Project by Rich | posted 11-27-2020 04:52 AM | 818 views | 1 time favorited | 10 comments | ![]() |
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This table top has many useful features: A 96mm array of 20mm dog holes and MATCHFIT dovetail slots from MicroJig.
It can accommodate the inline clamps from Festool, the quick clamp from Festool and other similar clamps that pass through the dog holes. The MATCHFIT hardware from MicroJig is a game-changer. I used it on the Morley Mortiser and also on my adjustable dado/groove router jig. Armor Tools also makes a vertical clamp that is adjustable to fit 3/4” and 20mm dog holes, as well as an inline clamp which you can buy a 20mm post for for around $5.
Combined with the Bora Centipede, it forms an excellent surface for work in the shop or job site, as well as an assembly table.
Finally, by using the Parf dog accessories from TSO Products, this table top is accurate enough to use as a job site clone of the Festool MFT. That accuracy is provided by the precision of the array of dog holes. I have tested it using the five-cut method and the Parf dogs with a Festool TS 55 with their track, and the resulting error was below 0.001 inches per inch.
The array of 20mm dog holes was cut with the Shaper Origin using the design you see in the image above. The holes were chamfered using it as well. A feature of the Shaper Origin is that you can change bits and resume cutting as precisely as you began.
Rather than simply gluing 3/4” dowels to fit into the Centipede’s mounting holes, I chose to affix the table top using the assembly shown above. It uses a 1/4”-20 bolt through a 3/4” dowel and a plate to secure the top tightly to the Centipede. Nothing fancy, but it works.
I’ll be making a second top for my other Centipede.
-- Half of what we read or hear about finishing is right. We just don’t know which half! — Bob Flexner
10 comments so far
AlaskaGuy
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6362 posts in 3285 days
#1 posted 11-27-2020 05:11 AM
Very intriguing, looks groovy and well engineered. Not sure I can wrap my brain around all its uses. Knowing you I’m sure it has many.
You must post some in use photos in the future.
-- Alaskan's for Global warming!
BuckeyeDennis
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#2 posted 11-27-2020 06:41 PM
To paraphrase the 800 lb. gorilla joke: What can you clamp with that? Anything you want!
The 0.001” in/in accuracy result is impressive. Was that measurement directly from the offcut of the 5-cut method, or is it the calculated dog-hole accuracy based on that result?
-- Dennis 'We are all faced with a series of great opportunities, brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.' Charles Swindoll
woodbutcherbynight
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#3 posted 11-27-2020 08:48 PM
That is a sweet piece of equipment. As soon as I win the lottery, or a wealthy relative leaves me some cash, I am getting one.
LOL
-- Live to tell the stories, they sound better that way.
Rich
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#4 posted 11-27-2020 09:58 PM
Just the plain old five-cut method. (W1 – W2) ÷ 4 ÷ L.
If I recall correctly Peter Parfitt’s Parf Guide System produced a slightly smaller error in his video and costs significantly less than a Shaper Origin. It would also be much easier in the long run since cutting through 3/4” MDF with a 1/4” collet router has to be done in small steps.
-- Half of what we read or hear about finishing is right. We just don’t know which half! — Bob Flexner
Rich
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6398 posts in 1565 days
#5 posted 11-27-2020 10:16 PM
I plan to, AG. I think this will tick all the boxes on my wish list for an assembly table for face frames, door frames, etc. Next time I need to build some, I’ll get photos.
-- Half of what we read or hear about finishing is right. We just don’t know which half! — Bob Flexner
pottz
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13887 posts in 1960 days
#6 posted 11-28-2020 12:38 AM
for anyone that works away from the shop this is the perfect answer to all your needs i think.great idea buddy.
-- working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.
Rich
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#7 posted 11-28-2020 01:23 AM
Thanks pottz!
-- Half of what we read or hear about finishing is right. We just don’t know which half! — Bob Flexner
therealSteveN
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#8 posted 11-28-2020 09:58 AM
All this time I pictured you on the rather short side, but I see you have the hi tops on the centipede, hmmmmph.
-- Think safe, be safe
Rich
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6398 posts in 1565 days
#9 posted 11-28-2020 01:24 PM
Sometimes stature is in your character, not just physical height. For example, I don’t have you blocked, even though you blocked me.
In fact, the only people on my blocklist are ones who blocked me, yet continued to post comments in my threads.
-- Half of what we read or hear about finishing is right. We just don’t know which half! — Bob Flexner
pottz
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13887 posts in 1960 days
#10 posted 11-28-2020 11:55 PM
good point rich,why would you?
-- working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.
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