Calling all MFS users

[ear3]

I have a small project for which the MFS would be great, but I'm not about to run out and drop $500 for the MFS700 in the absence of a more pressing need.  But I'm wondering if I could ask those who do have it and use it, whether it gets a lot of usage by you, and what are the sorts of tasks you use it for most?

I don't do inlay work -- it would be more for furniture projects and the art installation work I occasionally do.  Previously when I've needed a template I've just made a jig, but there were times to be sure when I wished I had absolute confidence in the straightness/squareness of my jigs -- the type of confidence that the MFS would certainly provide.

 

[No Clue]

Jerry Work has written a couple of excellent guides for the MFS system:
http://thedovetailjoint.squarespace.com/storage/Advanced%20Cutting%20and%20Routing%20Techniques%20Using%20the%20Festool%20MFS%20Fence%20System%20reduced.pdf

and also one for the Kapex as a precision fence

http://thedovetailjoint.squarespace.com/storage/Festool%20Kapex%20MFS%20stops%20tutorial%20R1.0.pdf

 

[morgan]

Having the mfs 700 and some extra extensions has come in handy for me. I do wish it came with some extra hardware though. The scale on the extrusion is particularly nice,  much more accurate than a shop made template. I often use the mfs to make my shop templates because I'm afraid of damaging the mfs and scrap is cheap.... the mfs is not.

If I didn't already have the mfs, I would have given serious consideration to this:

http://virutex.com/templateforstairs-pfp.aspx

 

[Brice Burrell]

A few years back I a did a users guide for the MFS.

 

[Wonderwino]

There are lots of applications for the MFS system.  You can use it to cut circles and arcs with the included pivot pin.  I have used it to cut perfect recesses for clock mechanisms.  You'll use it more than you can imagine.

 

[ear3]

A few years back a did a users guide for the MFS.

Thanks -- that's a pretty thorough run through.

 

[Tinker]

I started with the smaller set.  I don't remember the specific job i got it for.  I had tried another model of the same type and had problems with setting up perfectly square.  So I ended up with the small MFS set.  I foud so many projects I could use it on, and setting square is a snap, that i eded up getting the larger set.  I don't use the larger as often as the smaller set, but there are many uses.

I make a lot of lazy susans and the circle cutting feature is great.  The only problem i have had with cutting circles, if not tightened real tight, the little guide part will slip.  With two sets, i have two of those guides (don't have catalogue handy, so don't have part numbers in my head). I lock both into the channels as insurance.  No problem since.

I have even used them on the bandsaw for cutting circles.  Like almost everything else Festoy, there seem to be more uses than advertised.
Tinker

 

[NHSP759]

I started with the smaller set.  I don't remember the specific job i got it for.  I had tried another model of the same type and had problems with setting up perfectly square.  So I ended up with the small MFS set.  I foud so many projects I could use it on, and setting square is a snap, that i eded up getting the larger set.  I don't use the larger as often as the smaller set, but there are many uses.

I make a lot of lazy susans and the circle cutting feature is great.  The only problem i have had with cutting circles, if not tightened real tight, the little guide part will slip.  With two sets, i have two of those guides (don't have catalogue handy, so don't have part numbers in my head). I lock both into the channels as insurance.  No problem since.

I have even used them on the bandsaw for cutting circles.  Like almost everything else Festoy, there seem to be more uses than advertised.
Tinker

So Wayne.... Would you recommend the smaller MFS for a guy that is a hobbyist and DiY type (like me) as I have been really trying to figure out which way to go here. What is the largest diameter circle you can do with the smaller MFS? I'm thinking about doing a headboard for a queen size bed and want a smaller rounded top on the board.

 

[poppops workshop]

I have had the MFS for a long time now, I have found it to be indispensable.  I use it all the time building cabinets and furniture.
There are so many more uses you have ever thought about, I actually have a small rectangle, and a larger one for cutting rails and stiles using it as a stop under the guide rail to rip them to their proper width. some higher end doors are wider than standard width stock.
If you have a TS55/75, MFT and guide rails you will find a gillion uses for the MFS as I have.  Your curved queen headboard will come out better than you could believe with a lot less work.  Just my 2 cents worth
pops

 

[Tinker]

I'm not sure of the size rectangles possible with either one, or circles either.  The parts are interchangeable and extra parts can be ordered, so within the length of the individual parts, there is a great range of possibilities.  I mostly use the small one as a stop, especially if i am setting up for multiple cuts none at the same time. Also to check my rail for square and parallel.  the large one gets used for panels mostly. 

