A Woodworker's Guide to an MFT Table: What It Is and Why You Need One
An MFT table is one of the most versatile additions you can make to a woodworking workshop. Whether you're cutting MDF and plywood, assembling furniture or working with a track saw, an MFT workbench provides an accurate, flexible surface that can make everyday woodworking faster and easier.
But what exactly is an MFT table, and is it worth having one? In this guide, we'll look at how MFT tables work, their main advantages and the different ways they can be used.
What Is an MFT Table?
MFT stands for Multifunction Table. It's a woodworking bench with a precisely machined grid of holes across its surface.
These holes allow you to position accessories such as:
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Bench dogs
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Clamps
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Stops
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Guides
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Track saw rails
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Workholding accessories
A common MFT system uses 20mm holes arranged on a 96mm grid, although specifications can vary between systems.
The accuracy of this grid is what transforms a relatively simple workbench into a highly versatile woodworking system.
1. Accurate Cutting
One of the biggest advantages of an MFT workbench is its ability to help produce accurate and repeatable cuts.
Bench dogs can be positioned in the precision-machined holes to create reliable reference points for your material and guide rail.
When properly set up, this makes it much easier to achieve accurate 90-degree cuts with a track saw.
2. Excellent Workholding
Trying to hold a large piece of MDF or plywood securely while working can be frustrating.
An MFT table provides numerous clamping positions across the work surface rather than restricting you to the edges of a traditional bench.
This makes it useful for:
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Routing
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Sanding
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Drilling
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Cutting
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Assembly
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Finishing
Bench dogs and clamps can quickly be repositioned to accommodate different workpiece sizes.
3. Perfect Partner for a Track Saw
An MFT table and track saw make an extremely effective combination.
Using bench dogs to position the workpiece and guide rail allows you to make accurate, repeatable cuts without needing a large table saw.
This is particularly useful for smaller workshops where space is limited.
4. Ideal for MDF and Plywood
MFT tables are particularly useful when working with sheet materials such as:
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MDF
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Moisture-resistant MDF
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Birch plywood
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Hardwood plywood
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Laminated boards
Smaller panels can be positioned, clamped, cut and machined easily while remaining fully supported.
For full sheets, an MFT table can also form part of a larger support system.
5. Faster Repeat Cuts
If you're producing several identical components, stops and bench dogs can be used to create repeatable reference positions.
Instead of measuring every component individually, you can establish your required dimension and reproduce the same cut multiple times.
This is particularly useful when making:
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Cabinet components
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Shelving
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Wardrobe panels
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Drawer components
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Furniture parts
The result is faster production with greater consistency.
6. More Than Just a Cutting Table
Despite often being associated with track saws, an MFT table can become the central workbench in a small workshop.
It can be used for:
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Furniture assembly
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Routing
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Sanding
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Drilling
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Gluing
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Clamping
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Measuring and marking
Accessories can be added or removed depending on the job, making the same work surface suitable for many different woodworking operations.
MFT Table vs Traditional Workbench
A traditional workbench is excellent for heavy-duty woodworking and assembly, but an MFT table offers greater flexibility when working with sheet materials and portable power tools.
The precision hole pattern provides repeatable reference and clamping positions that a conventional solid workbench doesn't normally offer.
Many woodworkers therefore use both—a traditional bench for heavy work and an MFT-style table for precision cutting and sheet material processing.
What Makes a Good MFT Table Top?
Accuracy is particularly important when choosing an MFT table top.
Look for:
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Precisely machined holes
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Consistent hole spacing
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A flat working surface
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Durable sheet material
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Accurate dimensions
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Compatibility with your existing bench dogs and clamps
If the hole pattern isn't accurate, you'll lose one of the main benefits of the MFT system.
MDF is commonly used for MFT tops because it's flat, stable, easy to machine and relatively inexpensive to replace when the surface eventually becomes worn.
Can You Replace an MFT Table Top?
Yes, and this is one of the advantages of the system.
An MFT top should be considered a replaceable working surface. Over time, saw cuts, drilling and general workshop use will inevitably mark the board.
Rather than replacing the complete workbench, you can simply replace the MFT top and continue using the existing frame or base.
Is an MFT Table Worth It?
If you regularly work with MDF, plywood or other sheet materials, an MFT table can be an extremely useful addition to your workshop.
The combination of accurate positioning, flexible clamping and track saw compatibility makes it particularly valuable for cabinet making, fitted furniture and general joinery.
For smaller workshops, it can also perform several jobs that would otherwise require separate workbenches and machinery.
Need an MFT Table Top Made to Your Requirements?
At CNC Wood Workshop, we can precision machine MFT table tops to suit your workshop, existing workbench or individual requirements.
Whether you need a standard-size replacement top or something manufactured specifically for your workspace, give us a call with your dimensions and requirements and we can make an MFT top to your exact specifications.