn.to/2oqLQc9)
Benchdogs rail square - bit.ly/bench-dogs
Benchdogs precision triangle/square - bit.ly/precisiontriangle
Festool PDC 18/4 - amzn.to/2s3J0eq (US: amzn.to/2tWUHEL)
Festool Domino - amzn.to/2pVSnMk (US: amzn.to/2o7E22Q)
Bessey DuoKlamp - amzn.to/3eDz1Ig (US: amzn.to/3w1s1dM)
Festool lever clamp - amzn.to/2pOohLD (US: amzn.to/2pnFZIM)
Festool MFT - amzn.to/2x49HHE (US: amzn.to/2J25aKy)
Festool Midi extractor - amzn.to/2tCIN3Q (US: amzn.to/2rKNIOx)
Festool TS55 Tracksaw - amzn.to/2pGvzDS (US: amzn.to/2oOgGhw)
Festool T18 drill/driver - amzn.to/2QAHpK1 (US: amzn.to/2RPuOCR)
Hultafors Talmeter tape measure - amzn.to/2pHwnbH (US: amzn.to/2oqLQc9)
Moldex 6810 in-ear defenders - amzn.to/2P2c5nP (US:amzn.to/2LgIsye)
Mirock square - etsy.me/2MC0RT
Mirock 500mm T-ruler - etsy.me/365P0KE
Bahco 6” combi square - amzn.to/2oumhX4 (US: amzn.to/2ouSg9k)
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![3 MFT Rail Hinges [**Gifted/Ad][video 494]](/img/tr.png)
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Hey Peter, a great introduction to our hinge system. Once the final finished product is available, I will have this sent out to you for a comparison video with others on the market. All systems have their place and are all great systems, and all have their pros and cons. It’s fantastic feedback from everyone. It’s also great to hear the comments about our products.
As you mentioned, we have a different take on the mounting part which may have its downsides, but looking at it, the benchdogs route and thought process, I’ll try to explain. The plate sites on the top but set back further so it’s not getting in the way of the first set of holes you would use for either a fence or dogs that you place your workpiece against, so in theory, you haven’t lost any space on your workbench. The front support is also set forward doing the same. If you were using either guide rail dogs or our B dogs, you would lose the first hole for this dog to go into, so technically, this system gains you some space If using the dog method. As for the 6mm height of the plate that sits on top, we kept it at this height for a few reasons.
1. Our under rail is at 9mm or 7.1mm if using the MK2.1 fence. So it sits below this.
2. If you are using our benchtop protectors, it will raise the workpiece above this height.
We can make the overhang a lot less to about 60mm by turning the top plate around, but this has its downside that the plate then raises the min-height to 9mm, but the thumbscrew method would not work. We would need to use countersink screws for the fixing of the tracks. We did try this method, and we can also offer this method if required.
The hole jig can also be used to offset the fence system. Use the 32mm offset if the hinge has used the 48mm offset. This will also help you gain some more space on your MFT.
Also, having our jig will allow you to make additional holes when you need other holes for possible future products in the pipeline. So it’s not a one-time-only product. We will also look at alternate materials to help reduce the cost.
I hope this explication of our thought process helps.
Thanks Ralph. I dont see those as downsides exactly, more things that potential buyers need to be aware of, and thanks so much for the detailed explanation. Much appreciated! 🙌
Absolutely appreciated.. all these innovative tools 🧰 . Looking forward to all of them for my workshop here in California USA 🇺🇸
Thanks Ralph. I'm on the 3rd batch run and can't wait. I'm back to being a kitchen fitter after many years out of it. I love all of these innovations that have come about in recent years. Enjoying using the rail square and the fence system.
What I would appreciate, is that you add some good comebacks in your FAQS for what to tell the missus when making a purchase. I've worn out the one that says "i''ll be much quicker after investing in this". I'm never home any earlier ☺️
Hi Ralph, have you considered a hire service for the jig? for a small fee users could hire a jig and return. You would probably need to charge the full price, in case the person didnt return it, and then return the price paid less a small charge.
@@rayroulstone3565 I’m sure we could look into it. I’m also going to look into other options and uses to make it a more worthwhile product. Also reduce the cost for people who have the quad bases.
