New Website!

I have just finished creating a brand new website that is the new home of the MPT!  The new site is danpattison.com and it includes a section dedicated to the MPT, a new online store to purchase plans through, an active blog where I will be posting informative content, featured videos from DP Shop Talk as well as a gallery of my work. There is also a short bio of myself and a contact form to get in touch with me.

Be sure to sign up for the free email newsletter while you're there as well to stay up-to-date with the latest blog posts, videos and designs.  I'll post some of the MPT related links below for the new site.  This blog page will stay up for now but all plan purchases will be through the new website.  The new site streamlines the process of purchasing plans with a shopping cart and an instant download link after payment.  In the past I have emailed out the plans manually but with the new site you can get an instant download.

General MPT Information - http://www.danpattison.com/mpt/

MPT Plans & Instructions - http://www.danpattison.com/mptplans/

MPT Accessories Information - http://www.danpattison.com/mpt-accessories/

Home Page - http://www.danpattison.com/

Here is a short video about the details of the new website as well.

I hope you guys find the new site helpful and informative.  I won't be posting to this blogspot anymore but I will leave it up.  Let me know if you have any feedback or questions about the new site!

Cheers,

Dan

MPT L-Boxx Worktop Plans

To learn more about the MPT L-Boxx Worktop or to see it in action click here.  The plans and instruction package for the MPT L-Boxx Worktop have the same level of detail as the regular MPT plans and MPT accessory plans.  This 12 page PDF package includes a cut list, hardware list, hardware source list, full colour dimensioned drawings and details as well as instructions with photos.  The jig for accurately drilling the 20mm holes is also covered in the instructions which is the same jig that was used for the MPT top.  This plans and instruction package lets you get right to building your worktop with all the figuring, measuring and designing done for you.

To purchase the MPT L-Boxx Worktop PDF package click on link below.

MPT L-Boxx Worktop Drawings & Instruction Package
$6.00 CAD
Click to purchase at danpattison.com

MPT L-Boxx Worktop in Action

Here are some shots from the DP Shop Talk episode showing the MPT L-Boxx Worktop in action for a variety of common woodworking tasks.  Click on any photo to enlarge it. Click here to watch the full episode on YouTube.

The MPT L-Boxx worktop can be used for a variety of common woodworking tasks such as drilling, routing, sawing or sanding.  The convenient clamp anything anywhere setup allows all of these operations to be done easily and with both hands on the tool.  It can also be used with stationary tools such as using it as a miter saw stand or table saw outfeed support.  Similar to the MPT, Parf Dogs can be used on the worktop to create an accurate cross cut station for a track saw.

If you don't have a stack of L-Boxxes you can still use the MPT L-Boxx Worktop by clamping it to any other workbench, table or even saw horses.  This gives you the same features and utility of the worktop without the need for a full stack of L-Boxxes.  Another alternative way to use the MPT L-Boxx Worktop is clipping it on top of a Bosch dust extractor to give an easily mobile work surface that will roll around with you.  To purchase a full set of plans and instructions or for more information click here.

Drilling

Routing

Sawing

Sanding

Miter saw stand

Clamped to a bench or table

                                                     

Table saw outfeed support

Track saw cross cutting

New MPT Style L-Boxx Worktop!

I have just finished designing and building a new MPT style worktop for use with Bosch or Sortimo L-Boxxes!  This new worktop has the same system of 20mm holes as the MPT and therefore can be used for some of the same tasks with some of the same accessories.  I've also created a full set of plans similar to the MPT plans. For jobs where you don't have space to set up the full MPT or jobs that are too small to require it, this is the perfect solution.  Measuring 20"x24" it gives a generous sized worktop and is also solid with a bolted connection. The MPT L-Boxx Worktop is designed to mount to an L-RACK-S quickly and easily with no major modifications to the L-RACK-S.  By using an L-RACK-S to mount the top to it gives space under the top to accommodate accessories, such as clamps or Parf dogs.  The height of the worktop is adjustable by varying the number and combination of L-Boxxes that you use under it.  It basically gives you a mini MPT that is extremely portable and can go along with you anywhere your L-Boxxes do.  Click here to see the MPT L-Boxx Worktop in action.

