It seems that the MFK 700 is a direct descendant of a NAINA router, the OFK 700, which has been around for a while.
I found an interesting thread comparing these two routers on an Australian forum. I couldn't get a link to work, so I just took an excerpt from it:
Spent a bit of time with the OFK today and had a chance to speak with some Festool reps about the differences between the two models.
I will start with a simplified description of the key difference between the two routers, then go onto the minor functional differences. And finally, a simplified selection guide.
Simple explanation of key differences:
The OFK700 comes with a single table that can positioned for horizontal routing, then repositioned for vertical routing - this table is 1.5 degrees. An optional table is available providing for 0 degree horizontal or vertical routing.
The MFK700 comes with two tables, one for horizontal routing, and another for vertical routing. Both tables are 0 degrees. An optional table is available providing for 1.5 degree horizontal routing.
Apart from the minor functional differences (below), the OFK and MFK are generally designed to perform the same functions, but some users will like the single table arrangement of the OFK and some users will prefer the two table arrangement of the MFK. It's nice to have this level of choice but it can be mean you need to spend a little more time making your purchasing decision. And spend a little time thinking over the minor differences mentioned below and which would best suit your needs. So what are these other differences....
More functional differences:
In addition to a bearing guide, the OFK700 also has a 'ski' foot. Useful for particle board which when tracked with a guide bearing directly transfers the particle board imperfections to the trimmed edge. The ski foot smoothes out the imperfections so they are not reproduced on the edge. Particle board edge is an example requiring the ski foot over the bearing guide, but any textured/rippled/dimpled edging is also a time where the ski foot proves useful.
The MFK700 comes with a parallel side fence just like a regular workshop router. This fence can also be used to avoid problems with edge roughness using the bearing, but I am not sure it would be effective like the OFK700's ski foot arrangement on curves. I have not tried this yet. Most importantly, the parallel side fence make this trimmer more of a regular router.
My thoughts which may help making a selection between the OFK700 and the MFK700 a bit easier:
If laminate/edge trimming is the highest priority - it's what you do all the time - the OFK700 is the way to go.
If you do laminate/edge trimming but are also looking for a small easily managed router for round over, chamfering, routing trenches, etc. The MFK700 is probably better suited to your needs.
Other comments:
The MFK700 is not a direct replacement of the OFK700 - so both available.
Fred