If you just need a thicker MFT where the hinge is, you could always just glue in a bit where the hinge is before boring.
My thoughts exactly.
Yes I was going to mention that. Would be the way I'd go.
Sorry just seen this!
I've been waiting for this as I've got one ordered on Batch 1 so this is a reassuring initial review Peter, thank you. I've bought it to help board up the inside my my new workshop and, more importantly, help to accurately build my cabinets and benches.
This is brilliant. Been waiting for a long time for something as well made, right price and universally useful as this, preordered!
Looks like a good piece of kit. I’m currently using their fence with a pair of quad dogs for the rail. This works great but I would love the convenience of throwing the rail up and out of the way. Thanks for the overview 😊
Amazing how the market is evolving.
For those who have the UJK parfdog system, you can drill offset holes, you don't really need the template plate. Unfortunately, you need to plan ahead, and drill the pin holes first, once enlarged, you cannot reference the offset holes. For those who wants to build their own MFTs, you can buy the UJK parfdog system, the benchdog hinge, and the benchdog fence. I think this combination is better than Festool's MFT, plus you make your own top and save beer tokens on the long run.
UJK do now have adapters, to centre the pin in the enlarged 20mm holes
Yeah, with the UJK system, some benchdogs, and tracks, you almost don't need a tablesaw. In fact, for square cuts, I think this is faster than using miter gauges. Although you could also just put the track against the benchdogs for square cuts.
@@prduguid Yes as you say Axminster have UJK PARF ALUMINIUM REVISION DOGS available to slot in the 20mm hole that have a 3mm hole to allow setting up for additional holes and they come as a set of 3. Great idea
I have the Parf system and the quad rail hinge and intend to make my own MFT table- advice on where to start.
New to carpentry
Now that would fit nicely on my conventional workbench, just four holes and ready to go (or 6 adding two for a fence).
Great video, glad I got on the first order run can’t wait to try it out.
For the heck of it, I have the system on order but couldn't wait to try to drill the holes. I just used the parf system, put the dogs in the two 20mm holes in the jig and into holes already in the top. and put the drill in the guide that is used first when drilling hole the holes, the one nearest the single 20mm hole guide on the jig. Seems perfect to me
Thanks for the review, the quality of benchdogs stuff is invariably top notch but can be a bit pricey. I find their rail dogs do pretty much 90% of all my work but I’m still tempted by the hinge
During lockdown i had this same idea. Mounting the hinge to the table top. Designed a version in sketchup but never got round to sending it to Benchdogs. Looks like great minds think alike. If the bench rail was allowed to pivot, perhaps with additional holes set on a arc or with an adaptor you could use the saw guide to cut accurate mitres.
Yes, on a round up of the router bits. And please include model numbers in the description if you do the video. I’m in the US, and metric things can be a bit hard to track down. Luckily, I did track down the metric collets for my venerable Porter Cable routers when they were still available, and have a bit more flexibility in what shanks I can use.
A great, well explained review and teaching session as usual, Peter. You have such a wonderful delivery. This new hinge system from Benchdogs looks like a very useful addition. Benchdogs products are always quality.
Thank you! And yes, they are. 👌
Peter, Thank you for your videos, I really gain so much information from them. I intend in buying the bench dog model and will recess both ends but will also add material to the bottom , (gluing) before drilling the holes. I am building my first MFT workbench. Up to now have been using the Bora system but that has no hinge system
Great review (pre-prod. of course!) Peter - thank you. I've used the UJK Parf-Guide Mk2 to drill my MFT top, and that has a built-in ability to drill at 48mm centres so no 3rd component required! I pre-ordered mine as soon as they came out - must be patient!
Would love to see the fence adapted to use the 6mm hinge plate as the under rail support for the fence. The drill jig used to add more holes for the fence, set back to align everything up. etch up the plate with the scale. This would be amazing!
Looks similar to my custom hardwood brackets I've made to fit the Festool/Parf kit I have, so should be good for most cuts needed.
I use the Parf system to make my tops and it has the capability to add an extra row at 32mm or 46mm spacing from the grid - so it would be a good fit with this rail hinge.
