Workbench Comparison
The Festool MFT/3 popularized the multifunction table, and benches like ours use the same 20mm dog-hole standard. The main differences are size, how the guide rail mounts, and how small each bench folds.
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Festool MFT/3Multifunction Table
Specs as published by Festool
*Festool lists 27-9/16" as the maximum workpiece width with the guide rail.
BY THE NUMBERS
Four specs that change how each bench works day to day.
| Spec | Dash-Board | ShortCut | Festool MFT/3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Working height | 35.5", with up to 7/8" of adjustment at each foot | 35.5", with up to 7/8" of adjustment at each foot | 35-7/16" (900 mm), with an adjustable leveling foot |
| Top | 2-piece MDF top with a Replaceable Cut Strip | 2-piece MDF top with a Replaceable Cut Strip | Replaceable perforated top |
| Dog holes | 20mm grid | 20mm grid | 20mm grid |
| Frame and clamping | Anodized aluminum extrusion frame with clamp tracks on both sides | Same frame design and clamp tracks | Aluminum profiles with Festool V-groove for clamps and accessories |
| Guide rail system | Guide Rail Bracket Set, sold separately. Works with Festool-style, Bosch/Mafell, and DeWalt/Metabo rails. | Same Guide Rail Bracket Set | MFT/3 kit includes a 42" FS 1080 rail, hinged rail supports, angle unit, fence, and stop. MFT/3 Basic has no rail. |
| Load guidance | Keep static loads under 300 lb | Keep static loads under 300 lb | 120 kg (265 lb) rated load capacity |
| Expansion | Connects end-to-end and side-to-side | Connects with ShortCut and Dash-Board benches | Festool accessories such as the TSB/1 extension table |
| Setup | About a minute, no tools | About a minute, no tools | Foldaway legs; can also be used with legs folded away |
Specs checked October 2026 and subject to change by each manufacturer. Festool, MFT/3, and FS 1080 are trademarks of Festool GmbH. Dash-Board is not affiliated with or endorsed by Festool.
THE KEY DIFFERENCES
01 / SIZE
02 / GUIDE RAILS
03 / TRANSPORT
QUESTIONS
Still deciding? Rob answers questions directly at (303) 376-5703.
Yes. Both are portable workbenches with 20mm dog-hole tops built around guide rail cutting. The Dash-Board has more than twice the length of work surface, and the ShortCut is closer to the MFT/3 in footprint.
Yes. Our Guide Rail Bracket Set works with Festool and Festool-style rails, including Makita, Powertec, and Milwaukee, plus Bosch/Mafell and DeWalt/Metabo rails.
The MFT/3 kit includes a 42" FS 1080 guide rail, two guide rail supports, an angle unit, a fence rail and clamp, and an adjustable stop, according to Festool's dealers. The MFT/3 Basic is the table without those accessories.
The Dash-Board's work surface is 91.81" x 23.56". Festool lists the MFT/3 table at 45-9/16" x 30-7/16". The Dash-Board is longer, and the MFT/3 is deeper front to back.
The Dash-Board folds to 3.5" thick and the ShortCut to 6.5". Festool lists the MFT/3 at 7" with the legs folded away.
Yes. The ShortCut's work surface is 45.81" x 23.56", close to the MFT/3's length, with the same working height, top design, and accessory compatibility as the full-size Dash-Board.
Both use 20mm dog holes, the standard for this style of bench.
Dash-Board and ShortCut benches connect end-to-end and side-to-side. Festool offers accessories such as the TSB/1 extension table for added work surface on the MFT/3.
Comparing benches? Talk to Rob, the inventor, directly.
Questions about our products? View our extensive resources and educational videos or reach out to us Monday-Friday.
