- Which multifunction table do the accessories go with?
- The DICTUM multifunction table modular system
- Repeatable crosscuts on the MFT
- Attaching hold-down clamps and quick-action clamps on the multifunction table
- Planing and joining on the multifunction table
- Accessory set for multifunction tables
- Conclusion
A multifunction table can be a practical alternative or useful addition to the traditional workbench in the workshop. With various accessories that are simply inserted into the holes in the worktop, workpieces of the most varied shapes and sizes can be securely clamped and machined on the MFT. With the DICTUM Multifunction Table PRO , you can also use the T-slots in the table frame to attach practical accessories. Our range of accessories for multifunction tables extends from small slot nuts to different bench dogs and aluminium profiles with which you can individually adapt the range of functions of the multifunctional table to your needs. Accessories for the DICTUM Multifunction Table at a glance (PDF in German).
Which multifunction table do the accessories go with?
Accessories with a tenon diameter of 20 mm, which are inserted into the perforated plates of the multifunction table, fit not only the DICTUM Multifunction Table PRO, but also the hole grid of other manufacturers, such as the Festool Multifunction Table MFT/3 Basic. Extensions that can be positioned in the T-slots of the table frame on the MFT PRO usually also fit aluminium profiles and guide rails with 8 mm T-slots (depending on the manufacturer, however, there may be variants that require special slot nuts).
The DICTUM multifunction table modular system
By consistently adhering to norms and standard dimensions, the various accessories can be combined in many ways. We use M8 threads and threaded holes as standard. Any variants of the DICTUM Stainless Steel Bench Dogs have M8 threaded holes so that they can be fixed with a Star Knob Screw with Pressure Plate. However, you can also use this threaded hole to fasten other parts with M8 threads in it. This results in countless possibilities for combining accessories and extensions for the MFT. Here are a few examples:
Repeatable crosscuts on the MFT
For cutting several workpieces to the same length, you need a fence with an adjustable length stop. You can fix a Veritas T-track (e.g. Veritas Universal T-Track 920 mm) with two Sliding Pieces for aluminium profiles, two Connecting Bushings and two Star Knob Screws M8 x 30 in the hole grid of the MFT. Insert the Veritas T-Slot Fence Flip-Stop as a length stop into the Universal T-Track. The aluminium rail is securely fixed on the MFT as a stop, and you can adjust the Flip-Stop exactly to the desired dimensions. To cut the first edge, you can simply fold it away.
Accessories by Veritas fit the MFT PRO perfectly
Additional benefits: You can assemble a short bench support with clamping function from the existing parts. First screw a connecting bolt onto the star knob screw, then the T-slot nut. You can insert this combination into the T-tracks on the table frame of the MFT PRO and clamp it in place with one turn of the hand. You can clamp workpieces with a material thickness of 17 to 19 mm against the table with the pressure plate of the star knob screw.
Attaching hold-down clamps and quick-action clamps on the multifunction table
Conventional quick-action clamps such as the Horizontal Clamp with M8 Thread Thrust Piece can be inserted into the hole grid using the Mounting Post SSP. The clamping height can then be freely selected between 18 and 180 mm. You can combine the multi-hole plate of the mounting post with the Adapter Bolt which makes it easier and quicker to move the quick-action clamp in the hole grid. To prevent the fixture from coming loose from the tabletop when clamping, it is fixed from below with a short Star Knob Screw M8 x 10.
The height-adjustable Hattori Hold Down Clamp is supplied with a slot nut for 19 mm T-tracks. However, its bolt is an M8 threaded rod. This means you can simply unscrew the slot nut and replace it with a Connecting Bushing or screw the hold down clamp into a long Stainless Steel Bench Dog, for example, to increase its clamping width. Both combinations are secured with a star knob screw from below.
multifunction tables with 20 mm holes. Combined with the Clamping Sleeve Adapter, a one-handed clamp becomes an insertion clamp for clamping workpieces flat on the table, or a clamping fixture with which you can press workpieces against a fence. The practical one-hand operation of the Mini Quick clamps is retained in both cases.
The M8 thread of the hold down clamp fits into the threaded holes of the bench dog
Planing and joining on the multifunction table
The construction of the DICTUM Multifunction Table PRO is so stable that you can also carry out work on it that is only possible to a certain extent on mobile MFTs with a folding table frame, such as trueing and joining with hand planes. The DICTUM Multifunctional Fence is a versatile helper.
With adequate accessories, the MFT is an alternative to the classic workbench
It can be inserted directly into the hole grid of the MFT as a simple fence. Its tenons can be moved variably so that the multifunctional fence can be inserted into the hole grid both at right angles and diagonally. This way you can find the best position for planing every workpiece. In addition, the DICTUM multifunctional fence has an adjustable pin for holding irregular workpieces, which can be very helpful when trueing warped boards, for example.
Speaking of »warped«: Warped boards wobble back and forth on the work surface. They must therefore be prevented from wobbling with height compensation. To do this, insert a flat Stainless Steel Bench Dog into the hole grid of the MFT and screw a long Star Knob Screw M8 x 30 into the bench dog from below. Now you can unscrew the star knob screw exactly so far upwards that the warped board no longer wobbles.
Accessory set for multifunction tables
The DICTUM Accessory Set comprises a versatile basic equipment with two each of flat, short and long stainless steel bench dogs, connecting bushings and star knob screws. You can use this set on any MFT with a 20 mm hole grid. The DICTUM Formatting Kit, on the other hand, is specially designed for the DICTUM MFT PRO. In addition to short and long bench dogs, it also includes two multifunction bench dogs that you can use both in the hole grid of the tabletop and in the grooves on the table frame of the MFT PRO. This not only allows you to cut workpieces to size, but also to perform precise, repeatable angular cuts. You can also use the Multifunction Bench Dogs as a height-adjustable bench support when clamping workpieces vertically in front of or to the side in the table legs of the DICTUM Multifunction Table PRO.
Conclusion
The extensive range of accessories by DICTUM and manufacturers such as Veritas, Hattori, UJK and others can be cleverly combined. This provides you with a versatile modular system for almost any clamping task on an MFT with 20 mm holes. Use the possibilities and create individual solutions for your projects! Accessories for the DICTUM Multifunction Table at a glance(PDF German).