This is what I ended up doing even though I bought the template. 20mm router bits are harder to find in the US than I thought so I used the Parf guide
@@maxbrap
Hi,
New to carpentry- hobbyist- seeking advice from professionals- I want to make an MFT table and I have acquired the Parf Mk 2 system. I have also bought the benchdogs quad rail hinge and want to fit it to the MFT table. I have a 25mm workbench top measuring 1500 x 900 on which to construct an MFT and later fit a router table at other end.
Advice on how I should start with my Parf system.
Advice would be greatly appreciated.
Regards
Paul
@@PaulMarlmountWoodcrafts Peter Parfit (sp ?) Does a great demo on the part guide system here on CZcams. I'm editing a short video showing how I did the offset holes using the Parf Guides. I will publish by Monday if you check my channel
@@maxbrap many thanks and much appreciated- will watch out for that on Monday
Regards
Paul
@@PaulMarlmountWoodcrafts BTW. Your Shed videos were very helpful
Hi Peter, since I decided to stump up for the genuine Festool extrusions and parts for my DIY MFT, in order to fit a rail hinge, all these great alternatives have turned up! Thank you very much for your review of the benchdogs system.
And you haven’t seen mine yet Dawn! 😯👍
Great video and can't wait to see them on the market. I'm in the process of making a new MFT workstation integrated to my outfeed table and will consider this system. I'd be inclined to recess the MFT and glue a 40mm strip of 6mm mdf on the underside to extend the depth of the holes to allow a better fixing.
Looks great! Solid, stout, accurate, etc...
I don't have my diy mft put together yet and my plan has been to fabricate my own guide rail hinge system, but.. This one looks like a contender for a store bought version for me.
Will anxiously await your official review.
Thanks for the sneak peek!
Thanks! I have my own take on a DIY hinge coming soon. 👍
Around 13:00, if you recess the hinge, you could also reinforce the other side, after removing any wax etc (Dave's approach).
This looks like a nice sturdy unit.
I feel the weekness in the festool mft table is the other side of the fence fixture. Over time there may be a little play as the aluminium fence underside is very soft so cuts may become slightly out.
The fixture side also looks more strong than the festool. I like the fact you have the back support so you can place stopper for different sizes when placing ruler.
You are an expert and everything looks easy to you because you are the Djokovic in the woodworking industry.
Nice look mate looks like a great hinge kit looking forward too seeing the final product
Cheers Dan! 👍
Peter, I've been wanting a rail hinge ever since you talked me into buying the TS55 :-) so will be looking forward to your comparison video.
Your take on the various router bit for this job will be very welcome.
A excellent presentation, as always. Thank you!
Thanks Clive! Keep you posted! 👍
Ahhhh yes. Been waiting for this ever since Ralph announced it in his channel
Very interesting Peter, another lovely bench dogs product, beautiful quality but not cheap. I did particularly like the way it's been designed as a universal hinge for different manufacturerers rails, that really is a unique product feature.
The template jig for drilling the MFT holes seems a lot of money for something that most people are only going to use a couple of times, I'd be very tempted to make my own jig. Maybe someone entrepreneurial will set up a jig rental service?
With regards to insetting the rail and stop in the MFT and then reducing the quad dog grip with only one set of grommets, you could simply screw a small additional panel underneath the rail square holes to increase the MFT thickness and drill through to provide the full depth that the quad dog wants. Cheers
I have just received mine!! Looks great and I will be installing it in the next day or two. I did purchase the guide hole jig. and I purchased the fence system also. I'm going to be installing it the long way as I have 3 MFTs side by side. wish me luck 😁
I'm still slightly reluctant to go for the jig, but I can now see how much easier it would make things. I've got an MFT 3 style top so I'm going to have to do something....
Excellent video!! Your years of doing these really shows in this one. The camera angles are perfect, the timing, the script, all first class!! The product looks almost too good to be true. In production, you may see non metallic knobs, and other cost cutting techniques. The fit and finish on this first prototype are really from a truly first rate custom machine shop, not production. I hope that the production product is close however. The squareness of the MFT top is one of it's primary functions. I depend on this every day I use it. I hope Benchdogs maintains that squareness over time of usage. Stay safe and take care.
Thank you! Yes, it's a lovely product, and the tactile feel of the knobs, in particular, really help to set it apart. 👍
Thanks Peter a great video 👍.
As always, excellent overview of the Benchdogs hinge set! Having said that, I’d like to see the video about building the boxes on the shelving above your MFT.
