Do You Really Need an MFT Table? (And How to Build One Without Spending £800)

Do You Really Need an MFT Table? (And How to Build One Without Spending £800)

If you’ve spent any time in a woodworking shop or on YouTube, chances are you’ve come across the famous MFT table. Originally popularised by Festool, the multi-function table has become a must-have in many workshops. But here’s the problem: a genuine Festool MFT will set you back £800 or more.

So the question is: do you really need one, and if so, how do you get the benefits without the eye-watering price tag? Let’s break it down.

🔧 What Is an MFT Table?

MFT stands for Multi-Function Table. At its core, it’s a workbench with a precise grid of holes spaced at 96mm centres. These holes are designed to accept dogs, clamps, and accessories that make cutting, routing, sanding, and assembly faster and more accurate.

Festool didn’t invent the idea of a perforated bench, but they perfected the system — and it’s now an industry standard.

✅ Why Woodworkers Love MFT Tables

The hype isn’t for nothing. A well-made MFT table offers:

• Perfectly square setups – Use dogs and fences to guarantee repeatable cuts.

• Endless clamping options – Hold awkward pieces securely without a vise.

• Routing accuracy – Use guides and stops for consistent mortises and dados.

• Versatility – Works for cutting, sanding, assembly, and even as a finishing station.

• Space saving – One bench can replace multiple jigs and fixtures.

If you’ve ever tried to clamp a board in the middle of a plain bench, you’ll instantly see the value.

⚠️ The Downsides of Buying an MFT

As good as they are, Festool MFT tables come with two major problems:

The Price

A Festool MFT costs around £800–£1,000 depending on the model and accessories. That’s a big investment, especially if you’re just setting up your shop.

Limited Size

Standard Festool MFT tops are about 1100mm x 700mm. If you want a full sheet 8x4 workbench, you’re out of luck unless you make it yourself.

DIY Challenges

Sure, you can drill your own dog holes. But laying out a perfect 96mm grid by hand is slow, and a tiny error compounds across the whole surface. Cheap eBay templates claim to solve this, but many are inaccurate and flimsy.

🪚 How to Build Your Own MFT Workbench

The good news? You can absolutely build your own MFT top that works just as well as Festool’s — and at a fraction of the cost. Here’s what you’ll need:

Tools & Setup

• A plunge router

• 30mm guide bushing

• 20mm router bit (TCT recommended)

• A sheet of 18mm or thicker MDF, plywood, or birch ply

• A reliable MFT template (You can get yours here)

  
  

Step-by-Step

1. Prepare your sheet – Cut your MDF/plywood to the size you want for your bench.

2. Align the template – Position the template flush with the edge of your sheet and clamp it down.

3. Route the holes – Using your 30mm guide bush and 20mm bit, plunge through each hole in the template.

4. Shift the template – Move the template along, using the last row of holes to align the next set.

5. Repeat until finished – In around 45 minutes, you’ll have a full 8x4 MFT top with perfectly spaced 96mm dog holes.

6. This method ensures accuracy, repeatability, and a professional result without the price tag.

💡 The Smart Shortcut: CNC Laser-Cut MFT Template

If you want to skip the guesswork, that’s where our MFT Router Template

comes in.

We designed this template in our Cambridgeshire workshop to give you Festool-level accuracy without Festool-level pricing.

Features:

• CNC Laser-Cut Accuracy – Dead-square holes every time

• 96mm Festool Spacing – Compatible with clamps, dogs, and accessories

• Standard Router Setup – Built for 30mm guide bush + 20mm router bit

• Smart Design – Hose relief slot, dual carry handles, 45° corners, 50mm & 100mm radii

• Scalable – Build any size bench, from small tops to full 8x4 sheets

We tested it ourselves and built a full 8x4 MFT top in ~45 minutes. Once you use one, you’ll never go back.

👉 Launch Price: £85 (Limited First Run of 50 Templates — future runs will be higher).

🎯 Why Choose This Over Festool?

Let’s put the numbers side by side:

Festool MFT Table – £800+

Other Templates – £50–£70 (inaccurate, flimsy)

Our CNC Laser-Cut Template – £85

That’s a £715+ saving, plus the ability to build a bench any size you like.

✅ Guarantee

We stand by every template we make. If yours isn’t dead-square or doesn’t deliver flawless results, we’ll replace it free.

That’s our CNC laser-cut accuracy guarantee.

🔗 Ready to Build Your Own MFT Bench?

Don’t pay £800 for a Festool MFT when you can build one yourself in under an hour.

👉 Order your CNC laser-cut MFT Router Template here

for just £85.