MFK 700 EQ-Set

[Malinois Dad]

I'm considering the purchase of an MFK 700. I have an M18 trim router that I use for 95% of my routing needs. The M18 works well but after trying and MFK700 at a Festool Live event, I do prefer the ergonomics over the M18. I do not do very much edge banding at moment.

Could anyone offer input on whether the MFK 700 is a good choice as a general trim router?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Hawkeye0001]

It can be as versatile as it can be lacking depending on what you want to do with it and which optional equipment you go for.

It comes with options for several bases that all look alike but work quite different.

• There's the 1.5° base for edgebanding for straight bits (max length 19mm IIRC)
• There's the 0° base for edgebanding for round overs
• You've got a standard base for a variety of tasks including a fence
• the standard base with a bearing brake for PVC edgebanding
• And lastly a standard base with a Porter Cable compatible fitting (North America option only)

The biggest drawback by far is the lack of a plunge base, i.e. it will not be a replacement for your M18 or regular router. But it is hard to beat when used as a secondary router. The ease and precision to which you can dial in the depth setting is insane and if you do edgebanding with the 1.5° base there is nothing like it.

The OFK 700 is basically the same router with only the 1.5° option but a special bearing attachment on the side to use any router bit and also the option to add a 'ski' instead of a bearing in case the sides of your material aren't 100% smooth.

Personally I got one in a package deal with the Conturo and wanted to sell it to offset the cost and I can tell you it's the one tool that has never found its way back into the systainer; I use it on every single project, about just as much as I use the sander.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Other than the plunge aspect, the MFK700 is one of the most versatile routers available. Since plunging is not a thing with edge treatments, it becomes a non-issue.
I would be willing to bet that it creeps into that 95% that is held by the M18.
I like them so much that I have 2. One is permanently set-up with a zero-degree base, used for wood edges on countertops, shelves, and such.
The other for PVC edges or whatever else it can do, at the time.

 

[woodferret]

I'd venture building yourself an offset base for the M18.  I did for my Dewalt.  I do have the MFK, but really only use it for edgebanding.  I prefer the visibility modern routers give.  The MFK does have better dust collection, I'll give it that.

 

[alltracman78]

I have both; I don't do edge banding either.

The M18 is more flexible if you have all the attachments/bases.
Also obviously cheaper to have "extra" routers laying around set up for certain things, or certain bases.
You can run larger bits than you can fit in the MFK, in some of the M18 bases.
You also have more depth adjustability (fits longer bits too) on the M18, even without the plunge base.
You can also get a base for the M18 similar to the MFK 700 base, which makes it almost as secure when routing.https://www.woodpeck.com/stabilmax-trim-router-base.html

The MFK is better at specific things.
Better dust collection.
Slightly better oblong base.
Slightly better ergonomics.
There is the 1.5* base available for the MFK (I don't have this), which is something you can't do with the M18. Just a slightly different angle on things.
You also don't have to worry about the battery running out on you in the middle of a large cut.

The MFK is slightly limited as an all around trim router. But what it can do it does very well.

If I HAD to pick one or the other I'd probably go with the M18 for the extra versatility.
I find the MFK more enjoyable to work with and I grab it over the M18 if possible.

 

[sancho57]

I have 3 FT routers 2200, 1010 and 700, other than the 2200 which is table mounted with the very occasional hand use, I use my 700 more then all the others.

Particularly for trim work.

I think the MK is a abbreviation for trim router in German

So thats what its made for

 

[Coen]

I think the MK is a abbreviation for trim router in German

Modul-Kantenfräse


Or more like Modul - Fräse - Kanten

So like 'module edge router'

 

[Malinois Dad]

Thanks to all for the reply and comments. I think I will pull the trigger and buy one of these on Friday. Hopefully I can sell my HK55 to help offset the cost. [big grin]