Thanks. The boxes are just box fronts at the moment - there’ll be a build along very soon. 👍
Really useful demo! Would love to see your thoughts on their precision triangle too!
Thanks for the video.. A 20mm router bit round up would be much appreciated.. thanks again for a first rate content.
Great video, as always! Yes please, it would be very interesting to hear your thoughts on 20 mm hole boring router bits.
Thanks! It’s coming… 👍
Great video as usual. Please do a video on the 20mm router bits!!!!
I like the router option setting it into the bench then just glue on a 6mm board under the bench in those two areas so the 2 Orings can grip. I’m guessing the 2 rings are used to ensure the dogs stay perpendicular to the table.
Yes Peter I would like to hear what you think of various router bits.
Love your work 👍
Thank you! 🙌
Looks really nice. I’m using a bora centipede with 2 tops with 20mm @ 96mm. This will solve a few problems because there is no side rails for clamping other systems
👍👍
Great use of existing resources.. so I can make use of this on my tool box 📦 without drilling additional machine screws on the front side of my bench.
I presume the eliminates the need for the front secure rail (using your IKEA hack suggestion now)
Front securing rails are still very useful for clamping. 👍👍
Very nice product
I think this is the one for me Peter. Using the rail dogs at the minute which are fine, but lifting the rail out isn't the easiest tbh.
Cheers Leo! And no, I struggle with rail dogs using both hands! 😯👍👍
Looks suitable for the wolfcraft mft which I have.
I would prefer a hinge that allows the MFT to be closer to the wall. One that lifts up then drops down would save lots of back board space. Some home made ones I have seen allow the rail to drop down behind the bench as well to keep it stored in a safer position. Love your videos. Very informative.
I’m making a DIY version; minimal overhang at the back is a priority. 👍
@Peter Millard , can you tell which holes on the mft do you regularly use? Are there some you don't use at all, or could easily do without?
No, I pretty much use them all. And you can guarantee that if you left a few out, they’d be the ones you need most for the next project! 🤦♂️👍
Yes Peter, please do a video on 20mm router bits. I've just spent £45 on the Festool spiral upcut bit. I hope I didn't waste my money! I'm planning to use it to make a replacement mft top with my LR32 jig, using the method you showed in another of your videos. A video comparing Benchdog Quad dogs and UJK expanding dogs, would also be useful. Cheers.
Good to see the Bench Dogs hinge in action. Many thanks for the informative video. I'm very keen to get either the Bench Dogs or Dashboard hinge. The one misgiving I have is the amount of track/rail they use, primarily on the hinge side. I'd like to maximise the cross cut capacity on my custom made MFT bench and both hinges take up quite a percentage (with Dashboard being slightly less from dimensions I've seen). I'm not an engineer, but I can't quite see why such a large amount of the track should be required - particularly since the non-hinged side is going to register into a pin on the other end. The DIY solutions I've seen using a "Z" type hinge arrangement take up far less room and I'm wondering why no manufacturers have looked at that as an option.
And another vote for a rundown on available 20mm plunge router bits. It looks like the Festool one you had machined to a better tolerance has been discontinued (at least in Australia and from what I see in the UK).
There's a LOT of leverage acting on the pivoting end and a fairly large contact area is needed to control it, as well as to just generally keep a rail well-secured to the plate. It's also useful to consider that not all users will be gentle with the device.
Thanks for the great presentation. I am curious, does the hinge system auto adjust for board thickness?
No, you adjust the height manually. 👍
Hi Peter. I know it would need a small mod to your table top, less for a jobbing carpenter, but if the dogs on the front guide pointed upwards the plate would then not get in the way. This would also remove the need for the adaptor and boring extra holes. The same could also apply to the hinge plate. Great show keep it up please. Lesli
Thanks! Sorry, I understand mounting the plate on the underside of the top (my guess is that it would put additional stresses on the dogs on the front rail support, and far too much on the dogs on the hinge side) but I don't see how it would remove the need to bore the extra holes?? 🤔
hi peter have just bought myself a titan mitre saw with sliding dood daa and bevel cuts ? its brilliant have you any tips or tricks to show me atb
Looks a fantastic system and when fully finished will be pretty slick like all BD products 👍. I needed to add a couple of extra holes in my top to fit a couple of quad dogs so, once again put my 3D printer to work to produce a jig which worked very well, I was only let down by the 20mm Trend router bit that gave a slightly sloppy hole, which isn't a major problem as the quad dogs expand into it, but a roundup of bits would be most welcome. Thanks Peter.
