Mfk 700 modification by half inch shy

[lshah72414]

I was watching videos by paul marcel(half inch shy) and he was talking about a modification he was going to make to his mfk 700 so he can use longer router bits. Does any one know the link so I can see exactly what he did?
Thanks

 

[Runhard]

Here ya go:
http://www.halfinchshy.com/2010/12/extending-capacity-of-mfk-700.html

 

[lshah72414]

thank you very much!

 

[ear3]

Has anyone ever tested the proposition of whether this is warranty voiding?

 

[Frank-Jan]

I don't own a mfk 700, but given that you modify a removable base, if you have a warranty issue (that is not related to using a longer than intended bit), you can just send the tool in with the non modified base.

 

[queball]

So has anyone else tried this? Any addition tips on the modification or reasons not to do it?

 

[Tyler Ernsberger]

I’ve done it and it works great.  In my opinion it should have been made this way. 

 

[Tyler Ernsberger]

Has anyone ever tested the proposition of whether this is warranty voiding?

It should not effect warranty,  its a modification of an accessory and not the tool. 

 

[queball]

I agree not sure why they would limit the capacity to 5/8". What bit are you using?

 

[bertv]

I agree not sure why they would limit the capacity to 5/8". What bit are you using?

Longer bits = higher chance of wobble = unsatisfying edge.

 

[Bugsysiegals]

I’ve done it and it works great.  In my opinion it should have been made this way.

I'm making shop cabinets with 3/4" Maple plywood and 3/4" Walnut edge banding.  I ended up buying the OF1010 with adapters because the MFK couldn't cut that deep.  The OF1010 works well but still required me to finish with hand plane and when I wasn't paying enough attention I forgot to support the weight and took a small chunk out of the edge banding.

That said, what depth does this modification allow you to achieve?  Does it allow the bit to wobble as suggested?  If trimming 3/4" edge banding would you still need the hand plane (wondering if the finish would be the same as what I have with the OF1010 but just a lighter form factor tool)?  Does it impact the ability to fine tune the depth on cuts where you want more shallow trimming?

 

[Cheese]

That said, what depth does this modification allow you to achieve? 

Does it allow the bit to wobble as suggested? 

If trimming 3/4" edge banding would you still need the hand plane (wondering if the finish would be the same as what I have with the OF1010 but just a lighter form factor tool)? 

Does it impact the ability to fine tune the depth on cuts where you want more shallow trimming?

I've marked up my MFK and plan on doing this modification, just haven't gotten around to it yet. It appears to add about an additional 1/2" of reach. A standard bit cutting length of 16 mm versus the 25 mm cutting length of the modified base using a Vortex solid carbide router bit.

I wouldn't worry about any wobble if you use helical router bits especially if you use a solid carbide helical router bit like the Vortex. Solid carbide doesn't bend, it breaks.

I believe this modification dispenses completely with the hand planing.

Can't help you on the last item until I do the modification.  [smile]

 

[Rick Herrick]

Could it be possible, and safe, to use an oscillating tool here instead of a coping/fret saw?  I don't have either of those 2 saws and while googling to find the saws/blades, etc, I got sent to a page with osc saw blades.  I would guess you have to 'knibble' out the cutout and the fine tuning of it would take more time.  I do have an osc tool.  Only used it a couple of times but it is a tremendous tool when needed.

What is the difference between a coping and fret saw?  And what size ?  Knew has 3", 5" 8".  Again, I know very little about this type of tool so looking for pointers.

 

[Roachmill]

I used a hacksaw to do mine. Not sure I'd trust [me with] a multitool  [embarassed]

 

[Rick Herrick]

I used a hacksaw to do mine. Not sure I'd trust [me with] a multitool  [embarassed]

I like it.  I like to say "No b*s no blue chips" .. So it worked out for you?  Your MFK is now modded and doing what you expected?

 

[Roachmill]

Yep, it worked a treat. It did feel a bit unsettling taking a hacksaw to an expensive bit of kit but, for the extra capacity, it was well worth it.

 

[Rick Herrick]

Glad that worked.  Just ordered by 0 degree base so I can give it a shot.

 

[Bugsysiegals]

I've $500 Christmas gift waiting to be spent ... considering whether it would be worth buying the MFK700 and 0 degree base even if it's only to do edge band trimming on personal home renovation cabinetry and perhaps chamfer/roundover on various projects or save for something else and keep using the OF1010/OF1400?

 

[Rick Herrick]

I've $500 Christmas gift waiting to be spent ... considering whether it would be worth buying the MFK700 and 0 degree base even if it's only to do edge band trimming on personal home renovation cabinetry and perhaps chamfer/roundover on various projects or save for something else and keep using the OF1010/OF1400?

In my 'very limited' exposure to the MFK, if you are doing only iron-on edge banding, you probably don't need the 0 degree.  It was only when I tested 1/2" oak (with the 1.5 base) that I noticed how obvious a 1.5 degree cut was.  If you don't do a bunch of edge banding, I would get the pieces to go with the 1010 and watch Peter Parfitt's OF 1010 videos.  With those, you can still do edge trimming.  Sometimes I get tempted to return my MFK and get another 1010.  I like keeping my existing one with my LR32 set.

 

[Bugsysiegals]

Yeah I started with the OF1400 and then added the OF1010 with attachments as the OF1400 was to heavy to make consistent good results. The OF1010 does work but wondered if the MFK would produce flawless results rather than the OF1010 which may gouge if not careful and or require some final bench plane to clean up.