Help Deciding Please Next Tool - OF1400 Router or MFT3

[rookie08]

Hi everyone,

Trying to decide what to purchase this weekend as I'm building a bunch of cabinets for a remodel next week.

I'm trying to decide between an

MFT3 (have an 800  - that's not a typo-, mounted on a rolling table in my small shop with wing extensions.  I have the rail mounted lengthwise so I can just make 24" crosscuts)  Pictures below - yes, I know shop is a mess.  [unsure]

OR

1400 Router - have a Triton mounted in a table or can be used handheld, and the Festool 700.

Unfortunately buying both is not an option right now.

If it helps, I already have the TS55, CT33, MFT800, MFK700, Parallel guides, (forgot to add also have RO125 and DTS400 sanders), 106 rail and several other rails, and the Domino plus Ron's excellent plate, so those are not options.

Any advice, guidance, comments, cash - then I could buy both LOL - would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

James

 

[grobin]

Seems like a nice setup.  You don't say what you are going to do.  I assume solid rather than open frame cabinets so the 1400 would likely be more use—although you could likely get by without either.

 

[Holzhacker]

From the info you provided this is a pretty tricky question and decision. As a basic question, I would say get the MFT3 over the router. However, since you mentioned you are hoping to use the purchase for making some cabinets, I would suggest getting the router. It would probably be more useful for this upcoming job. Your list shows you already have routers, so as grobin mentioned you could probably get by without another router depending on door style. Since you already have an MFT, you could also get by without another one. Not sure the 3 is going to make that much difference over the 800 when it comes to clamping and sanding doors and drawer fronts. If you plan on cutting panels down to size maybe the parallel guide is a better purchase. If you plan on cutting rails down to size, the MFT3 might be worth it.
I would suggest forgetting about looking at this purchase in relation to the upcoming job. It doesn't sound like you really need either to get it done. I would consider a more useful tool or better yet taking a more long term outlook for this tool purchase.
- How old is the current router, how much longer will it last, is it still accurate, do I still enjoy using it, etc.
- Do I need a 2nd MFT, take the old one on jobsites, leave the new one in the shop for prep work, do I need the increased accuracy, height, etc of the MFT3 over the 800, can I sell the 800 to recoup a couple dollars, etc.
I don't have an OF1400 but do have an MFT3.
Hope that helps for what its worth. Good luck, Markus

 

[Alan m]

ok the way i look at is that you already have a mft so there is no need for another( yet [wink]).you said that you can crosscut 24 inchs so i dont see the need for a bigger capasity  .i would buy the of 1400
you could if you liked get a mft3 top and mount it on your own table and have 2  [big grin], this is what i did and use qwas dogs and rail dogs to make the cuts. i got an ex display mft top with very little use and mounted it to my chop say stand. all in all my mft set up only cost me the qwas stuff , but if the truth were told i would have bought them anyway for one i bought.

 

[waho6o9]

I think you should get a sander or two. Purchase the MFT3 after the cabinet job. Good luck with your choice. [big grin]

 

[rookie08]

Hi Waho,

Great suggestion on the sanders; but I forgot to add those to the list of what I currently have [tongue] so I edited the post.

Hi Alan,

That's an interesting idea about making a tabletop and keeping the 800 to take on site; I never considered that but I have seen a couple of strings with that, one from Eiji (spelling?), Steve Jones?, and Corwin.  Trying to build a new table might be easier to make than trying to build a new router  [big grin].

The thing I don't like about the 800 is the "guide rail/fence system".  The MFT3 appears to be more consistently accurate and gives more crosscut capabilities since it slides out.  But again, if I build my own...

hmmm, more options  [blink]  I think my brain hurts  [laughing]

 

[MrToolJunkie]

I would go with the router, especially since you have an MFT that works for what you need.  The router will allow you to do things that cannot be done with the other tools you listed (bigger profile bits, plunge cuts, etc...).  You can always build a bigger table or get the MFT/3 as your next purchase after the router...as we all know the list never ends.

Scot

 

[nickao]

+1 for the router as well.

 

[mouppe]

Got to be the router. Get the edge guide with it. A smile crosses my face every time I open the sys 4 to get out my OF1400.

 

[sandy]

I have the mft/3 and several routers, but the OF1400 is incredible.

 

[builderbob]

If you do any pin hole drilling, I would definitely go for the OF1400 with the LR 32. I used to use the OF 1010 with the LR 32 and found the accuracy to be less than acceptable for me. I purchased the 1400 and the way it ties into the LR 33 plate is perfect!

 

[rookie08]

Thanks everyone for all the great feedback.  Some really good suggestions.  [thanks]

I went with the OF1400, edge guide and rail guide.  Can't wait to start using it!

You were right, I can make do with the smaller MFT and my current setup for now.

Great suggestion on the L32, though it just pushed me further down the slippery slope!

Thanks Brice for slowing the slide somewhat  [big grin] and keeping  some $ in my pocket with your suggestion on the L32 kit you suggested on the other thread, all I need and 1/2 the price of the full set.  Picked that up too.

FOG members rock! [not worthy]

 

[Brice Burrell]

...Thanks Brice for slowing the slide somewhat  [big grin] and keeping  some $ in my pocket with your suggestion on the L32 kit you suggested on the other thread, all I need and 1/2 the price of the full set.  Picked that up too.

FOG members rock! [not worthy]

So we're going to split the money you saved right? I'll take my half in the forum of a Bob Marino gift certificate. [big grin]  Glad I could help save you some money. 

 

[rookie08]

Bob will be sending you a varied selection of tools of your choice, pro bono, just for being a good guy!

That work for you Bob?  Bob?  Bob, are you there? He was there a minute ago! [smile]

 

[daviszr1]

Well, let me put it this way.  You're going to use the MFT3 much more than the router.