Thanks! Yes, it's an all-too-common occurrence, unfortunately, bits that don't produce a 20mm hole. I'll put a roundup together before too long. 👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop thanks Peter, you would’ve thought by now someone would be making a slightly undersized bit specifically for this application 🤷♂️.
Good morning Peter. I love well engineered kit and this looks exactly like that and as you say with a couple of talking points but all in all IMOFWIW this is a more positive location solution than the Festool one which I have and a lot less expensive than the Dashboard solution so I am in no doubt Benchdogs have a viable, marketable solution. Thanks for a great video, again.👍
Thanks David! 👍
I might buy the template for the extra holes, just to increase the cutting width on my mft tops and add a bit of extra versatility. The router template that I use to make my tops is really good and accurate, but only if you follow the standard hole layout ( and in my old age, I am way too tight to stump up nearly £200 for the otherwise excellent Parf guide system)
Ive got a QH on backorder but wanting to finish building my MFT. Can you suggest a rough distance to leave open between the MFT and the wall for the hinge to operate correctly (festool track)? You mentioned 185mm, but wasnt sure if that was with a track installed or not. Thank you for your time and great content.
Thanks! Yes, 185mm will cover it with the track attached. 👍
If routing these in, just glue a small piece of 18mm ply / mdf on the underside of the bench top, under the two mounting holes, then drill through the existing top holes to create enough depth for both of the dog rubber washers to expand under the routed in hinges /locating plate. Ralph, if you read this, you could supply at a set price an mdf bush template to route out using customers own dogs which could be designed to be glued / screwed under, once used for routing, using dogs to line up perfectly underneath. Peter in Leeds who you had a chat with on the phone regarding the prototype Mafell parallel guides you sent to me and then sent the completed version to.
Depends what’s already under the bench top eg the frame the top is sitting on, but yes, even a piece of 6mm glued to the underside would do the job.
Hi Peter. We did think about the jig but will look in to the response to it. We are looking at making a thinner quad dog 12mm version but will test this and send a set to Peter for his opinion. This will be available when Peter gets the final finish product.
Peter M, as the hinge will be flush with the top and the rail slides over it, the 2 plates could be moved further inboard to clear the frame as there won’t be any width restriction for cutting as both flush.
Ralph, yes, I think there would be a market for it, worth looking into.
I’m on the 4th prod run for the hinge and will play around with it, recessed maybe inboard, once received.
Yes, please on the 20mm router bit round-up. Would love to see ideal “pairings” of brand of bit and which brand / model of benchdog (UJK, benchdogs.co.uk, etc.) fits best in the holes created by a given router bit.
Great video as normal Peter, I personally see that the 6mm raised plate as a benefit as by using a sacrificial 6mm scrap under the workpiece you are then not cutting into the MFT table top.
Exactly! 👍
if i were building my own mft top id inset the hinges and stop and thicken the mdf under the holes so both rubbers contact the mdf, you could also 3d print a template for setting the hinge, or cut it on a cnc if you have one. an expensive, but nice product .
Very good
Peter great video as always and when you did your previous vid showing the other hinge - US Dashboard, I have been hoping Benchdogs would do their version as well as I really like their kit. Quick question: If you flush set the set the hinge into your mft top what issue would there be to install a 6mm strip on the underside of the table to increase the table thickness back up to the size it would have been to provide support to the quaddogs rubber grommets? (hopefully that makes sense).
Thanks Colin. No, no issue at all with adding a small strip beneath the bench, as long as your table allows for it; benchdogs are looking into making some special slim quad dogs as an alternative though, so keep you posted on that one! 👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop thanks Peter
If there is someone who has made their grid using the UJK Parf Guide MK 2 system it has support for making some offset holes that I believe could fit this hinge 😊
Great video!! I have to say, you look so much like the Canadian actor Victor Garber from the show "Legends of Tomorrow." 😁
You think so? That's never come up before... 🤔 👍
Hi Peter, I would like to add a few holes and add an extension piece to my MFT table and would be very interested to see a review of the various router bits available. Like many woodworkers I want to spend wisely, not cheaply as this often leads to frustration due to problems and inaccuracies.
