Cutting circles with the MFS

[Chuck Kiser]

I purchased the MFS years ago for a specific job and until now had not needed it for anything else. I have a project that needs rings cut out of glued up 4/4 red oak. I know I can make a trammel for any router, but I knew I must have something already that could be used. Then I remembered my MFS kit. Pull it out and read the instructions (a first for me), realize I need a 30mm copy ring to make this work with my 1400 router. Off to the local Festool dealer, where they one left in stock. So far, so good.

The only problem with the MFS in this application is the shape of the system when used as a trammel. It can be a little cumbersome to spin around. The work around was to screw scrap material of the same thickness as the material being routed to form a stable surface for the MFS to ride on while spinning around the workpiece.  I used a 1/2 shank up cut carbide spiral bit in the 1400, taking about 1/2 total thickness in two passes. The CT had no trouble keeping up with the waste material. The results were excellent, and the accuracy is awesome.

 

[Tinker]

For small projects such as you are showing, I set up the same way you do with an exception.
I secure the MFS frame so it cannot move and then spin the wood. 

I have tried both ways and with space restrictions, the wood usually takes less space than the frame.
Whenever possible, will cut the circle on the bandsaw just a little oversized and them move to MFT/MFS and router.
Inside circles, such as for bowls, I will do it either way, depending on space. 
Wood it need least space to rotate MFS or to rotate the wood.

No matter,  I have a couple of templates for a couple of my other routers, but I never use them since getting the MFS (both 400 & 700)
Tinker

 

[Chuck Kiser]

Never thought about spinning the wood underneath a secured MFS. I like the idea though.