making mft templates with a laser?

[Ronnie_Bell]

I'm putting together an MFT-style top that'll sit on a hinged bench so I can store it when not in use. Plan is to use it mainly for aligning, clamping, routing, and assembly work. Looked at the commercial jigs (Woodpecker, UJK Parf, etc.), but I couldn't justify buying another single-purpose tool.

Decided to try cutting a template with my Ortur Laser Master 3 (10W). Used 1/4" MDF, 4 passes @ 200mm/min, 100% power. Took about 2 hours, but the results are spot-on... no slop in the dogs, and a clean 96mm grid. Feels like the laser was the right move for accuracy. Anyone else tried making MFT templates this way? Curious if people stick with lasers or eventually go back to routers/boring bits once the novelty wears off.

 

[d@rkr00m]

I'm putting together an MFT-style top that'll sit on a hinged bench so I can store it when not in use. Plan is to use it mainly for aligning, clamping, routing, and assembly work. Looked at the commercial jigs (Woodpecker, UJK Parf, etc.), but I couldn't justify buying another single-purpose tool.

Decided to try cutting a template with my Ortur Laser Master 3 (10W). Used 1/4" MDF, 4 passes @ 200mm/min, 100% power. Took about 2 hours, but the results are spot-on... no slop in the dogs, and a clean 96mm grid. Feels like the laser was the right move for accuracy. Anyone else tried making MFT templates this way? Curious if people stick with lasers or eventually go back to routers/boring bits once the novelty wears off.

hi ronnie, I think your 1/4" MDF template is a good start, but it might not hold up to heavy use.
The best long term strategy is to use your laser cut template to create a more durable master template.
Use your laser cut MDF template and a router to cut a new template out of something more durable, like 1/2" acrylic or even aluminum. That way, you have a perfect, long lasting jig that you can use over and over again.

 

[vielatte_29]

Try a few test holes first to get the fit just right. Wood moisture can change how wide the cut is, so it's good to check.