Yes to the roundup of 20mm router bits please
Hi Peter,
Enjoy your videos. New to carpentry.
Just acquired Parf Mk 2 system and benchdogs rail hinge.
I have a 1500 x 900 x 25mm MR Mdf top on which I intend to build an MFT table and also to accommodate a router table at some stage.Advice on positioning the dog holes for quad rail hinge. What areas would you recommend for each area.
Greatly appreciate your advice.
Regards
Paul
Hi and thanks! I wouldn't use 25mm for the top as you won't be able to get regular rail clamps through the holes - not without a fairly hefty chamfer on the underside of the holes. As for the layout, I've only ever used tops with a full grid of holes; if you're making your own with the parf guide, then you could drill out the full grid with just the 3mm bit, and add in the 20mm holes where you need them? The quad hinge is designed to fit into the regular grid of holes, just closer to the edge of the benchtop - the jig that Benchdogs sells makes this very easy to do, but as I show in this video it's do-able without it.
Hope that helps! P
Can you please do a video on how to calibrate the parallel guide in IMPERIAL scale.
I calibrate using the method post for METRIC scale did not come out accurate.
Thanks,
Damon
you could put a reenforcement under the bench to get it flush without losing grip or strength.
You could stick a small piece of board underneith just where the new MFT hinge goes, rather than a thicker board for the whole table - this way not inhibitting the use of the rest of the holes for general clamping.
I do hope you produce the video on the 20mm router bit comparison; they are hard to come by (at least in the US) & I’m keen to hear your thoughts on the various offerings.
I abandoned the idea; I bought all the 20mm bits on the market and had an engineer pal chuck them in his mill. They all bored a perfect 20mm hole; the issue is with the routers, not the bits. I’m working on it. 👍
Possibly rebate the front & back and locally thicken the MFT with 6mm mdf below the table so that the full dog sits in it.
Hi Peter, superb vid as ever. Been keeping up with this on Patreon though you’ve brought it altogether with aplomb, as evs. Defo interested in a 20mm router bit video. (Rock and Roll 😉)
Haha, thanks Philip! Yeah, we know how to live, right? 😂👍
About to do the same Peter. Why place the hinge at 4/5 holes in? Don't you normally run with the cutting line much nearer the end of the MFT?
I've always run teh cut line over the third column of holes, but the benchdogs hinge put the cut-line between the columns so I opted for the cut to be between 3 & 4 as I though between 2 & 3 was a bit close to the end. Don't read too much into it though howard - this was first a test of a pre-production sample on a DIY MFT that the hinge will never actually be used on. 🤷♂️ 👍
Great video as usual. My first MFT table is being delivered today so this is very timely. I especially like the idea of using the existing holes to make it square. I would absolutely buy the jig although I do have the parf guide system 🤔. You will let us know when it’s available? Thanks again
Thanks! It's available for pre-order now at benchdogs.co.uk, and don't forget the offer code 10minuteworkshop for a 5% discount across the board at benchdogs. 👍
Hello Peter I already have the ujk parf jig just wondering if I could utilise this to locate my secondary holes 24 mm from the edge. Any pitfalls you can think of, £36 for the jig sound a bit expensive on top of the £180 for the rail hinge.
As long as you can locate the parf jig onto the existing grid of holes, then it should work fine. 👍
would be nice to have the template made into the baseplate.
to have more space to cut, recessing the plates is matter of minutes 😉 edit: oh, now mentioned it
Hi Peter, what routerbit you use to make the holes ?
The Festool one, but it’s been doctored to make perfect hikes. I’ll have a video out before too long about MFT router bits. 👍👍
I already have holes at 32 and 64 mm from the edge of my table, will I need to drill additional holes ? Or will the hinge fit in either set of these holes ?
You should be fine with the 32, but check with benchdogs as this was a 'first look' at a pre-production example, and I know the Mk2 346 jig/template was released recently. 👍
Thank you Peter, Hannah from Benchdogs told me this video was dropping today, when, I enquired about the product, so thank your for doing this.
