MFK 700 or the 1010?

[Ivans Dad]

I am trying to decide which to get the MFK 700 or the 1010.  Any feedback would be great, especially from anyone that has both.  I would mainly use it for edging, fluting and maybe some grooving.  I don't do that much edge banding as I mostly work with solid wood.  Any help is very appreciated and I thank you all in advance!!!

 

[ken257]

If you are going to get just one I would go for the 1010. I used to have a Bosh Colt but sold that kit and bought the edge routing accessories for my 1010. The 1010 being a true plunge router is more flexible but is still light enough to do double duty as an edge router with the accessories.

 

[RDMuller]

The MFK 700 is an unbelievable edgebander for the price.  I did over 400 feet of veneered mdf that had been edged with 1/4 inch solid cherry.  In the horizontal mode, I did not make one mistake.  It actually was fun!  It is very different from the standard router in vertical mode, but will probably do most of the things you want.

 

[Dan Clermont]

I haven't played with the OF 1010 but can say the MFK 700 is an awesome little router with great balance and all the functionality you will need for small jobs. However, it doesn't have a guide stop so if you plan to use a router on a guide rail you'll want either the OF 1010 or the OF 1400

If it were me I'd get the MFK 700 for the small stuff and the OF 1400 for the large projects on the guide rail

Dan Clermont

 

[etherfarm]

I have the MFK and the 1400.

If you don't already have a plunge router, get the 1010. A plunge router is useful for all sorts of things and is a far more versatile tool than the MFK, which I consider much more specialized.

If you do a lot of hardwood edge banding, though, or profiling of hardwood edges on panels (roundovers, chamfers, etc.), the MFK is great. I'm just getting acquainted with the tool, and I suspect (and hope) that Festool will expand its usefulness by offering different bases. It does a few things better than anything else and does a decent job as "just a little router" too. But a substitute for a plunge router it is not. And Festool's plunge routers are excellent.

 

[tallgrass]

1010 with the edge banding attachment, we seem to be chewing on this topic every so often. there is obvious overlap but the 1010 has more capacity. if you can not get both i say the 1010.

 

[Bob Marino]

Agree with the above assessments. The 1010 would be more versatile than te MFK.

Bob

 

[BarryL]

I also agree that the 1010 would be a better choice.  I spent the money on the MFK and now wish I would have gotten the 1010.  I believe, as posted above, that the MFK has its niche.  It is a great little router that will help you in error free edge trimming, but I feel it lacks in power a little and has limited (Or should I say specific uses).  Check the site for Jerry Works assessment of the MFK.  He is extremely experienced and has found many uses for the MFK.  I just think I would have preferred to have the 1010 for the plunge and more power....for what I like to do.

 

[Dane]

I also agree that the 1010 would be a better choice.  I spent the money on the MFK and now wish I would have gotten the 1010.  I believe, as posted above, that the MFK has its niche.  It is a great little router that will help you in error free edge trimming, but I feel it lacks in power a little and has limited (Or should I say specific uses).  Check the site for Jerry Works assessment of the MFK.  He is extremely experienced and has found many uses for the MFK.  I just think I would have preferred to have the 1010 for the plunge and more power....for what I like to do.

Have I got a deal for you....  I have a 1010 that I have used about twice since I have an OF1400, it has a ton of guide bushings, circle guide etc...I was looking to sell it and buy an MFK for inlay work, but if you want to work out a trade let me know.  Obviously I would throw some cash into the deal given the disparate values, or swap some other Festool goodies.  Send me a PM if that interests you.

 

[Brad Evans]

My OF1000 (1010 predecessor) is one of my favorite shop tools.  More general purpose and greater power than the MFK.  If you don't already have a plunge router (or one that you're happy with), I'd go for the 1010.

 

[KevinW]

I have a plunge routher I like, but it does not have the festool guidrail.  I currently have 2 guiderails for my saw.  How much benfit do you get by using the guiderails with the router for things like dados and rabbit cut?

 

[Les]

I have a plunge routher I like, but it does not have the festool guidrail.  I currently have 2 guiderails for my saw.  How much benfit do you get by using the guiderails with the router for things like dados and rabbit cut?

You will use the rails a lot. Just remember that 8mm shank is the biggest bit you can use. I've used my 1010 to cut 3/4" dadoes and rabbets with no problem. The 1010 was also designed to work best the 32mm hole rails.

If you are going to use the router for edging and laminate then get the 700. If you want a lot more versatile router, get the 1010. You will not be sorry with either.