Welcome to the MPT Blog! The MPT is a portable work table that I designed and built to fill the need for an efficient, shop-built table that is easily portable and works with a variety of accessories. Please visit my new site, danpattison.com for more information about the MPT as well as to purchase plans.
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.
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.
Base MPT Drawings & Instruction Package
$25.00 CAD
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.
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.
The Multi Purpose Table (MPT) is a portable work table that I have
designed and built to
fill the need for a shop-built, easily portable work table that allows
for the integration of various accessories for an ultra-efficient,
portable workflow. All of the components of the MPT completely pack up
within the top section of the table for easy transportation or storage
of the MPT. There are various accessories that work with the MPT both shop made and commercially available that further expand its use and
efficiency. The MPT can be used for just about any woodworking task
such as sanding, sawing, routing or assembly. Some key features are:
the easy use of clamps anywhere on the table via the 20mm holes, track
saw integration with Parf Dogs, easy portability, and easy integration
of custom shop made accessories. Click here to see the shop made accessories that have been developed for the MPT and their uses. Accessories or clamps can also be used in the 20mm holes in the aprons and stretchers. Plunge-cut track saw integration of virtually any brand with the use of Parf Dogs is one of the main features and uses of the MPT. Below are several photos illustrating some of the uses of the MPT.
To purchase detailed plans and instructions on how to build your own MPT click here. You can also view photos and reviews from others that have purchased MPT plans and built their own here.
Accurate cross cutting with a track saw
Assembly Table
Routing
Breaking down sheet goods
Plane stop
Board clamped to apron
Easy clamping for sawing and shaping of work pieces
Sanding table with dust hose arm
The MPT also features a shelf that can be used to put tools or tool cases on to keep them out of the way and close at hand.
Tool shelf
The key to the MPT's design is being quickly and easily disassembled,
packed up and moved to another location. This feature is also useful
for storing the MPT, taking up a minimal amount of space. The legs and stretchers quickly disassemble and store on the underside of the shelf. The shelf then nests and locks inside the aprons of the top making an easily transported or stored package. The MPT weighs in at approximately 52 lbs making it very manageable to transport easily.
MPT packed up
MPT being transported in a hatchback car
Check out the MPT video explaining how it works and showing how the MPT assembles.
And also the video showcasing the shop made MPT accessories and how they work.
For a list of commercially available accessories from Lee Valley Tools click on the links below:
