Hi,

Lately, I'm building a lot of plywood cabinets that require thin veneer edge taping. So far I was using a flush plane to trim the overhang off. This task can be very time consuming....
Now my question is:
Has anyone used the MFK 700 to trim down thin veneer edging? Usually edge tape is quite bridle and therefore I'm afraid that a router will be to rough for that task.  This will be a fairly big investment for just this one task, but I'm willing do buy that router if it will do the job better then I can.

Any recommendation/ feedback is welcome!

Thanks!

Andreas

ECO,

Go to Youtube or TheWoodWhisperer.com and find the video of the woodwhisperer reviewing Festool Routers.  It includes the OF2000 and MFK700.  He talked about just how well this works for veneer edge tape.  He made the comment that he was scared to use laminate trimmers on veneer edge tape before but this router solved the problem.  It's a good review, take a look at it.

-Dave

Andreas, that's pretty much what the MFK was made for. The first job my MFK was used for was several hundred feet of veneer edge tape for shelving. It was so easy I quickly passed the job off to a fairly inexperienced kid, he did the job with no problems.

While the MFK isn't the most versatile router it certainly does more than just edge trimming. It works for a lot of small routing jobs, I've been using mine for routing hinges lately. You really do need to be aware of its limitations, poor visibility of the cutter, limited size bits fit in it. This seems to be a love it or hate it tool. If you do a lot of edge trimming and don't mind not being able to see the cutter for small routing jobs the MFK could be your cup of tea could be the right tool for you, if you don't you might quickly grow frustrated by its limitations. Good luck with your decision.  

Edit: I just crossed out the line about cup of tea, you might not understand the saying, sorry.   

Andreas,

You may also want to consider the 1010  after getting mine I think I have had my PC trimmer out once.   Besides once you start using it your 1400 will get lonely cause you never give it the love and attention you used to .

Craig

Mike, I assume you are referring to edging with some thickness, if so, yes there will be a problem with alignment. The solution is to rout the pieces in place (if you can.) With edge veneer tape the 1.5 degree bevel cut it almost unnoticeable.

Yes, I'll believe that the bevel with the tape is not noticeable.

Have you used the no-offset base at all with the 700?  I wonder if this tends to cause scratches in the surface of the material being edged.    I have read your OF 1010 review about edge routing.  Have you had this problem (edging bit scratches the case being edged) with the edging plate?

mike

Yes, I mean the zero degree base that comes with the MFK.  And, yes, I was referring to the bit cutting into the material being edged.

You answered my questions.  Thanks.

mike

Everyone loves a story with a happy ending.  Let us know how you like using the MFK for jobs other than edge trimming.

Andreas, that's a great video. Sometimes you tell someone how a tool works or you can show them. Your video really shows the MFK in its element. Nice job.

The more I think about this video the more I realize just how much it really shows. First, it shows how well the FOG works. A guy posts looking for quality feedback and he quickly gets the info he needed. Then a FOG member that is a Festool dealer is able to get the tool to him in a timely manner. Them the guy posts a video showing the how the tool changes his work flow. I feel good for the small part I played in helping this happen.

Another thing that may not be apparent to the causal viewer is just how time consuming and at times nerve racking trimming veneer tape can be. This tool really changed this, it took 30 seconds to do what would have taken much longer in the past. Sure it illustrates Festool's faster, easier, smarter philosophy but there is even more to it than that. When that job is more pleasurable it makes one's job even more rewarding, I mean look at the smile on Andreas' face. When was the last time a DeWalt product put a smile on your face like that? Maybe Festool should change their slogan, Festool, puts a smile on your face. 

Andreas, again, great work!   

Andreas, thanks for the video. I just bought the 700 with the idea of making it easier to trim iron-on edge banding and also edge trimming formica countertops and edgebanding. Have not used the router yet, had to order bits for it, which was guesswork. I got the flush cut bit with bearing, which has a chamfering feature on it (part 491 026) and a 2 flute edge trimmer (part 491 670). I have found no advice anywhere about what bit to use for what application and especially, how to make full use of the attachable bearing "feeler" that is provided with the machine. I am pretty well experienced using my 1010 router and a spiral bit w/ bearing to trim formica, etc. The 700 is a whole new animal though, with the two bases, etc. Has anyone done a video or detailed instruction article about what bit and base to set up for particular cuts. Sure, I could experiment for a few hours and probably figure it out, but with a business to run, I would rather not reinvent the wheel. Thanks for any input you may have.

Festocracy welcome to the forum. Using the MFK in the horizontal position as Andreas does in the video is where bit selection is critical since bits with cutting lengths over 5/8" (16 mm) won't fit. I'd recommend this bit, part #491666, it's a short straight bit. The feeler bearing is used as a stop for the router in the horizontal position. It allows you to control how of the bit is exposed to cut the material. An exact setting for the feeler bearing generally isn't critical (the depth of cut set by the horizontal base is). It makes sense once you've used the router once or twice.

I like the chamfer/edge trimming bit part # 491026 that you have for using the MFK in the vertical position.

This router is very simple to use, you'll get the hang of it pretty quickly I'm sure. I'd still recommend practicing on scrap first. Good luck and let us know if you have more questions.   

You are welcome. I'm sure you will love that router and will see that it really saves you money as you get the job done faster. It took me one kitchen job to pay for it and now it generates money for me!
As for the router bits. I listened to my dealer who put a couple of routers in the box with it for me to try out. Agreed those bits are not cheap but work very nice. I bought all of the ones he recommended.

Cheers,
Andreas

Glad you found the links useful, but I suspect that you might find that it takes longer than expected to convince the locals about the kilts!

Forrest