I have a question, if I may, looking at the back hinge installed on your bench, if it was installed without the new holes, does it still fit behind the fence supporting the thin part under the rail. If that works how far would the hinge then require at the back against a wall like yourself.
Thanks
Matthew
Thanks Matthew. The hinge won’t install on the existing grid of holes in a standard MFT top; if you have an overhang then you should be able to notch the hinge into the top far enough to use the normal holes, but I haven’t done this, and can’t say until I do how well it will work, or how it will interact exactly with the benchdogs fence. 👍👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop ok Peter, thank you.
@@10MinuteWorkshop I did have another thoughts to run by you to maybe feed back to Benchdogs. If like your table there was an overhang at the back an then maybe one at the front too, what do you think about attaching the units from underneath the MFT top?
Would the quad dogs be secure enough, I assume the screw hole for attaching to the units goes through the whole fixing plate, then whilst you would lose some height the rail would sit flush.
I don’t think hanging the hinge off the underside would fly - all the weight and stresses on the support plates would then be on the quad dogs, and I think that’s just asking for trouble. 👍
Great video, thanks Peter. Apologise if someone has asked already, I have a 'walk around' MFT workbench that is 2M x 1M. If I wanted to fit the hinge and hinge support inboard as much as possible to reduce overhang what distance should I make the hole centres from the edge for both parts? Thanks
Thanks. I did a quick video on Instagram to show how far to notch them in to use the regular MFT holes here - instagram.com/tv/Ccmj_WSD2wb/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
If you wanted to notch them in so there’s no overhang, I’d have to check when I’m next in the workshop. 👍
Is there a way to make the additional holes with the jig but without using a 20mm cutter and a guide bush in a big router? I only have a Makita trim router with a plunge base and I'm not sure I can even find a 20mm cutter for it plus the extra expense. I was wondering if you could drill a close-sized hole and then flush trim it using the jig as a template guide? Sorry, newb question :-)
You’d have to do a bit of maths to get it right, but the template takes a 30mm guidebush, so a smaller guidebush in combination with a smaller cutter should be able to do the job. 👍
Ah, so the hole in the jig is of course bigger than 20mm to accommodate a guide bush so it would not work as pattern template.
Yes, please, a roundup of 20mm boring bits.
Hello, I have a question for you. What router bit are you using? Thanks in advance.
I used the Festool one, but had a precision engineer pal grind it back to cut a precise 20mm hole.
@@10MinuteWorkshop thanks. What festool bit is exactly?
Hi Again Peter, Once again thank you for another excellent Video. I am planning to make your portable MFT table using 18mm ply wood for the base and I am also awaiting the Benchdog Hinge systemto comp-lete the setup. Wwould the additional holes not clash with the base. Do I need to be concerned about this? Thanks again cp
If you’re using an 18mm thick top, the benchdogs quad digs that secure the hinge won’t go through to the base. If I’d they do, you can drill them in a touch deeper. 👍👍
Would it be possible to make the hinge plate (with the quad dogs) also be the template? I.e. the hinge plate has the guide holes in it, you use that to bore the extra mft holes and then attach the hinge assembled to the plate? Or do similar with the front rail support plate…
Don’t think there’s enough space on the plates to do that, and if they made the plates bigger just to enable that, then I guess it’d be self-defeating. 🤷♂️👍
🎯 what a pleasant surprise 🤣
Can you think of any other uses for the hole jig? Adding a fence perhaps? Can the bases of the two supplied dogs be used with anything else? Really trying to find the value in the jig 😄
Apparently there are other applications planned for additional benchdogs products, so it's not a one-trick template.👍
Ah ha, I see. Well at the very least I could also use it for measuring spaghetti or just as a coaster
Certainly better than Festool's take on the hinge and props to them for coming up with a different way to do the hinge. As a Dashboard hinge owner I don't see anything here that makes me want to switch, nor any features I wish I had (a nod to Dashboard for doing so much right in their version I guess). If was in the market, being in the States (as I write this they are also out of stock, with more due in mid-April) I'd lean towards the Dashboard simply because I could get it faster. It also has the "advantage" of not needing any more hole drilling. But I can see some use cases that would steer one either unit. For MY use case I'd rate the Dashboard a half star better than the Benchdog and both a good two to three stars better than Festool's.