The MPT L-Boxx Worktop allows you to clamp work down in the same way that the MPT does and use accessories like the Parf Dogs to make the worktop into a mini track saw cutting table.  The worktop attaches to the L-RACK-S in seconds with 4 machine screws that are captured within the L-RACK-S so there is no loose hardware to keep track of.  The hardware setup is all detailed in the plans as well as the precise location of the grooves that get milled in the bottom of the worktop to accommodate the nibs and locking cleats of the L-RACK-S.  The worktop can be quickly uninstalled from the L-RACK-S and it can be used as a normal L-RACK-S with L-Boxxes clipped on top of it again since the mounting hardware does not interfere with it's normal operation.  Here are a couple of quick Instagram videos that I made showing how the MPT L-Boxx Worktop works as well as a full DP Shop Talk episode showing it in detail.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJu_4LTBqM5/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJvAl4EBuzP/

To purchase plans and instructions on how to build your own click here to go to the purchase page.

MPT Forum Discussions

There are two different forums that have a thread dedicated to the MPT.  One is the BeThePro.com forum and the other is the Festool Owners Group (FOG).  You can check out the latest discussion and what MPT users are saying on either forum.  Here are the links to the latest discussion.

BeThePro MPT Thread

Festool Owners Group MPT Thread

MPT Accessory Plans Now Available!

A complete set of plans and instructions are now available for the MPT accessories!  This comprehensive package includes the tool tray, power block mount, dust hose arm, wheel brackets, riser jigs (for use with saw horses), sacrificial cutting strips, cross cut jig and cross cut jig extension wing.  This PDF package is 30 pages in total and includes a cut list, hardware list, hardware source list, 17 full-colour 3D drawings, and 8 pages of instructions on how to use the accessories, with high resolution photos.  The accessory package brings you the same high level of detail and complete information as the original MPT package making it quick and easy to build your own accessories.

There have also been additional features added to some of the accessories such as a height adjustable feature in the riser jigs, new dust hose connection hardware and a full length extension wing for the cross cut jig.  The MPT accessories add a lot of extra functionality and efficiency to the base MPT.  Click here to learn more about the MPT accessories.  Also, browse through the blog to see various accessories in action or click here to see the MPT accessory video.

To purchase the 30 page PDF package click on the link below.

MPT Accessories - Drawings & Instruction Package
$15.00 CAD

Click to purchase at danpattison.com

Base MPT Drawings & Instruction Package
$25.00 CAD

Click to purchase at danpattison.com

For anyone that has never purchased MPT plans and would also like the accessory plans included, you can purchase them together at a bundled price.  This package contains the original 24 page PDF drawings and instruction package for the base MPT as well as the new 30 page accessory drawings and instruction package.  This complete package gives you all the information you need to build your own MPT and all of the accessories.

Base MPT & Accessories - Complete Drawings & Instruction Package
$35.00 CAD
Click to purchase at danpattison.com

MPT Video & New Channel

If you haven't seen the new MPT video yet be sure to check it out!  I explain what the MPT is all about and also show how it assembles from start to finish.

Also I have launched a new YouTube channel called "DP Shop Talk" which covers tool reviews, shop tips and how-to videos.  The MPT is featured in most of the videos as my main work surface so you can see it being used for all different purposes.  Click on the link below to visit the new channel!

DP Shop Talk Channel

You can also follow on Twitter or Facebook.  Click on either one to go to the page.

User Reviews & Photos

This is a section for photos and reviews from MPT users who have built an MPT from the plans.  If you have completed your MPT and would like to have it featured here please send along some photos and a review to my email address.