You do have to check diagonals when setting up, but there is almost never a discrepancy with the clear markings on the frame pieces. They are like a lot of other Festoys: the limitation is your imagination.
Tinker

 

[waho6o9]

"The only problem i have had with cutting circles, if not tightened real tight, the little guide part will slip.  With two sets, i have two of those guides (don't have catalogue handy, so don't have part numbers in my head). I lock both into the channels as insurance.  No problem since."

I've had the same problem cutting circles.

Thanks for the friendly advice on using two guides as I was thinking on putting the guide at the end or making some spacers.

 

[BMH]

Once you understand how they work, steep learning curve, they are awesome. I need to buy sorter components as I use them for all type of templates or on my MFT 3 table as Jerry works describes in his article

 

[Roseland]

I bought an MFS400 a couple of years back.  I thought I'd use it occasionally and it would be a "nice to have" accessory. 

I rarely complete a project without using it for something.  I've used it for cutting big arcs for a mantlepiece, using the rails from my TS55 to extend the length. I've used them to rout pockets for stair treads, and I've used it to cut out apertures for vents and door locks.

If my workshop burned down, another MFS would be on my first shopping trip.

Andrew

 

[tjskinny]

I had wanted to get the MFS400 for last couple years but always talked myself out of it by building a jig.  Two weeks ago during a book case project that had a bunch of mortises to route my home built jig failed and my mortise went astray.  Thats when I ordered one,  the rest of the project went SO much easier.  The MFS is really easy to set up, get square, clamp up.  Since then I have been using it with the MFT/3 cutting narrow stock as Brice shows in his manual on page 61.  If you're on the fence, the time and frustration the MFS saves as opposed to getting scraps together and building your own jig, IMHO, is well worth it.

By the way,  a BIG thank you to Brice, Jerry Works, and (rest in piece) John Lucas for all the instruction manuals you put together.

 

[mike_aa]

...I rarely complete a project without using it for something.  I've used it for cutting big arcs for a mantlepiece, using the rails from my TS55 to extend the length...

Andrew

How did you do that?  I looked in Brice's manual, but did not see anything.  Do you have photos of the set-up or is there another place that describes the technique?

Thanks, Mike A.

 

[Grasshopper]

This is a great thread!!!

I lucked into an MFS700 set along with the really long extended rails at a garage sale.

I'd love to see more videos of how folks are using them.

 

[erock]

Brice, your user guide for the MFS is absolutely fantastic!  I've been thinking about picking up some MFS profiles for a few years now.  But I've always had a hard time envisioning how I would use them.  You've really helped me out  and have given me a little bit of a nudge towards picking them up.   

Eric

 

[andyman]

I have a small project for which the MFS would be great, but I'm not about to run out and drop $500 for the MFS700 in the absence of a more pressing need.  But I'm wondering if I could ask those who do have it and use it, whether it gets a lot of usage by you, and what are the sorts of tasks you use it for most?

I don't do inlay work -- it would be more for furniture projects and the art installation work I occasionally do.  Previously when I've needed a template I've just made a jig, but there were times to be sure when I wished I had absolute confidence in the straightness/squareness of my jigs -- the type of confidence that the MFS would certainly provide.

I bought the 700 & it is really useful you'll use it a lot for things that maybe you wouldn't make a jig for due to time taken

 

[teocaf]

...I rarely complete a project without using it for something.  I've used it for cutting big arcs for a mantlepiece, using the rails from my TS55 to extend the length...

Andrew

How did you do that?  I looked in Brice's manual, but did not see anything.  Do you have photos of the set-up or is there another place that describes the technique?

Thanks, Mike A.

I imagine that he uses a rail connector piece that fits under the guide rail and also fits into one of the slots on the mrs extrusion.  so basically using the guide rail as a trammel arm.  i just got my mfs 700 this week and i'm still going through the mentioned user manuals, but i expect to be using it a lot.

 

[Brent Taylor]

Edward, I often feel like I'm a little Devil, but Trend makes a nice little unit for a 1/4 of the cost. If it's something that your using few and far between this maybe away to get your feet wet without drownding  your wallet. If you like it sell it or use it as a part of your site kit, and get the MFS. B
PS:Amazon has a used MFS at this time.