Inexpensive alternative to the MFS

[GPowers]

Looks like as inexpensive alternative to the Mfs  Multi-Routing Template
http://www.amazon.com/Trend-VARIJIG-Frame-System/dp/B001UQ5PDK

 

[tvgordon]

I've never owned anything made by Trend, do they make good tools?

Tom

 

[Alan m]

i have one of those. it is fairly good. it is not automattically square but thats not the end of the world that you need to use a square.
there are clapms that slide into the bottom of the extrusion , these hold well.
it is not something i use regularly but it is handy to have.
i use it sometimes for routing a profile into the face of a mdf door. i cut out a shape (1 for each corner) of 16mm(i think) mdf/chipboard etc as it is the thickness of the extrusion. the router guide bushing rides along these shapes that are double sided taped on.
works a treat and saves making up loads of jigs for different sized doors.
get the longer guidebush (bearing surface sticks out farther ) so that there is less chance of riding up on the extrusion and cutting into it [embarassed] [embarassed] [embarassed].
if you want pics let me know

 

[maxtool]

I have the MFS (small set) and, while more expensive than the Trend tool, it ends up having more utility than I'd have with and non-festool accessories. For example, I often use it on my MFT/3  when ripping short thin strips of wood that need to be square against the MFT fence but, more importantly, need to be aligned along the length of the guide rail.  I've also found it helpful that the MFT clamps fit into the MFS for atttaching to the table and/or to workpieces. Finally, it DOES assemble square.

Jerry Work wrote an article that's more than 50 pages long on cutting and routing techniques using the MFS and, while a several of them could be accomplished with the trend, I suspect the quality and capability won't measure up to the MFS.
OTOH, the MFS is "festool-priced"  and I sometimes fine assembly to be a bit difficult.

 

[Alan m]

i had the trend one before i fell down the slippery slope . if it broke in the morning i would get another trend one as i dont need all the features of the festool one. im sure if i used the festool one i would love that one more