Entry #1

The first entry comes from Mike who has completed two MPT's to suit his workflow.  He added some custom features on his MPT's including T-track for Festool clamp integration on one apron, a bracket to hold his tracksaw rails and some additional ribbing on the underside of the shelves to carry heavier loads.  Mike has put his MPT's to work right away and has sent some photos of them set up on site.  Thanks for the photos and review Mike and great job on your MPT's!

"Great design, Very well documented plans. Stable, functional, compact, and easily transported work tables. What more could you ask for. I expect them to last a very long time"  

-  Mike

First of two completed

Two MPT's together on site

Festool clamp integration

Entry #2

Here is the second entry for the MPT user section from Casey.  Casey is a carpenter and has been using his recently completed MPT for doing trim work on site.  He built his MPT following the plans exactly and it turned out great.  He used Danish oil to finish the MPT and it gave it a nice rich colour.  Thanks for the photos and review Casey, it looks great!  Below is a quote and some photos from Casey.

"Day 1 in the books for my MPT table and I love it! I’m using it here to plane down an edge for cased opening jambs. It’s great to be able to clamp it in this position for planing. I just wish I would have built this weeks ago before my current trim job started!"

-Casey

Shiny new MPT!

MPT on site loaded with tools

MPT being used for edge planing

MPT being used to make door jambs

Entry #3

Here is the third entry for the MPT user section from Michael.  Michael made some modifications from the plans to suit his requirements including the size of the top and was able to make it from a 1/4 sheet of MDF.  He wasn't able to purchase the aluminum tubes for the legs where he lives so he improvised with some wooden legs which turned out great.  Michael is also the first entry to have some MPT accessories included in the build.  Great job Michael and thanks for the photos!  Below is a quote and some photos from Michael.

"Thanks so much for the plans for this table, I know it'll be an excellent addition to my shop."

- Michael 

MPT hard at work in the shop

MPT with cutting strips

Dust hose arm accessory

Rolling MPT

The latest accessory that I have just designed and built for the MPT is a set of wheels to make the MPT easily mobile around the shop or your work space on site.  The wheels sit just above the floor so that the feet of the MPT still sit solidly on the ground.  To move the MPT, you simply lift the opposite end which tilts the weight onto the wheels and it allows you to easily roll the MPT.  The wheel brackets are quickly and easily installed or removed as needed.  I have recently set up a new shop and the MPT plays a central role in it.  With object mobility being an important part of the new shop design, the new wheels on the MPT are a vital accessory.  I am going to be producing a complete set of plans and instructions for all of the accessories to date in the near future for anyone that is interested in purchasing them.

MPT with New Wheels

Wheel Bracket

MPT on Finish Work

I was recently trimming out an entire house renovation and the MPT served as my work centre.  The MPT allowed me to assemble all of my build-outs, Boston header mitered returns etc. on a stable and comfortable work surface.  Also, in lower light conditions the attachment on the dust arm for my Bosch FL12's works great for adding some extra work light.  Being able to easily clamp down the sills to jigsaw and rout them was very convenient.  I find the lower shelf to be indispensable as a convenient place to have the tools I am currently using close at hand.  Dust extraction is a must for me in many of the spaces that I work in and having the dust hose arm to take the weight of the hose makes things much easier.  Another upside to using a work table that you built yourself versus a commercially made one is you get a lot of comments and interest from both clients and other trades.

Assembling Build-outs

Routing the Sills

Extra Light from FL12's

Cutting the Horns

MPT On Site

I recently used the MPT on site to do a kitchen renovation job.  Having a solid, versatile and efficient work table to use while working in a clients home is essential.  Also, using a work table that you built yourself is a great additional example of your work to clients.  Here are a few photos of it set up and in use.

The versatility and efficiency of clamping to the MPT works perfect for drilling pocket holes in workpieces.  Also the shelf below is a perfect place to keep drill cases close at hand while working.

The MPT allows gable panels to be solidly clamped in place for a precise cut to a scribe line.  The working height of 37 1/2" makes it very ergonomic as well to minimize back and neck strain.