Yes, I'm a happy Dashboard hinge owner too, but unfortunately not everyone can ignore the shipping costs and import taxes that we get hit for. 👍
I would use the tracksaw to cut a strip off the front and back of the table.
Hi Peter is 96mm a standard hole centre for a MFT worktop
Yes, it is. More information about why and how it came about below, if you’re interested!
96mm hole spacing MFT
festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?pretty;board=festool-how-to;topic=any-magic-to-mft-hole-spacing.0
festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?pretty;board=ask-festool;topic=96-mm-mft-hole-spacing.msg226612#msg226612
And the 32mm system in general
festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?pretty;board=festool-jigs-tool-enhancements;topic=32-mm-system-help.msg157917#msg157917
Thanks for another great video Peter! I would love a comparision of the 20mm router bits :D By the way. This hinge system, is it quick to remove/install? I have my MFT behind my cabinet saw and use it as an outfeed table. Would you suggest just using the dogs to reference the rail, or is this a system that is easily removable and quick to reinstall?
Cheers.
Thanks Goran! It’s about 20 seconds to add or remove either the hinge or front rail support, 1 1/2 turns of the machine screws that secure the quad dogs is all. 👍👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop Yes, it was this ease of removal and re installation that was the clincher for me in deciding to buy this one over other designs. That and the fact that you don’t need either an MFT profile or some form of track installed on the side to install it, as my intended use is something more temporary and/or portable, so it can be set up just on some sturdy Axminster saw horses to make a temporary workspace and taken off when not needed for repeat cuts etc.
Perhaps it would solve the offset height problem (flexing of rail and renders rubber strips ineffective, plus dust under rail now) if the hinge mounted UNDERNEATH the MFT, provided quad dogs didn't protrude, then rotate the hinge all the way around, even more flexible if it mounted either way, on top or underneath? Would that work?
No, the stresses are all transferred into the quad dogs if you try to mount the hinge plate underneath. Not good.
Would ist be possible to mount the benchdogs so they are facing upwards so that the hinge attaches from underneath?
Don't think so, not as the hinge is currently designed; also the stresses would be much higher on the quad dogs in that arrangement, as the hinge plates would only be supported by the dogs. 🤷♂️👍
Of course I would use the dogs only for alignment and fix the angle bracket with an extra knurled screw and a threaded insert.
Hi Peter I’ve ordered mine but was interested in the router guide that you used on the track. I have a Makita track but haven’t been able to track anything down here in oz to use the router on the track. Could you please tell me what you are using. Thanks
Thanks! It's a standard Festool rail adapter - amzn.to/3xzqT5l (cheaper elsewhere) - you need to use the rods that come with the router, but it works great. 👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop Thanks
Thanks Peter. Further to our brief Facebook exchange, how deep would the notch need to be please? (for a standard size MFT layout top)
I'd need to do one to be sure Alistair, which means I'd need to make an MFT top, to try it on too. Benchdogs say you need 35mm from the hole centre to the edge of the top to be sure to have enough clearance, and a standard MFT/3 top usually has holes at 70mm centres from the edge, so I'd guess about 35mm - but you never truly know until you've done it! 👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop fair enough Peter. That info helps. This is probably the best way for me as otherwise I’m in for a jig, a cutter, a guide bush and still no guarantee it will work with my Makita trim router. But too pricey on top.
Hey Peter can you provide a link for the 30mm Festool guide template that fits my OF1400
Sure. amzn.to/3TfK38K
Does the front part have any lateral adjustment in case the holes in the bench aren’t square to each other? Cheers Pete
There’s a little bit of adjustment in it, yes. 👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop thanks for the reply buddy 👍
Looks like a great bit of kit but the jig is a bit rich for something you'll barely use. Seems like something that should be 3d printed or injection moulded and included in the box to me at this price.
Why did Benchdog wait so long to develop this? I recently purchased the Dashboard hinge system for my MFT. I still have the orginal Festool hinge plate I hated having to re-square the track after lifting the fence more than ten times or bumping into the table. Who knows maybe I add this plate to my other MFT
We started on this project about a year ago but we just didn’t have the space and manpower to proceed. Since we moved to our new location and we’re settled in, it was one of my many new products to release.