MFK 700 base...which to buy?

[builderbob]

Good morning FOG'ers!

I have a small dilemma...I have the MFK 700, but I purchased the basic set which only came with the horizontal base back when it first came out. I am now ready to test my hand at flush trimming and I have the opportunity to purchase either the zero degree base or the 1.5 degree base. I understand that the zero degree will put the MFK parallel to the surface and the 1.5 degree pulls slightly away from the surface.

Would anybody have any recommendations as to which is more preferred?  Your insight is greatly appreciated!!

Also, do I need to use the Festool specific bit or are there other brand bits that will work with this application?

Bob

 

[junk731]

For thin edge banding the  1.5 base works great. Really hard to make a mistake once the cut is set right.

John

 

[AdamM]

The 0 degree base is only really needed if you want to do thick edge banding.  However, both bases limit you to about 5/8".  You'll get arguments from both sides regarding using the 1.5 degree base for 5/8" edge banding.  I've done stock at around 1/2" with the 1.5 degree base and find I don't notice the angle unless I look for it.

There's a good chance I'll be trying Paul Marcel's mod to my 0 degree base at some point to get more clearance:
http://halfinchshy.blogspot.com/2010/12/extending-capacity-of-mfk-700.html

 

[builderbob]

Thanks John & Adam for your input. I'm going to go for the 1.5 for now...I can always get the zero down the road, but wanted to only go for one right now!  I did watch Paul's MFK review and am going to check out the mod he did...sounded interesting as 3/4" is a pretty popular increment around here!

Bob

 

[tiralie]

Bob:
It depends. If you are laminating the side of a counter and then planning to laminate the top then you probably need both, but you can get away with either. The 0 degree creates a better looking finish if you are planning on attaching a laminate top after you edge.
If you are only trimming the laminate on the side of an existing post formed counter top then the 1.5 is ideal.
If you are in a hurry it saves you from dinging the surface.
I use the Freud carbide laminate cutters which work well in the 700 with either base attached. You have to bury the bit fairly deep into the collet so it doesn't interfere with the 1.5 degree attachment but in my experience it works very well.
If you want to trim anything thicker than 1/2" or 5 mm I would use the Edging Plate Prod. No. 486058 with Angle Arm Prod. No. 486052 attachments etc. for an 1400 or 1010.
Tim

 

[builderbob]

Thanks Tim!  Most of my uses will be solid wood edging probably less than 3/8". I'm at the testing stages thus far as this is my first attempt at trimming in this fashion!  I'm trying to add some skills!!!

Bob

 

[tiralie]

Depending on how fussy you are about the edge, and if you have to use a 700, I would use the 0 degree for that kind of trimming but the 1.5 would be safer. You'll definitely be tested and get real good with the 700 if you use the 0 degree without a bottom bearing bit and Paul Marcel's mod.
In my opinion the 1010, 1400 with a flush trim bottom bearing bit would be easier and make cleaner cuts.
Tim

 

[josephgewing]

Another vote from me for the 1.5 degree base

 

[junk731]

Bob

Just a couple of pics of the setup for thin edge trimming. Going to be trimming some 3/8" wenge edging later this afternoon.  Just curious does the feeler bearing come with the 1.5 base?

John

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[jonny round boy]

If you want to trim anything thicker than 1/2" or 5 mm...

Metric equivalent of 1/2" is 12.7mm, not 5mm [smile]

 

[builderbob]

John,

Your question is one that I thought of...I'm not sure if it does or not, but I didn't get one with the basic kit and I know I need one!

Bob

 

[jonny round boy]

Just curious does the feeler bearing come with the 1.5 base?

I believe it does. This is the picture from the Festool UK website for part number 495165, Router table FT-MFK 700 1,5° Set:

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As you can see, the 'non-included' parts are greyed out - the feeler bearing is not greyed out, so I would take that as meaning it is included.

Edit: The 1.5 degree base 'set' seems to include the feeler bearing and the extraction hood. The 0 degree base doesn't. This would seem to be supported by the fact that the 1.5 degree base costs 40% more than the 0 degree base.

 

[builderbob]

In the US, both separate plates are the same price...hmmm...I'll find out soon and report back!

 

[tbellemare]

Bob:

The Horizontal Base Set includes the base, bearing set, and dust hood.

Tom

 

[builderbob]

Thanks Tom!  That's the one I'm goin for!

Bob

 

[tiralie]

If you want to trim anything thicker than 1/2" or 5 mm...

Metric equivalent of 1/2" is 12.7mm, not 5mm [smile]

Oops, Thanks Jonny...not sure what I was thinking when I typed that...
Bob the 491 670 and the 491666 (16mm or 5/8") are pretty close to the max bit length you can get into the 0 degree or 1.5 degree base without making the adjustments that Paul Marcel has made.
tim