Using a circular saw and a cross cut jig the MPT makes a great cross cut station.  The dust hose arm accessory also takes the weight off the hose and keeps it out of the way.  Again the shelf below keeps tools and fasteners close at hand.  The rubber feet on the MPT also prevent damage to the clients flooring.

MPT in Action

Here are a few action shots of the MPT set up outside today. I had to break down a sheet of melamine and a sheet of ply for the cabinet I'm building for a kitchen reno. The MPT along with the accessories that I built for it worked very efficiently in conjunction with the track saw to both rip and cross cut all the pieces.  Once all the cutting was done the MPT turned into a sanding station and then an assembly table. The MPT has really transformed how I am able to work in an ultra portable and efficient way. Being able to work on site with the same setup as in the shop is a huge advantage.

With the sawhorse and plywood strip accessory I was able to quickly and easily make all my rip cuts with full support for each sheet.  The MPT gives a very comfortable working height and solid support for full sheets.

The plywood strips also provide a great surface for making cross cuts on pieces that are wider than will fit between the Parf dogs.

 Cutting all the cabinet parts square and to length was quick and easy with the cross cut accessory and Parf dogs.  No measuring and marking was necessary with the built in bench tape.  The dust hose arm kept the hose out of the way and kept it from dragging on edges.

After all the parts were cut, the MPT made a great surface for sanding and routing and will also be used for assembly next.

MPT Accessories

I have developed a series of accessories for the MPT to expand its applications and utility as well as make work faster, easier and more accurate.  All of the accessories integrate into the MPT's system of 20mm holes as a means of registration and attachment.  Below are some photos of the accessories that I have designed and built along with a brief description.  You can purchase a complete set of plans and instructions on how to build your own MPT accessories here.

Power Block Mount

The power block mount allows a power block or bar to be easily mounted anywhere on the aprons or stretchers for easy accessibility.  This accessory registers in any two holes and secures with knobs from behind.


Tool Tray

The tool tray gives a place to keep tools and supplies out of the way but close at hand.  The tray will mount anywhere around the perimeter of the MPT so it can be placed wherever works best for the given task.  The tray is also sized to fit in an L-Boxx for easy transportation.


Cross Cut Jig

The cross cut jig works in conjunction with the Parf dogs and gives two major advantages.  It avoids having to cut into the MPT top when making cross cuts and it also has a built in bench tape for quickly setting the stop block for repeat cuts.  The jig registers on the table so that it installs and removes easily and sits in exactly the same position each time.  The bench tape is set in a shallow dado so that it is flush with the surface.  The stop block is simply set to the desired measurement and clamped in place.  The cross cut jig makes very quick work of cutting parts to length very accurately.  There is also now an extension wing that extends to the right side of the cut that gives full support to the work piece.  The extension wing rests on the same saw horse and riser jig setup that the sacrificial cutting strips do.


 Sacrificial Cutting Strips








The sacrificial cutting strips create a cutting surface for full or partial sheets of material.  The plywood strips are supported beyond the MPT by two sawhorses with riser jigs clamped on top to bring them to the same height as the MPT surface.  The strips avoid cutting into the MPT top and also give support for a full 4x8 sheet.  The riser jigs have a height adjustment feature built in so they can be leveled with the top of the MPT on uneven surfaces. 


Dust Hose Arm

 
The dust hose arm holds a dust extraction hose out of the way and takes the weight of the hose off of the tool.  The arm will mount anywhere around the perimeter of the table and the top of the arm rotates around to any angle and locks with a wing nut.  The dust hose arm mounts in the same way that the power block mount and tool tray do.





Wheel Brackets

The wheel bracket accessory allow the MPT to be easily rolled around the shop or site.  This adds to the ease of use since the MPT doesn't have to be emptied off and carried to change it's location within a room or the shop.  The wheel brackets securely and quickly mount to one end of the MPT and then the opposite end is lifted up slightly to shift the weight onto the wheels.  The MPT can then be easily wheeled around and steered to change it's position.